Rheological-dynamical method for prediction of compressive strength and deformation of rocks

Abstract

In this paper, a novel rheological-dynamical method for predicting uniaxial compressive strength and rock deformation is presented. The method uses a rheological-dynamical analogy (RDA) to determine the ascending branch of pre-peak states of rock sample, taking into account only the measured P and S wave velocities and rock density. Post-peak state is defined as strain-softening by damage mechanics, with the scalar damage variable defined by a creep coefficient. Own experimental results and those taken from the literature are used in support of the presented method. The method is very suitable if the rock is viewed as a Mohr-Coulomb material with an experimentally-determined angle of internal friction and cohesion. The efficiency and accuracy of the method is confirmed based on samples of sandstone, granite and carbonate.