Activation of natural fractures during hydraulic fracturing in elastoplastic jointed rocks

•The study reveals peculiar capabilities of global embedment of cohesive zone in deciphering complex fracture development pattern in highly jointed rocks.•Joint junctions approached by fracturing fluids are shown to be induced to slip phenomena that contribute to altering total slip behavior of surrounding rock body.•Low coefficients of friction in highly jointed rocks results in reduced the total slip of the entire medium compared to the scenario with high friction coefficients.•Moderate viscosity improves stimulated reservoir dimensions and increased injection rate favours opening of more compressed fractures.•This study is important for understanding fracture development complexity in soft jointed rocks together with associated slip phenomena.