Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Modeling Micro-cracking Behavior of Bukit Timah Granite Using Grain-Based Model

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Rock strength and deformation behavior has long been recognized to be closely related to the microstructure and the associated micro-cracking process. A good understanding of crack initiation and coalescence mechanisms will thus allow us to account for the variation of rock strength and deformation properties from a microscopic view. This paper numerically investigates the micro-cracking behavior of Bukit Timah granite by using a grain-based modeling approach. First, the principles of grain-based model adopted in the two-dimensional Particle Flow Code and the numerical model generation procedure are reviewed. The micro-parameters of the numerical model are then calibrated to match the macro-properties of the rock obtained from tension and compression tests in the laboratory. The simulated rock properties are in good agreement with the laboratory test results with the errors less than ±6%. Finally, the calibrated model is used to study the micro-cracking behavior and the failure modes of the rock under direct tension and under compression with different confining pressures. The results reveal that when the numerical model is loaded in direct tension, only grain boundary tensile cracks are generated, and the simulated macroscopic fracture agrees well with the results obtained in laboratory tests. When the model is loaded in compression, the ratio of grain boundary tensile cracks to grain boundary shear cracks decreases with the increase in confining pressure. In other words, the results show that as the confining pressure increases, the failure mechanism changes from tension to shear. The simulated failure mode of the model changes from splitting to shear as the applied confining pressure gradually increases, which is comparable with that observed in laboratory tests. The grain-based model used in this study thus appears promising for further investigation of microscopic and macroscopic behavior of crystalline rocks under different loading conditions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Akesson U, Hansson J, Stigh J (2004) Characterisation of microcracks in the Bohus granite, western Sweden, caused by uniaxial cyclic loading. Eng Geol 72(1–2):131–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bahrani N, Kaiser PK (2016) Numerical investigation of the influence of specimen size on the unconfined strength of defected rocks. Comput Geotech 77:56–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bahrani N, Potyondy D, Pierce M (2012) Simulation of Brazilian test using PFC2D grain-based model. In: Proceedings of 21st Canadian rock mechanics symposium, Edmonton, Canada, pp 485–493

  • Bahrani N, Kaiser PK, Valley B (2014) Distinct element method simulation of an analogue for a highly interlocked, non-persistently jointed rock mass. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 71:117–130

    Google Scholar 

  • Bass DJ (1995) Elasticity of minerals, glasses, and melts. In: Ahrens TJ (ed) Mineral physics & crystallography: a handbook of physical constants. American Geophysical Union, Washington, D. C., pp 45–63

  • Batzle ML, Simmons G, Siegfried RW (1980) Microcrack closure in rocks under stress—direct observation. J Geophys Res 85(Nb12):7072–7090

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bewick RP, Kaiser PK, Bawden WF, Bahrani N (2014a) DEM simulation of direct shear: 1. Rupture under constant normal stress boundary conditions. Rock Mech Rock Eng 47(5):1647–1671

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bewick RP, Kaiser PK, Bawden WF (2014b) DEM simulation of direct shear: 2. Grain boundary and mineral grain strength component influence on shear rupture. Rock Mech Rock Eng 47(5):1673–1692

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bieniawski ZT (1967) Mechanism of brittle fracture of rock. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 4(4):395–430

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brace WF, Paulding B, Scholz C (1966) Dilatancy in the fracture of crystalline rocks. J Geophys Res 71:3939–3953

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cai M, Kaiser PK, Tasaka Y, Maejima T, Morioka H, Minami M (2004) Generalized crack initiation and crack damage stress thresholds of brittle rock masses near underground excavations. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41(5):833–847

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cao R, Cao P, Lin H, Pu C, Ou K (2016) Mechanical behavior of brittle rock-like specimens with pre-existing fissures under uniaxial loading: experimental studies and particle mechanics approach. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49(3):763–783

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y (2008) Observation of microcracks patterns in Westerly granite specimens stressed immediately before failure by uniaxial compression loading. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 27(12):2440–2448

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y, Nishiyama T, Kusuda H, Kita H, Sato T (1999) Correlation between microcrack distribution patterns and granitic rock splitting planes. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 36(4):535–541

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng Y, Wong LNY, Maruvanchery V (2016) Transgranular crack nucleation in Carrara marble. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49(8):3069–3082

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cho N, Martin CD, Sego DC (2007) A clumped particle model for rock. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 44:997–1010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cundall PA (1971) A computer model for simulating progressive, large scale movements in blocky rock systems. In: Proceedings of the international symposium on rock fracture, Nancy, pp 129–136

  • Diederichs MS (1999) Instability of hard rock masses: the role of tensile damage and relaxation. PhD thesis. University of Waterloo, p 617

  • Diederichs MS (2007) The 2003 Canadian geotechnical colloquium: mechanistic interpretation and practical application of damage and spalling prediction criteria for deep tunneling. Can Geotech J 44(9):1082–1116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diederichs MS, Kaiser PK, Eberhardt E (2004) Damage initiation and propagation in hard rock during tunnelling and the influence of near-face stress rotation. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41(5):785–812

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dwivedi RD, Goel RK, Prasad VVR, Sinha A (2008) Thermo-mechanical properties of Indian and other granites. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 45(3):303–315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eberhardt E, Stead D, Stimpson B, Read RS (1998) Identifying crack initiation and propagation thresholds in brittle rock. Can Geotech J 35(2):222–233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erarslan N, Williams DJ (2012) Investigating the effect of cyclic loading on the indirect tensile strength of rocks. Rock Mech Rock Eng 45(3):327–340

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fairhurst CE, Hudson JA (1999) Draft ISRM suggested method for the complete stress–strain curve for intact rock in uniaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 36(3):279–289

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fakhimi A, Villegas T (2007) Application of dimensional analysis in calibration of a discrete element model for rock deformation and fracture. Rock Mech Rock Eng 40(2):193–211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fredrich JT, Wong TF (1986) Micromechanics of thermally induced cracking in three crustal rocks. J Geophys Res 91(B12):12743–12764

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geraud Y, Mazerolle F, Raynaud S, Lebon P (1998) Crack location in granitic samples submitted to heating, low confining pressure and axial loading. Geophys J Int 133(3):553–567

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He MC, Miao JL, Feng JL (2010) Rock burst process of limestone and its acoustic emission characteristics under true-triaxial unloading conditions. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 47(2):286–298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann H, Babadagli T, Yoon JS, Zang A, Zimmermann G (2015a) A grain based modeling study of mineralogical factors affecting strength, elastic behavior and micro fracture development during compression tests in granites. Eng Fract Mech 147:261–275

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann H, Babadagli T, Zimmermann G (2015b) A grain based modeling study of fracture branching during compression tests in granites. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 77:152–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Homand-Etienne F, Houpert R (1989) Thermally induced microcracking in granites: characterization and analysis. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 26(2):125–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Inserra C, Biwa S, Chen Y (2013) Influence of thermal damage on linear and nonlinear acoustic properties of granite. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 62(6):96–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Itasca Consulting Group Inc. (2008a) Particle Flow Code in 2 dimensions (PFC2D), Version 4.0. Minneapolis

  • Itasca Consulting Group Inc. (2008b) Particle Flow Code in 3 dimensions (PFC3D), Version 4.0. Minneapolis

  • Ivars DM, Pierce ME, Darcel C, Reyes-Montes J, Potyondy DO, Young RP, Cundall PA (2011) The synthetic rock mass approach for jointed rock mass modelling. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 48(2):219–244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jansen DP, Carlson SR, Young RP, Hutchins DA (1993) Ultrasonic imaging and acoustic emission monitoring of thermally induced microcracks in Lac du Bonnet granite. J Geophys Res Solid Earth 98(B12):22231–22243

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones C, Keaney G, Meredith P, Murrell SAF (1997) Acoustic emission and fluid permeability measurements on thermally cracked rocks. Phys Chem Earth 22(1):13–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kawakata H, Cho A, Yanagidani T, Shimada M (1997) The observations of faulting in Westerly granite under triaxial compression by X-ray CT scan. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 34(3):1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazerani T, Zhao J (2010) Micromechanical parameters in bonded particle method for modelling of brittle material failure. Int J Numer Anal Meth Geomech 34(18):1877–1895

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumruzzaman M, Yin JH (2012) Stress–strain behaviour of completely decomposed granite in both triaxial and plane strain conditions. Jordan J Civil Eng 6(1):83–110

    Google Scholar 

  • Labuz JF, Dai ST, Papamichos E (1996) Plane–strain compression of rock-like materials. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 33(6):573–584

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lajtai EZ, Lajtai VN (1974) The evolution of brittle fracture in rocks. J Geolog Soc 130(1):1–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lan HX, Martin CD, Hu B (2010) Effect of heterogeneity of brittle rock on micromechanical extensile behavior during compression loading. J Geophys Res Solid Earth. doi:10.1029/2009jb006496

    Google Scholar 

  • Lei XL, Kusunose K, Nishizawa O, Cho A, Satoh T (2000) On the spatio-temporal distribution of acoustic emissions in two granitic rocks under triaxial compression: the role of pre-existing cracks. Geophys Res Lett 27(13):1997–2000

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li HB, Zhao J, Li TJ (1999) Triaxial compression tests on a granite at different strain rates and confining pressures. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 36(8):1057–1063

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lim SS, Martin CD, Akesson U (2012) In-situ stress and microcracking in granite cores with depth. Eng Geol 147–148:1–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu T, Lin B, Zou Q, Zhu C, Guo C, Li J (2015) Investigation on mechanical properties and damage evolution of coal after hydraulic slotting. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 24:489–499

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luque A, Ruiz-Agudo E, Cultrone G, Sebastian E, Siegesmund S (2011) Direct observation of microcrack development in marble caused by thermal weathering. Environ Earth Sci 62(7):1375–1386

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin CD, Chandler NA (1994) The progressive fracture of Lac du Bonnet granite. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 31(6):643–659

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nasseri MHB, Schubnel A, Young R (2007) Coupled evolutions of fracture toughness and elastic wave velocities at high crack density in thermally treated Westerly granite. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 44(4):601–616

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nishiyama T, Kusuda H (1994) Identification of pore spaces and microcracks using fluorescent resins. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 31(4):369–375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nishiyama T, Chen YQ, Kusuda H, Ito T, Kaneko K, Kita H, Sato T (2002) The examination of fracturing process subjected to triaxial compression test in Inada granite. Eng Geol 66(3–4):257–269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paterson MS (1958) Experimental deformation and faulting in Wombeyan marble. Geol Soc Am Bull 69(4):465–476

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peng R, Ju Y, Wang JG, Xie H, Gao F, Mao L (2015) Energy dissipation and release during coal failure under conventional triaxial compression. Rock Mech Rock Eng 48(2):509–526

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peng J, Wong LNY, Teh CI (2017) Influence of grain size heterogeneity on strength and micro-cracking behavior of crystalline rocks. J Geophys Res Solid Earth 122(2):1054–1073

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Potyondy DO (2010) A grain-based model for rock: approaching the true microstructure. In: Proceedings of the rock mechanics in the Nordic Countries, Kongsberg, Norway

  • Potyondy D, Cundall P (2004) A bonded-particle model for rock. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41(8):1329–1364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ren J, Ge X (2004) Computerized tomography examination of damage tests on rocks under triaxial compression. Rock Mech Rock Eng 37(1):83–93

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sufian A, Russell AR (2013) Microstructural pore changes and energy dissipation in Gosford sandstone during pre-failure loading using X-ray CT. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 57:119–131

    Google Scholar 

  • Tapponnier P, Brace WF (1976) Development of stress-induced microcracks in Westerly granite. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 13:103–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vinegar HJ, Dewaal JA, Wellington SL (1991) CT studies of brittle failure in Castlegate sandstone. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 28(5):441–448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wawersik W, Fairhurst C (1970) A study of brittle rock fracture in laboratory compression experiments. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 7(5):561–575

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weng MC, Li HH (2012) Relationship between the deformation characteristics and microscopic properties of sandstone explored by the bonded-particle model. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 56:34–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong TF (1982) Micromechanics of faulting in Westerly granite. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 19(2):49–64

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wong LNY, Einstein HH (2009) Crack coalescence in molded gypsum and Carrara marble: part 2—microscopic observations and interpretation. Rock Mech Rock Eng 42(3):513–545

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wong LNY, Maruvanchery V (2016) Different lithological varieties of Bukit Timah granite in Singapore: a preliminary comparison study on engineering properties. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49(7):2923–2935

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang SQ, Huang YH, Jing HW, Liu XR (2014) Discrete element modeling on fracture coalescence behavior of red sandstone containing two unparallel fissures under uniaxial compression. Eng Geol 178:28–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yong C, Wang C (1980) Thermally induced acoustic emission in Westerly granite. Geophys Res Lett 7(12):1089–1092

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoon J (2007) Application of experimental design and optimization to PFC model calibration in uniaxial compression simulation. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 44(6):871–889

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yumlu M, Ozbay MU (1995) A study of the behaviour of brittle rocks under plane strain and triaxial loading conditions. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 32(7):725–733

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang XP, Wong LNY (2012) Cracking processes in rock-like material containing a single flaw under uniaxial compression: a numerical study based on parallel bonded-particle model approach. Rock Mech Rock Eng 45(5):711–737

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang XP, Wong LNY (2013) Crack initiation, propagation and coalescence in rock-like material containing two flaws: a numerical study based on bonded-particle model approach. Rock Mech Rock Eng 46(5):1001–1021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang XP, Wong LNY (2014) Displacement field analysis for cracking processes in bonded-particle model. Bull Eng Geol Environ 73:13–21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang XP, Liu Q, Wu S, Tang X (2015) Crack coalescence between two non-parallel flaws in rock-like material under uniaxial compression. Eng Geol 199:74–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao J (1996) Construction and utilization of rock caverns in Singapore Part A: the Bukit Timah granite bedrock resource. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 11(1):65–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao J (1998) Rock mass hydraulic conductivity of the Bukit Timah granite, Singapore. Eng Geol 50(1):211–216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao J (1999) Strength and deformation characteristics of the Bukit Timah granite under static and dynamic compression, Academic Research Project RG 21/94. School of Civil and Structural Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao J, Broms B, Zhou Y, Choa V (1994a) A study of the weathering of the Bukit Timah granite part A: review, field observations and geophysical survey. Bull Int Assoc Eng Geol 49(1):97–106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao J, Broms B, Zhou Y, Choa V (1994b) A study of the weathering of the Bukit Timah granite Part B: field and laboratory investigations. Bull Int Assoc Eng Geol 50(1):105–111

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao J, Zhou Y, Sun J, Low B, Choa V (1995) Engineering geology of the Bukit Timah Granite for cavern construction in Singapore. Q J Eng Geol Hydrogeol 28(2):153–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao XG, Cai M, Wang J, Ma LK (2013) Damage stress and acoustic emission characteristics of the Beishan granite. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 64:258–269

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao XG, Cai M, Wang J, Li PF (2015) Strength comparison between cylindrical and prism specimens of Beishan granite under uniaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 76:10–17

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mr. Varun Maruvanchery at Nanyang Technological University for kindly providing photographs showing the failure modes of rock specimens under uniaxial compression. The support from the Singapore Academic Research Fund Tier 1 Grant (RG112/14) is gratefully acknowledged. The first author acknowledges the support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51609178), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2015M582273), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. 2042016kf0042). The first and second authors also acknowledge the support from the Seed Funding Program for Basic Research for New Staff at the University of Hong Kong, and the General Research Fund of the Research Grants Council (Hong Kong).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

    Jun Peng

  2. Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Jun Peng & Louis Ngai Yuen Wong

  3. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore

    Jun Peng, Cee Ing Teh & Zhihuan Li

Authors
  1. Jun Peng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Louis Ngai Yuen Wong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Cee Ing Teh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Zhihuan Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Louis Ngai Yuen Wong.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Peng, J., Wong, L.N.Y., Teh, C.I. et al. Modeling Micro-cracking Behavior of Bukit Timah Granite Using Grain-Based Model. Rock Mech Rock Eng 51, 135–154 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-017-1316-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-017-1316-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation