Research on triaxial compressive mechanical properties and damage constructive model of post-thawing double-fractured quasi-sandstones with different angles

Abstract

Joints and fractures lead to different failure mechanisms in rock masses under different environments. The mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of rocks with fissures are key problems in rock mass engineering. Parallel double-fracture quasi-sandstone specimens with different dip angles were prepared and subjected to triaxial compression tests after a single freeze-thaw cycle. Pore development, crack propagation, damage evolution, and failure characteristics were analysed. Combined with the strength distribution theory of microelements and the static elastic modulus theory, a damage constitutive model of double-fracture quasi-sandstone under freeze-thaw cycles and loads was established. This study explored the pore development, fracture propagation, damage evolution, and failure characteristics of fractured sandstone after thawing. The results showed that the compression wave velocity of the thawed specimens decreased, the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T2 curve shifted to the right, and the frost heave force promoted the development of the internal porosity in the specimens. With an increase in the crack dip angle, peak stress, expansion stress, cohesion and internal friction angle, the specimen showed a ‘U’ shaped change trend, compression cracks, and rock bridge penetration rate after failure decreased, and mixed failure of tension and shear gradually changed into shear failure. When the dip angles were 30° and 60°, the double fractured quasi-sandstone had larger total damage and more obvious brittle failure characteristics.