Crack growth time dependence analysis of granite under compressive-shear stresses state

Abstract

The curves of crack relative length l/b and crack growth time t of granite were gained under compressive stresses state according to subcritical crack growth parameters and crack stability growth equation by double-torsion constant displacement load relaxation method. The relations between crack relative length and the crack growth time were discussed under different stresses and different crack lengths. The results show that there is a turning point on curve of crack relative length l/b and crack growth time of granite. The slope of curve is small when crack relative length is less than the vertical coordinate of the point, and crack grows stably in this case. Cracks grow, encounter and integrate catastrophically when crack relative length is more than the vertical coordinate of the point, and there is not a gradual stage from crack stability growth to crack instability growth, i.e. rock mass instability is sudden. The curves of crack relative length l/b and crack growth time t of granite move to right with decrease of stress gs 1 or crack length a, which implies that limit time increases consequently. The results correspond to practicality.