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A Study on the Creeping Failure related to Crack Inclination of Brittle Rocks

  • Tunnel Engineering
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KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Aims and scope

Abstract

A new micro-macro modelling approach is presented for predicting the creeping failure behaviors in brittle rocks. Effect of crack inclination angle is especially considered in this approach. This method is formulated by the combination of an improved stress intensity factor, a time- dependent cracking law, and a correlation of crack extension and axial strain. This improved stress intensity factor is derived by drawing crack inclination effect into Ashby and Sammis’ wing crack model. This correlation of crack extension and axial strain is established by coupling the expressions of micro-damage with macro-damage. The analytical stress-strain relation and creep equation considering crack inclination effect are derived. Furthermore, crack inclination φ, crack size a, crack friction coefficient μ, and parameter β are predicted by using the experimental data of crack initiation stress related to confining pressure, which provides a novel method in applying the proposed micro-macro model to natural rock. Influences of confining pressure on creep behaviors subjected to step axial loading and quasi-static behaviors are analyzed. The creep and quasi-static failure properties related to crack inclination are also discussed. Rationality of this proposed micro-macro approach is validated by comparing with experimental results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Urban Design, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China

    Xiaozhao Li & Chengzhi Qi

  2. School of Civil Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, 710055, China

    Zhushan Shao

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  1. Xiaozhao Li
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  2. Chengzhi Qi
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  3. Zhushan Shao
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Correspondence to Xiaozhao Li.

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Li, X., Qi, C. & Shao, Z. A Study on the Creeping Failure related to Crack Inclination of Brittle Rocks. KSCE J Civ Eng 23, 444–451 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-018-1718-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-018-1718-7

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