Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of Confining Pressure and Strain Rate on Mechanical Behaviors and Failure Characteristics of Sandstone Containing a Pre-existing Flaw

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

Abstract

In underground engineering constructions, fractured rock masses are likely to be subjected to three-dimensional static stress and dynamic loading simultaneously. In this study, via a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system, a series of triaxial dynamic tests are carried on sandstone containing a pre-existing flaw under different radial confining pressures ranging from 5.7 to 22.7 MPa and different strain rates varying by 85–252 s−1. The results indicate that both the dynamic strength and energy dissipation density of single-flawed sandstone feature a positive correlation with the rising radial confining pressure and strain rate; while the dynamic elastic modulus, failure strain and energy utilization efficiency all exhibit an evident radial confining pressure enhancement effect, these are insensitive to the strain rate. Moreover, the fragment distributions of single-flawed sandstone are adequately characterized by combining sieving tests and generalized extreme value function. Under a higher strain rate, the single-flawed specimen is featured by smaller average fragment size and wider fragment distribution range, while the higher confining pressure has the opposite effect. By post-mortem examination, three main failure types are classified, and the fracturing mechanism of new cracks is revealed by microscopic observation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The macro oblique shear crack and through shear crack are mainly induced by the shear slip mechanism, while the quasi-coplanar crack is tensile dominated.

Highlights

  • Conducted a series of triaxial SHPB tests on the three-dimensional confined sandstone containing a pre-existing flaw.

  • Investigated the radial confining pressure and strain rate effect on the dynamic mechanical response and failure characteristics of flawed rocks.

  • Revealed the fracturing mechanism of new cracks from a microscopic perspective by the scanning electron microscope.

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
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bobet A, Einstein HH (1998) Fracture coalescence in rock-type materials under uniaxial and biaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min 35(7):863–888

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cao RH, Cao P, Fan X, Xiong XG, Lin H (2016a) An experimental and numerical study on mechanical behavior of ubiquitous-joint brittle rock-like specimens under uniaxial compression. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49(11):4319–4338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cao RH, Cao P, Lin H, Pu CZ, Ou K (2016b) 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 R, Yao W, Lu F, Xia K (2018) Evaluation of the stress equilibrium condition in axially constrained triaxial SHPB tests. Exp Mech 58(3):527–531

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christensen RJ, Swanson SR, Brown WS (1972) Split-Hopkinson-bar tests on rock under confining pressure. Exp Mech 12(11):508–513

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dai F, Huang S, Xia KW, Tan ZY (2010) Some fundamental issues in dynamic compression and tension tests of rocks using split Hopkinson pressure bar. Rock Mech Rock Eng 43(6):657–666

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Du HB, Dai F, Liu Y, Xu Y, Wei MD (2020a) Dynamic response and failure mechanism of hydrostatically pressurized rocks subjected to high loading rate impacting. Soil Dyn Earthq Eng 129:105927

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Du HB, Dai F, Xu Y, Yan ZL, Wei MD (2020b) Mechanical responses and failure mechanism of hydrostatically pressurized rocks under combined compression-shear impacting. Int J Mech Sci 165:105219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feng P, Dai F, Liu Y, Xu NW, Fan PX (2018) Effects of coupled static and dynamic strain rates on mechanical behaviors of rock-like specimens containing pre-existing fissures under uniaxial compression. Can Geotech J 55(5):640–652

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feng P, Xu Y, Dai F (2021) Effects of dynamic strain rate on the energy dissipation and fragment characteristics of cross-fissured rocks. Int J Rock Mech Min 138:104600

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frew DJ, Forrestal MJ, Chen W (2001) A split Hopkinson pressure bar technique to determine compressive stress-strain data for rock materials. Exp Mech 41(1):40–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fu Q, Bu M, Su L et al (2021) Dynamic triaxial compressive response and failure mechanism of basalt fibre-reinforced coral concrete. Int J Impact Eng 156:103930

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong FQ, Si XF, Li XB, Wang SY (2019) Dynamic triaxial compression tests on sandstone at high strain rates and low confining pressures with split Hopkinson pressure bar. Int J Rock Mech Min 113:211–219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E, Brown E (1980) Underground excavations in rock. Inst. Min. 537 Metall, London

  • Hoek E, Bieniawski ZT (1984) Brittle-fracture propagation in rock under compression. Int J Fract 26(4):276–294

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hokka M, Black J, Tkalich D et al (2016) Effects of strain rate and confining pressure on the compressive behavior of Kuru granite. Int J Impact Eng 91:183–193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hou TX, Xu Q, Yang XG, Lu PY, Zhou JW (2015) Experimental study of the fragmentation characteristics of brittle rocks by the effect of a freefall round hammer. Int J Fract 194:169–185

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang D, Gu DM, Yang C, Huang RQ, Fu GY (2016a) Investigation on mechanical behaviors of sandstone with two preexisting flaws under triaxial compression. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49:375–399

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang YH, Yang SQ, Zhao J (2016b) Three-dimensional numerical simulation on triaxial failure mechanical behavior of rock-like specimen containing two unparallel fissures. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49(12):4711–4729

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang C, Yang W, Duan K, Fang L, Wang L, Bo C (2019) Mechanical behaviors of the brittle rock-like specimens with multi-non-persistent joints under uniaxial compression. Constr Build Mater 220:426–443

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang R, Dai F, Liu Y, Li A (2021) Fast marching method for microseismic source location in cavern-containing rockmass: Performance analysis and engineering application. Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2020.10.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kolsky H (1949) An investigation of the mechanical properties of materials at very high rates of loading. Proc Phys Soc Sect B 62(11):676–700

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee H, Jeon S (2011) An experimental and numerical study of fracture coalescence in pre-cracked specimens under uniaxial compression. Int J Solids Struct 48(6):979–999

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li YP, Chen LZ, Wang YH (2005) Experimental research on pre-cracked marble under compression. Int J Solids Struct 42(9–10):2505–2516

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li XB, Zhou T, Li DY (2017) Dynamic strength and fracturing behavior of single-flawed prismatic marble specimens under impact loading with a split-Hopkinson pressure bar. Rock Mech Rock Eng 50(1):29–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li XF, Li HB, Zhang QB, Jiang JL, Zhao J (2018) Dynamic fragmentation of rock material: characteristic size, fragment distribution and pulverization law. Eng Fract Mech 199:739–759

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li DY, Han ZY, Sun XL, Zhou T, Li XB (2019) Dynamic mechanical properties and fracturing behavior of marble specimens containing single and double flaws in SHPB tests. Rock Mech Rock Eng 52(6):1623–1643

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Y, Dai F (2021) A review of experimental and theoretical research on the deformation and failure behavior of rocks subjected to cyclic loading. J Rock Mech Geotech. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2021.03.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Y, Dai F, Dong L, Xu NW, Feng P (2018) Experimental investigation on the fatigue mechanical properties of intermittently jointed rock models under cyclic uniaxial compression with different loading parameters. Rock Mech Rock Eng 51(1):47–68

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu K, Zhang QB, Wu G, Li JC, Zhao J (2019) Dynamic mechanical and fracture behaviour of sandstone under multiaxial loads using a triaxial Hopkinson bar. Rock Mech Rock Eng 52:2175–2195

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Y, Dai F, Pei P (2021) A wing-crack extension model for tensile response of saturated rocks under coupled static-dynamic loading. Int J Rock Mech Min 146:104893

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sagong M, Bobet A (2002) Coalescence of multiple flaws in a rock-model material in uniaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min 39(2):229–241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Si X, Gong F, Li X, Wang S, Luo S (2019) Dynamic Mohr-Coulomb and Hoek-Brown strength criteria of sandstone at high strain rates. Int J Rock Mech Min 115:48–59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wasantha PLP, Ranjith PG (2014) Water-weakening behavior of Hawkesbury sandstone in brittle regime. Eng Geol 178:91–101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wei MD, Dai F, Liu Y, Li A, Yan ZL (2021) Influences of loading method and notch type on rock fracture toughness measurements: from the perspectives of T-stress and fracture process zone. Rock Mech Rock Eng 54:4965–4986

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wong RHC, Chau KT (1998) Crack coalescence in a rock-like material containing two cracks. Int J Rock Mech Min 35(2):147–164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wong LNY, Einstein HH (2009) Systematic evaluation of cracking behavior in specimens containing single flaws under uniaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min 46(2):239–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xia KW, Yao W (2015) Dynamic rock tests using split Hopkinson (Kolsky) bar system - A review. J Rock Mech Geotech 7(1):27–59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao P, Li DY, Zhao GY et al (2020) Mechanical properties and failure behavior of rock with different flaw inclinations under coupled static and dynamic loads. J Cent South Univ 27:2945–2958

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yan ZL, Dai F, Liu Y, Du HB, Luo J (2020) Dynamic strength and cracking behaviors of single-flawed rock subjected to coupled static-dynamic compression. Rock Mech Rock Eng 53(9):4289–4298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yan Z, Dai F, Zhu J, Xu Y (2021) Dynamic cracking behaviors and energy evolution of multi-flawed rocks under static pre-compression. Rock Mech Rock Eng. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-021-02564-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang SQ, Jing HW (2011) Strength failure and crack coalescence behavior of brittle sandstone samples containing a single fissure under uniaxial compression. Int J Fract 168(2):227–250

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang Y, Zhang Z (2020) Dynamic fracturing process of fissured rock under abrupt unloading condition: a numerical study. Eng Fract Mech 231:107025

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang SQ, Tian WL, Liu XR, Huang YH, Yang J (2021) An experimental study on failure mechanical behavior and cracking mechanism of rectangular solid sandstone containing two non-coplanar fissures under conventional triaxial compression. Theor Appl Fract Mec 114:102975

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan FP, Prakash V, Tullis T (2011) Origin of pulverized rocks during earthquake fault rupture. J Geophys Res Solid Earth 116(B6):B06309

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang QB, Zhao J (2014) A review of dynamic experimental techniques and mechanical behaviour of rock materials. Rock Mech Rock Eng 47(4):1411–1478

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou YX, Xia K, Li XB et al (2012) Suggested methods for determining the dynamic strength parameters and mode-I fracture toughness of rock materials. Int J Rock Mech Min 49:105–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou T, Zhu JB, Ju Y, Xie HP (2019) Volumetric fracturing behavior of 3D printed artificial rocks containing single and double 3D internal flaws under static uniaxial compression. Eng Fract Mech 205:190–204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou T, Zhu JB, Xie H (2020) Mechanical and volumetric fracturing behaviour of three-dimensional printing rock-like samples under dynamic loading. Rock Mech Rock Eng 53(6):2855–2864

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zou CJ, Wong LNY (2014) Experimental studies on cracking processes and failure in marble under dynamic loading. Eng Geol 173:19–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zou CJ, Wong LNY, Loo JJ, Gan BS (2016) Different mechanical and cracking behaviors of single-flawed brittle gypsum specimens under dynamic and quasi-static loadings. Eng Geol 201:71–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52039007) and the Youth Science and Technology Innovation Research Team Fund of Sichuan Province (2020JDTD0001).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Water Resource and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, People’s Republic of China

    Wei You, Feng Dai, Yi Liu & Zelin Yan

Authors
  1. Wei You
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Feng Dai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yi Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Zelin Yan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Feng Dai.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

All authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

You, W., Dai, F., Liu, Y. et al. Effect of Confining Pressure and Strain Rate on Mechanical Behaviors and Failure Characteristics of Sandstone Containing a Pre-existing Flaw. Rock Mech Rock Eng 55, 2091–2109 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-022-02772-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-022-02772-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation