Review on stress evolution and crack propagation mechanism of double-crack specimens

Abstract

The distribution pattern of cracks in rock masses, known as the geometric distribution, holds significant significance in understanding the progressive failure mechanism and stress concentration can lead to instability and even failure of the specimens. However, the macroscopic and microscopic mechanisms of crack coalescence and the failure of the sample are not yet clear. Thus, the discrete element method was used to investigate the influence of stress distribution on the fracture coalescence and failure of dual-crack specimens with different arrangements under uni-axial compression in this study. The obtained results were compared and analyzed with laboratory test results. The results show: When the double-crack specimens are under overlapping arrangement, the stress concentration area only appears at the end of the crack, which is conducive to crack propagation, resulting in no coalescence. However, if the two preexisting cracks were arranged in a co-planar or non-overlapping manner, the stress concentration of the sample would not only occur at the end of the cracks, but also between the cracks. As the stress increases, the cracks will gradually expand and connect, forming shear coalescence and mixed mode coalescence (shear and tensile) respectively. In addition, the arrangement of cracks greatly changes the influence of stress concentration on the failure mode of the specimen, leading to the possibility that the coalescence of the specimen may occur in three periods: before, during, and after the peak stress. The findings of this research hold immense importance in comprehending the mechanisms behind the coalescence and failure of rock fractures. Moreover, they provide valuable insights for the analysis and design of rock engineering projects, offering practical guidance for ensuring stability.