Abstract
Understanding the mechanical behaviors of granite after high temperature exposure and under confining stress conditions is an important issue in deep rock engineering projects such as the mining of deep underground solid mineral resources, deep geothermal energy exploitation and deep nuclear waste repositories. In this research, conventional triaxial compression experiments were conducted on Nanan granite after thermal treatment from 200 °C to 600 °C. Based on the experimental results, the influences of pressure and temperature on the deformation and strength characteristics were analysed. The physico-mechanical change mechanisms of the heat-treated granite were revealed by optical microscopy. The test results show that under 600 °C, granite volume increases by 4.11%, whereas the mass and density decrease by 0.28% and 4.21%, respectively. Average values of triaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus, cohesion and internal friction angle all reduce with temperature, decreasing rapidly by 54.99%, 39.81%, 49.39% and 27.51% from 500 to 600 °C, respectively. Granite specimens are less brittle and have higher ductility and plasticity as the temperature increases. However, confining pressure improves the mechanical properties of granite. Optical microscope images show that microcracks in granite specimens are generated and extend gradually with temperature, causing the deterioration of the physico-mechanical behaviors of heat-treated granite.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abootalebi P, Siemens G (2018) Thermal properties of engineered barriers for a Canadian deep geological repository. Can Geotech J 55(3):759–776
Cai YY, Luo CH, Yu J, Zhang LM (2015) Experimental study on mechanical properties of thermal-damage granite rock under triaxial unloading confining pressure. Chin J Geotech Eng 37(7):1173–1180
Chaki S, Takarli M, Agbodjan WP (2008) Influence of thermal damage on physical properties of a granite rock: porosity, permeability and ultrasonic wave evolutions. Constr Build Mater 22(7):1456–1461
Chen YL, Shao W, Zhou YC (2011) Experimental study on mechanical properties of granite after high temperature. Chin Q Mech 32(3):397–404
Chen YL, Ni J, Shao W, Azzam R (2012) Experimental study on the influence of temperature on the mechanical properties of granite under uni-axial compression and fatigue loading. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 56(15):62–66
Chen S, Yang C, Wang G (2017) Evolution of thermal damage and permeability of Beishan granite. Appl Therm Eng 110:1533–1542
Clark SP (1966) Handbook of physical constants. The Geological Society of America
Du SJ, Liu H, Zhi HT, Chen HH (2014) Testing study on mechanical properties of post-high-temperature granite. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 23(14):2359–2364
Fairhurst CE, Hudson JA (1999) Draft ISRM suggested method for the complete stress-strain curve for the intact rock in uniaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 36(3):279–289
Ferrero AM, Marini P (2001) Experimental studies on the mechanical behaviour of two thermal cracked marbles. Rock Mech Rock Eng 34(1):57–66
Freire-Lista DM, Fort R, Varas-Muriel MJ (2016) Thermal stress-induced microcracking in building granite. Eng Geol 203:83–93
Gautam PK, Verma AK, Jha MK, Sharma P, Singh TN (2018) Effect of high temperature on physical and mechanical properties of Jalore granite. J Appl Geophys 159:460–474
Homand-Etienne F, Houpert R (1989) Thermally induced microcracking in granites: characterization and analysis. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 26(2):125–134
Hu SH, Zhang G, Zhang M, Jiang XL, Chen YF (2016) Deformation characteristics tests and damage mechanics analysis of Beishan granite after thermal treatment. Rock Soil Mech 37(12):3427–3436
Hu JJ, Sun Q, Pan XH (2018) Variation of mechanical properties of granite after high-temperature treatment. Arab J Geosci 11(2):43
Huang YH, Yang SQ, Tian WL, Zhao J, Ma D, Zhang CS (2017) Physical and mechanical behavior of granite containing pre-existing holes after high temperature treatment. Arch Civ Mech Eng 17(4):912–925
Huang YH, Yang SQ, Bu YS (2020) Effect of thermal shock on the strength and fracture behavior of pre-flawed granite specimens under uniaxial compression. Theor Appl Fract Mec 106:102474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tafmec.2020.102474
Kong B, Wang EY, Li ZH, Wang XR, Niu Y, Wang XG (2017) Acoustic emission signals frequencyamplitude characteristics of sandstone after thermal treated under uniaxial compression. J Appl Geophys 136:190–197
Kumari WGP, Ranjith PG, Perera MSA, Chen BK, Abdulagatov IM (2017a) Temperature-dependent mechanical behaviour of Australian Strathbogie granite with different cooling treatments. Eng Geol 229:31–44
Kumari WGP, Ranjith PG, Perera MSA, Shao S, Chen BK, Lashin A, Al Aeifi N, Rathnaweera TD (2017b) Mechanical behaviour of Australian Strathbogie granite under in-situ stress and temperature conditions: an application to geothermal energy extraction. Geothermics 65:44–59
Lei ZH, Zhang YJ, Yu ZW, Hu ZJ, Li LZ, Zhang SQ, Fu L, Zhou L, Xie YY (2019) Exploratory research into the enhanced geothermal system power generation project: the Qiabuqia geothermal field, Northwest China. Renew Energy 139:52–70
Li ER, Wang YL, Chen L, Liu Y, Tan YH, Duan JL, Pu SK, Wang J (2018) Experimental study of mechanical properties of Beishan granite’s thermal damage. J China Univ Min Technol 47(4):735–741
Liu S, Xu JY (2015) An experimental study on the physico-mechanical properties of two post-high-temperature rocks. Eng Geol 185(4):63–70
Liu Z, Shao J, Liu Z (2017) Strength behavior, creep failure and permeability change of a tight marble under triaxial compression. Rock Mech Rock Eng 50(3):529–541
Lv C, Sun Q, Zhang WQ, Geng JS, Qi YM, Lu LL (2017) The effect of high temperature on tensile strength of sandstone. Appl Therm Eng 111:1297–1304
Major M, Poulsen SE, Balling N (2018) A numerical investigation of combined heat storage and extraction in deep geothermal reservoirs. Geotherm Energy 6(1):1–16
Motra HB, Mager J, Ismail A, Wuttke F, Rabbel W, Kohn D, Thorwart M, Simonetta C, Costantino N (2018) Determining the influence of pressure and temperature on the elastic constants of anisotropic rock samples using ultrasonic wave techniques. J Appl Geophys 159:715–730
Murru A, Freire-Lista DM, Fort R, Varas-Muriel MJ, Meloni P (2018) Evaluation of post-thermal shock effects in Carrara marble and Santa Caterina di Pittinuri limestone. Constr Build Mater 186:1200–1211
Ozguven A, Ozcelik Y (2014) Effects of high temperature on physico-mechanical properties of Turkish natural building stones. Eng Geol 183:127–136
Pavese A, Curetti N, Diella V, Levy D, Dapiaggi M, Russo U (2007) P-V and T-V equations of state of natural biotite: an in-situ high-pressure and high-temperature powder diffraction study, combined with Mössbauer spectroscopy. Am Mineral 92(7):1158–1164
Peng J, Rong G, Cai M, Yao MD, Zhou CB (2016) Physical and mechanical behaviors of a thermal-damaged coarse marble under uniaxial compression. Eng Geol 200(12):88–93
Poirotdelpech S, Raineau L (2016) Nuclear waste facing the test of time: the case of the French deep geological repository project. Sci Eng Ethics 22(6):813–1830
Qiu YP, Lin ZY (2006) Testing study on damage of granite samples after high temperature. Rock Soil Mech 27(6):1005–1010
Ranjith PG, Zhao J, Ju MH, De Silva RVS, Rathnaweera TD, Bandara AKMS (2017) Opportunities and challenges in deep mining: a brief review. Engineering 3(4):546–551
Rao GMN, Murthy CR (2001) Dual role of microcracks: toughening and degradation. Can Geotech J 38(2):427–440
Shao SS, Ranjith PG, Wasantha PLP, Chen BK (2015) Experimental and numerical studies on the mechanical behaviour of Australian Strathbogie granite at high temperatures: an application to geothermal energy. Geothermics 54:96–108
Somerton WH (1993) Thermal properties and temperature related behaviour of rock/fluid systems. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 56(1–2):171–172
Su H, Jing H, Du M, Wang C (2016) Experimental investigation on tensile strength and its loading rate effect of sandstone after high temperature treatment. Arab J Geosci 9(13):616
Sun Q, Lv C, Cao L, Li WC, Geng JS, Zhang WQ (2016) Thermal properties of sandstone after treatment at high temperature. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 85:60–66
Tian H, Kempka T, Xu NX, Ziegler M (2012) Physical properties of sandstones after high temperature treatment. Rock Mech Rock Eng 45(6):1113–1117
Tian H, Ziegler M, Kempka T (2014) Physical and mechanical behavior of claystone exposed to temperatures up to 1000°C. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 70:144–153
Tian H, Mei G, Zheng MY (2016) The physical and mechanical properties of rocks after high temperature. China university of Geosciences press, Wuhan
Tomac I, Sauter M (2018) A review on challenges in the assessment of geomechanical rock performance for deep geothermal reservoir development. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 82:3972–3980
Wang Y, Liu BL, Zhu HY, Yan CL, Li ZJ, Wang ZQ (2014) Thermophysical and mechanical properties of granite and its effects on borehole stability in high temperature and three-dimensional stress. Sci World J 3–4:650683
Wang ZL, He AL, Shi GY, Mei GX (2018) Temperature effect on AE energy characteristics and damage mechanical behaviors of granite. Int J Geomech 18(3):1–10
Weiss T, Siegesmund S, Fuller ER (2003) Thermal degradation of marble: indications from finite-element modelling. Build Environ 38(9):1251–1260
Wu G, Zhai ST, Wang Y (2015) Research on characteristics of mesostructure and acoustic emission of granite under high temperature. Rock Soil Mech 36(Supp. 1):351–356
Xie HP, Ju Y, Gao F, Gao MZ, Zhang R (2017) Groundbreaking theoretical and technical conceptualization of fluidized mining of deep underground solid mineral resources. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 67:68–70
Xu XL, Karakus M (2018) A coupled thermo-mechanical damage model for granite. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 103:195–204
Xu XL, Zhang ZZ (2018) Acoustic emission and damage characteristics of granite subjected to high temperature. Adv Mater Sci Eng 2018:8149870
Xu XL, Gao F, Zhang ZZ (2014) Influence of confining pressure on deformation and strength properties of granite after high temperatures. Chin J Geotech Eng 36(12):2246–2252
Xu XL, Gao F, Zhang ZZ, Chen L (2015) Experimental study of the effect of loading rates on mechanical properties of granite at real-time high temperature. Rock Soil Mech 36(8):2184–2192
Yan ZG, Zhu HH, Deng T, Zeng LJ, Yao J, Qiang J (2006) Experimental study on longitudinal wave characteristics of tuff, granite and breccia after high temperature. Chin J Geotech Eng 28(11):2010–2014
Yang SQ, Ranjith PG, Jing HW, Tian WL, Ju Y (2017a) An experimental investigation on thermal damage and failure mechanical behavior of granite after exposure to different high temperature treatments. Geothermics 65:180–197
Yang SQ, Xu P, Li YB, Huang YH (2017b) Experimental investigation on triaxial mechanical and permeability behavior of sandstone after exposure to different high temperature treatments. Geothermics 69:93–109
Yavuz H, Demirdag S, Caran S (2010) Thermal effect on the physical properties of carbonate rocks. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 47(1):94–103
Yin TB, Shu RH, Li XB, Liu XL (2016) Comparison of mechanical properties in high temperature and thermal treatment granite. Trans Nonferr Metal Soc China 26(7):1926–1937
Zhang WQ, Qian HT, Sun Q, Chen YH (2015) Experimental study of the effect of high temperature on primary wave velocity and microstructure of limestone. Environ Earth Sci 74(7):1–10
Zhang WQ, Sun Q, Hao SQ, Geng JS, Lv C (2016) Experimental study on the variation of physical and mechanical properties of rock after high temperature treatment. Appl Therm Eng 98:1297–1304
Zhang JW, Chen X, Kang HY (2017) Experimental investigation of mechanical properties and energy features of granite after heat temperature under different loading paths. Tech Gaz 24(6):1841–1851
Zhang F, Zhao JJ, Hu DW, Skoczylas F, Shao JF (2018a) Laboratory investigation on physical and mechanical properties of granite after heating and water-cooling treatment. Rock Mech Rock Eng 51(3):677–694
Zhang RR, Jing LW, Ma QY (2018b) Experimental study on thermal damage and energy evolution of sandstone after high temperature treatment. Shock Vib 3845353:1–9
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(12):258–269
Zhao Y, Feng Z, Xi B, Wang ZJ, Yang D, Liang WG (2015) Deformation and instability failure of borehole at high temperature and high pressure in hot dry rock exploitation. Renew Energy 77(1):159–165
Zhao YS, Wan ZJ, Feng FJ, Xu ZH, Liang WG (2017) Evolution of mechanical properties of granite at high temperature and high pressure. Geomech Geophys Geo-Energy Geo-Resour 3(2):199–210
Zhao ZH, Liu ZN, Pu H, Li X (2018) Effect of thermal treatment on Brazilian tensile strength of granites with different grain size distributions. Rock Mech Rock Eng 51(4):1–11
Zhi LP, Xu JY, Jin JZ, Liu S, Chen TF (2012) Research on ultrasonic characteristics and mechanical properties of granite under post-high temperature. Chin J Undergr Space Eng 8(4):716–721
Zhou XP, Li GQ, Ma HC (2020) Real-time experiment investigations on the coupled thermomechanical and cracking behaviors in granite containing three pre-existing fissures. Eng Fract Mech 224:106797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2019.106797
Acknowledgements
This work is jointly supported by National Science Foundation of China (No.41602374 and No.41674180) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities-Cradle Plan for 2017 (Grant no. CUG2170207). We are also grateful to Professor Ranjith PG and the 3Gdeep group (Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Australia) for their help in providing valuable suggestions on English polishing and manuscript revision.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have 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
About this article
Cite this article
Zhu, Z., Tian, H., Mei, G. et al. Experimental investigation on mechanical behaviors of Nanan granite after thermal treatment under conventional triaxial compression. Environ Earth Sci 80, 46 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-020-09326-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-020-09326-3