Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Initiation and Propagation of Interface Cracks in Layered Composite Rocks: An Investigation Using True Triaxial Experiments

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Geotechnical and Geological Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The interface crack is the typical defect in fracture mechanics, and it often exists inside the layered composite rocks (LCRs). How does it respond to the stress circumstances with a large anisotropy? Is of paramount importance in the stability evaluation of underground engineering. This issue is addressed in this study where the true triaxial tests with the loading rate of 0.05 mm/min are conducted on the two-layered sandstone-granite composite structures containing the interface cracks. Sandstone and granite have a strength of 92.1 and 135.4 MPa, respectively. Results show that the interface crack significantly weakens the LCR strength under true triaxial stress. The interface crack tips, as typical stress concentrator, are revealed as the main sources of fracture initiation and propagation, and the interface crack tips are also found as an essential joint for the fracture containment within the weaker layer. The fracture cluster is formed ahead of the interface crack tip where tensile fracture co-exists with shear fracture. Moreover, the macro-failure initiation mode exhibits the interface crack tip fracture in the quasi-3D failure manner. Main failure planes of LCRs appear sub-orthogonally to σ3 and display the mode of σ3-transverse-symmetric fracturing. Finally, the coupling mechanisms among the interface crack, the stress anisotropy and the mechanical contrast between the layers are revealed.

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

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

References

  • Abharian S, Sarfarazi V, Marji MF, Rasekh H (2022) Experimental and numerical evaluation of the effects of interaction between multiple small holes and a single notch on the mechanical behavior of artificial gypsum specimens. Theor Appl Fract Mech 121:103462

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ambre S (2011) Influence of the loading conditions on the mechanical response of granular materials as constrained from experimental tests on synthetic rock analogue material. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 48(1):103–115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amini MS, Sarfarazi V, Moheb Hoori M, Jahanmiri S, Wang X (2023) Effects of un-parallel notches on the granite fracture properties and acoustic emission phenomena under biaxial test: PFC computation and experimental verification. Mech Adv Mate Struct. https://doi.org/10.1080/15376494.2023.2207179

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bai T, Pollard DD, Gao H (2000) Explanation for fracture spacing in layered materials. Nature 403:753–756

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boersma QD, Douma L, Bertotti G, Barnhoorn A (2020) Mechanical controls on horizontal stresses and fracture behaviour in layered rocks: a numerical sensitivity analysis. J Struct Geol 130:103907

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen SJ, Yin DW, Jiang N, Wang F, Zhao ZH (2019) Mechanical properties of oil shale-coal composite samples. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 123:104120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen T, Yao QL, Wei F, Chong Z, Li J (2017) Effects of water intrusion and loading rate on mechanical properties of and crack propagation in coal–rock combinations. J Cent South Univ 24:423–431

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Douma L, Regelink JA, Bertotti G, Boersma QD, Barnhoorn A (2019) The mechanical contrast between layers controls fracture containment in layered rocks. J Struct Geol 127:103856

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feng XT, Haimson B, Li X, Chang C, Ma X, Zhang X, Ingraham M, Suzuki K (2019) ISRM suggested method: determining deformation and failure characteristics of rocks subjected to true triaxial compression. Rock Mech Rock Eng 52:2011–2020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fu J, Haeri H, Sarfarazi V, Asgari K, Ebneabbasi P, Marji MF, Guo M (2021) Extended finite element method simulation and experimental test on failure behavior of defects under uniaxial compression. Mech Adv Mate Struct 29(27):6966–6981

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fu J, Haeri H, Sarfarazi V, Naderi AA, Marji MF, Xu L (2023) Influence of arch shaped notch angle, length and opening on the failure mechanism of rock like material and acoustic emission properties: experimental test and numerical simulation. Theor Appl Fract Mech 125:103879

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo L, Latham JP, Xiang J (2017) A numerical study of fracture spacing and through-going fracture formation in layered rocks. Int J Solids Struct 110–111:44–57

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang B, Liu J (2013) The effect of loading rate on the behavior of samples composed of coal and rock. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 61:23–30

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kettermann M, Urai JL (2015) Changes in structural style of normal faults due to failure mode transition: First results from excavated scale models. J Struct Geol 74:105–116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li JG, Yu ZQ, Zhou ZY, Wang YC, Li JW (2021a) Mechanical analysis and failure modes prediction of composite rock under uniaxial compression. Sci Rep 11:22826

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li L, Hu J, Li S, Qin C, Liu H, Chen D, Wang J (2021b) Development of a novel triaxial rock testing method based on biaxial test apparatus and its application. Rock Mech Rock Eng 54:1597–1607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li S, Zhu W, Niu L, Guan K, Xu T (2021c) Experimental study on creep of double-rock samples disturbed by dynamic impact. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 146:104895

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li WF, Bai JB, Cheng JY, Peng S, Liu HL (2015b) Determination of coal–rock interface strength by laboratory direct shear tests under constant normal load. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 77:60–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin Q, Cao P, Wen G, Meng J, Cao R, Zhao Z (2021) Crack coalescence in rock-like specimens with two dissimilar layers and pre-existing double parallel joints under uniaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 139:104621

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu J, Wu N, Si G, Zhao M (2020) Experimental study on mechanical properties and failure behaviour of the pre-cracked coal-rock combination. Bull Eng Geol Environ 80:2307–2321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu XS, Tan YL, Ning JG, Lu YW, Gu Q (2018) Mechanical properties and damage constitutive model of coal in coal-rock combined body. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 110:140–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ma Q, Tan Y, Liu X, Gu Q, Li X (2020) Effect of coal thicknesses on energy evolution characteristics of roof rock-coal-floor rock sandwich composite structure and its damage constitutive model. Compos Part B Eng 198:108086

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahjoo M, Eberhardt E (2021) Development of a 3-D confinement-dependent dilation model for brittle rocks; part 1, derivation of a cartesian plastic strain increments ratios approach for non-potential flow rules. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 145:104668

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schopfer MP, Arslan A, Walsh JJ, Childs C (2011) Reconciliation of contrasting theories for fracture spacing in layered rocks. J Struct Geol 33:551–565

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teufel LW, Clark JA (1984) Hydraulic fracture propagation in layered rock: experimental studies of fracture containment. Soc Pet Eng J 24(01):19–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Jiang Y, Zhan S, Wang C (2014) Frictional sliding tests on combined coal-rock samples. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 6(3):280–286

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiong QQ, Hampton JC (2020) Non-local triggering in rock fracture. J Geophys Res Solid Earth 125:e2020JB020403

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yin DW, Chen SJ, Chen B, Liub XQ, Ma HF (2018) Strength and failure characteristics of the rock–coal combined body with single joint in coal. Geomech Eng 15:1113–1124

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin DW, Chen SJ, Ge Y, Liu R (2021) Mechanical properties of rock–coal bi-material samples with different lithologies under uniaxial loading. J Mater Res Technol 10:322–338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang HW, Elsworth D, Wan ZJ (2018) Failure response of composite rock–coal samples. Geomech Geophys Geo-Energy Geo-Resources 4:175–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang JZ, Wu WT, Zhou XP (2023a) On the predictability of localization instabilities of quasibrittle materials from accelerating rates of acoustic emission. Eng Fract Mech 289:109455

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang JZ, Zhou XP (2017) Time-dependent jamming mechanism for Single-Shield TBM tunneling in squeezing rock. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 69:209–222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang JZ, Zhou XP (2020) Forecasting catastrophic rupture in brittle rocks using precursory AE time series. J Geophys Res Solid Earth 125(8):e2019JB019276

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang JZ, Zhou XP (2020b) AE event rate characteristics of flawed granite: from damage stress to ultimate failure. Geophys J Int 222(2):795–814

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang JZ, Zhou XP, Du YH (2023b) Cracking behaviors and acoustic emission characteristics in brittle failure of flawed sandstone: a true triaxial experiment investigation. Rock Mech Rock Eng 56:167–182

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang JZ, Zhou XP, Zhou L, Berto F (2019) Progressive failure of brittle rocks with non-isometric flaws: insights from acousto-optic-mechanical (AOM) data. Fatigue Fract Eng Mater Struct 42:1787–1802

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang T, Chen QZ, Zhang JZ, Zhou XP (2023c) Infuences of mechanical contrast on failure characteristics of layered composite rocks under true-triaxial stresses. Rock Mech Rock Eng 56:5363–5381

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao J, Feng XT, Zhang X, Yang C, Zhou Y (2018) Time-dependent behaviour and modeling of Jinping marble under true triaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 110:218–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Z, Wang W, Wang L, Dai C (2015) Compression–shear strength criterion of coal–rock combination model considering interface effect. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 47:193–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou XP, Peng SL, Zhang JZ, Qian QH, Lu RC (2018) Predictive acoustical behavior of rockburst phenomena in Gaoligongshan tunnel, Dulong river highway, China. Eng Geol 247:117–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou XP, Wang LF (2021) Investigating propagation path of interface crack by the field-enriched finite element method. Appl Math Model 99:81–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou XP, Zhang JZ (2021) Damage progression and acoustic emission in brittle failure of granite and sandstone. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 143:104789

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou XP, Zhang JZ, Berto F (2020) Fracture analysis in brittle sandstone by digital imaging and AE techniques: role of flaw length ratio. J Mater Civ Eng 32:4020085

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou XP, Zhang JZ, Yang S, Berto F (2021) Compression-induced crack initiation and growth in flawed rocks: a review. Fatigue Fract Eng Mater Struct 44:1681–1707

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou XP, Zhang JZ, Qian QH, Niu Y (2019) Experimental investigation of progressive cracking processes in granite under uniaxial loading using digital imaging and AE techniques. J Struct Geol 126:129–145

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52109124), the Open Fund Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Sichuan University) (Grant No. DESE202204), the Fujian Provincial Young and Middle-aged Teachers’ Educational Research Project (Grant No. JAT220022), the Fuzhou University Talent Introduction Research Initiation Fund (Grant No. XRC-21073 and XRC-22059).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zijin School of Geology and Mining, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China

    Jian-Zhi Zhang & Tian-Tian Gu

  2. Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610065, China

    Jian-Zhi Zhang & Zhao-Peng Zhang

  3. School of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China

    Ru-Fang Zhan

Authors
  1. Jian-Zhi Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Tian-Tian Gu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ru-Fang Zhan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Zhao-Peng Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zhao-Peng Zhang.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflicts 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

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, JZ., Gu, TT., Zhan, RF. et al. Initiation and Propagation of Interface Cracks in Layered Composite Rocks: An Investigation Using True Triaxial Experiments. Geotech Geol Eng 42, 2709–2723 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-023-02700-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-023-02700-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation