In this study, the Voronoi-based breakable block model (VBBM) based on the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) is used to investigate the failure mechanism of mine pillars and the rock-rockbolt interactions. The mechanical parameters of grout-rock and grout-bolt interfaces of a fully-grouted bolt are calibrated via numerical pull-out tests. Then, uniaxial compression tests are carried out on the reinforced pillars. The kinetic energy release rate (KERR) and crack aperture (CA) are used to evaluate the reinforcement effect. The results revealed that the VBBM can effectively characterize the damage failure mechanisms of spalling on the pillar surface and conjugate shear failure in the core zone of the pillar and reproduce the pre-peak nonlinear deformation and post-peak pseudo-ductile behaviors. The passive confining pressure generated by rockbolts is activated only when the rock mass produces sufficient deformation, and the constraints generated by different numbers of rockbolts can only affect the post-peak behavior of the pillar. There is a gradient feature in the internal deformation of the pillar from the shallow surface to the core. If the rockbolt density meets the strain demand, then rockbolts can delay the inward expansion of cracks by generating local constraints and can effectively fix the spalling rock blocks. With increasing support pressure, the CA and KERR exhibit a decreasing trend and strong power-exponential relationships with support pressure, indicating that there is a transition interval of support pressure and an optimal value for setting the rockbolt density. •A novel numerical model (VBBM) is utilized to characterize the damage mechanisms of mine pillars.•The approach of combining the VBBM and the fully-grouted rockbolts is first used to explore the reinforcement effect.•The crack aperture and kinetic energy release rate are used to quantify the support effect.