Dynamic damage localization in crack-weakened rock mass: Strain energy density factor approach

Abstract

The key failure mechanism of rock mass subjected to compressive loads is due to the damage localization. Conventional methods can not be applied to study the dynamic damage localization physical behavior of crack-weakened rock mass. The strain energy method has the capability to investigate the dynamic damage localization feature in crack-weakened rock mass. Therefore, in order to analyze the dynamic damage localization behavior, strain energy density factor approach is adopted in this paper. A two-dimensional model with periodic rectangular noncollinear array of cracks is established. Then, the onset condition of periodic distribution cracks in rock mass is obtained using strain energy density factor approach. By analyzing the bifurcation of crack growth pattern, the critical length and stress of damage localization of crack-weakened rock mass is determined as well as the location of damage localization. In addition, parameters sensitivity analysis is carried out, the effects of the length of crack, friction coefficient, fracture toughness, confining stress, velocity of crack growth, inclination and spacing between lines and rows on the onset condition for damage localization and bifurcation pattern of rocks are discussed. It can be concluded that onset condition of damage localization is mainly affected by its distribution of initial cracks.