Abstract
The textural characteristics of rocks influence their petrophysical and mechanical properties. Such parameters largely control rock mass stability. The ability to evaluate both immediate and long-term rock behaviors based on the interaction between various parameters of rock texture, petrophysical and mechanical properties is therefore crucial to many geoengineering facilities. However, due to the common lack of high-quality core samples for geomechanics and rock texture laboratory tests, single and multivariable regression analyses are conducted between mechanical properties and textural characteristics based on experimental test data. This study presents a review of how rock texture characteristics influence the geomechanical properties of a rock, and summarizes the regression equations between two aspects. More specifically, a review of the available literature on the effects of mineralogy, grain size, grain shape, packing density, foliation index, porosity, degree of weathering, and other rock physical characteristics on geomechanics is presented. Similarly, a review of the literature discussing the failure criteria of anisotropic rocks, both continuous and discontinuous, is also presented. These reviews are accompanied by a comparison of the fundamentals of these methods, describing their equations and discussing their advantages and disadvantages. This exercise has the objective of providing better guidelines on how to use these criteria, allowing for safer underground excavations via an improved understanding of how rock texture parameters affects the mechanical behavior of rocks.
Highlights
Rock behavior under in situ stresses is an essential element to be considered when undertaking earth engineering studies [1]
An assessment of the relationships between the mechanical and textural characteristics of rocks is crucial to a study seeking to obtain additional information regarding the behavior of the rock
This study presents the influence of mineral composition, grain size and shape, and anisotropy on the mechanical properties of rock
Summary
Rock behavior under in situ stresses is an essential element to be considered when undertaking earth engineering studies [1]. A single rock type can have distinct textural properties (e.g., mineral species, grain size, shape, and orientation). The mechanical properties and the composition of the rocks are commonly used to obtain critical information, such as rock or slope instability, failure mechanism, strength-deformation characteristic assessment, and other engineering purposes [3]. The most influential factors on the strength and deformation behaviors of intact rocks include mineral composition, crystal size, rock fabric, grain size and shape, hydrothermal alteration, weathering, and anisotropy [4]. The main literature reviews reveal that the textural characteristics of rocks are major factors controlling variations in their geomechanical properties and their behavior in different engineering works. An assessment of the influence of grain size, density, porosity, and anisotropy on geomechanical parameters and their regression analyses is presented. Key gaps in the understanding of rock textures versus rock mechanics are identified, and potential avenues for future research are highlighted
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