Reflection and refraction of plane stress waves at interfaces modelling various rock joints

Abstract

Abstract Upon stress wave interaction with joints, incident energy is reflected and refracted. To gain insight into the mechanisms associated with dynamic processes such as blasting, percussion drilling and seismicity, knowledge of the amplitudes of the reflected and refracted waves is of importance. This paper compiles stress, energy, displacement and velocity amplitudes of stress waves, which are reflected and refracted by a variety of interface types. In addition to covering the well-known wave interactions with standard discontinuities, such as a free boundary and welded interface, some new interface conditions are analysed, e.g. interfaces with friction and shear strength, and interfaces with normal and shear stiffness related to measurable rock properties. The aim of this tutorial paper is to act as an educational guide and reference for the blasting engineer, seismologist, geophysicist and rock engineer, and to assist in further understanding stress wave interactions with rock mass discontinuities.