Investigation of fracture behaviour during rock mass failure

Abstract

The main characteristic behaviour of rock mass fractures are studied. Their importance in the application and investigation of rock mass failure is demonstrated through some preliminary investigation of rock mass fracture mechanics by the authors. Firstly, in the study of rock fracture features, the mechanisms and non-linear phenomenon of a fragmented belt of rock fracturing have been investigated. Several new ideas can be used to construct a new system of rockmass fracture mechanics. Secondly, in the investigation of rock mass structure controlled rock mass fracturing, the importance of true mixed mode fracturing is emphasized. A primary criterion to predict the propagation of rock mass cracks has been established. Thirdly, in the investigation of non-singular stress effects on rock mass fracture, a new fracture criterion for the generalized crack opening displacement of rock is proposed. This can be used to analyze the influence of the normal stress and the crack orientation on the fracturing process in a rock mass. Finally, the rock mass fracture mechanics investigation and methodology was used to analyze the stability of the Mabukan high slope in the upper reaches of a large hydro-power station in the south-west of China. It is shown that the results of this study have created a more solid foundation for the application of rock mass fracture mechanics to rock engineering.