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Crack propagation in jointed rock and its effect on rock macrofracture resistance: insights from discrete element analysis

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Abstract

The complicated fracturing process of jointed rock increases the difficulty of underground cavern support and deep earth resource exploitation. Herein, the crack propagation behavior and its effect on macrofracture resistance of jointed rock were evaluated through discrete element modeling (DEM). To quantify the joint distribution, strength ratio between joint and rock matrix on rock fracture toughness, a series of simplified rock structures were established in notched semi-circular bending tests. The results indicated that the apparent fracture toughness of jointed rock is governed by the cracking process and path in jointed rock mass. Cracking patterns could be classified into three types (deflection-dominant, pattern competition, and penetration-dominant) by strength ratio where high fracture toughness is found in the region of pattern competition. Thereafter, the influences of joint spacing on rock cracking and apparent fracture toughness were assessed by comparing our DEM results and previous laboratory tests. Finally, scale effects on fracture profile and toughness of jointed rock were elucidated along with the comparison of rock fracturing processes in homogeneous and jointed rock. The results clarify the correlation between cracking and rock fracture resistance, which helps us understand rock fracture and crack propagation in underground space for the extraction of geothermal energy and shale oil/gas resources.

Article Highlights

  1. 1.

    Three regions of fracture pattern were classified in terms of joint distribution and strength.

  2. 2.

    Effects of joint spacing on the relationship between nominal tensile strength and apparent fracture toughness were revealed.

  3. 3.

    The influences of rock size on fracture width and toughness of jointed rock were clarified.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the support of the China Scholarship Council-Monash University (CSC-Monash) Project (NO. 201606420068), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO. 52104101, NO. 52009138), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (NO. BK20200583). The authors are very grateful to the financial contribution and convey their appreciation for supporting this basic research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 211116, China

    Minghe Ju

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia

    Minghe Ju

  3. State Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of Explosion and Impact, Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing, 210007, China

    Haozhe Xing

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Ju, M., Xing, H. Crack propagation in jointed rock and its effect on rock macrofracture resistance: insights from discrete element analysis. Geomech. Geophys. Geo-energ. Geo-resour. 8, 21 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-021-00326-6

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