Abstract
The mechanical behavior of layered rock is seriously influenced by the bedding planes that have lower tensile strength and shear strength than rock matrix. We conducted experimental and numerical three-point-bending tests on semi-circular sandstone specimens with an opening mode fracture to study the influences of bedding parameters on their fracture behavior. Experimental study mainly focuses on the influences of the inclination angle between loading direction and bedding plane on fracture load, fracture patterns and failure process. The numerical simulations based on cohesive element method aim to explain how the shear strength, tensile strength and spacing of bedding planes influence the fracture load, crack propagation and fracture patterns. Results show that stronger bedding strength, larger bedding spacing or larger inclination angle will induce a larger fracture load. The anisotropy of sandstone becomes stronger for the weaker bedding strength and larger bedding spacing (≤5.5 mm). The fracture patterns of sandstone are greatly governed by the inclination angle and partly controlled by bedding strength and bedding spacing, which is exceptional for the specimen whose inclination angle is 0°. In addition, the length percentage of fracture along the bedding plane and the proportion of tensile or shear cracks are analyzed to further address the effects of bedding parameters on the fracture properties.
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