Microscopic Failure Mechanism Analysis of Sandstone Under Triaxial Compression

Abstract

Mineral composition and microstructure changes under loading greatly influence the macroscopic mechanical strength of rocks. In this study, the chemical and mineral composition of sandstone from a coal mine in China were analyzed with energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. Triaxial compression tests of three sandstone samples with different compositions were carried out by using a servo-controlled rock mechanics testing system to obtain macroscopic failure characteristics and complete stress–strain curves. Fracture morphologies of the sandstone samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the fracture origins, defects, grain size, pore structure and distribution, microfracture characteristics and grain boundaries were determined. Finally, the fracture mechanism of the rocks was analyzed, and the microstructure and fracture characteristics of three samples were obtained. The results showed that the stress–strain curve of samples under triaxial compression can be divided into four stages: microfractures compressed-closed, elastic deformation, plastic-failure and post-failure. Under triaxial compression, shear failure occurred in the samples, and the slip occurred along the plane of maximum shear stress. The SEM results showed grooves and steps on the fracture surface, where the debris was piled up in angular and granular shapes. Higher quartz and feldspar content is positively correlated with sample strength. There were some microcracks in the fracture surface of the clastic sandstone with higher hydrophilic clay minerals, which indicates the fracture was easily extended during the shear process. Thus, tensile fractures are more likely to be generated along the bedding plane, resulting in the low strength of clastic sandstone.