Seepage Characteristics and Failure Prediction during the Complete Stress–Strain Process of Limestone under High Water Pressure

Abstract

The seepage characteristics during the complete stress–strain process of limestone under high water pressure were simulated via an experimental study of limestone post-peak penetrating behavior, and an approach to predict the formation of the seepage channel, namely, acoustic emission positioning technology, is proposed. The results showed that (1) whether in the experiment or in the numerical simulation, the sudden drop in the stress–strain curve after peaking indicated the full formation of shear fractures and seepage paths. (2) By using acoustic emission positioning technology in the simulation, the entire stress–strain process of limestone, from microfracture initiation and compaction to transfixion, could be monitored to observe the dynamic and real-time development of the microfractures. (3) The combination of acoustic emission technology with seepage monitoring revealed the real-time location and growth direction of micro ruptures and predicted the depth of penetration. The developed approach can improve forecast accuracy for landslides involving a low-permeability rock mass with cracks. In this study, limestone post-peak seepage characteristics were analyzed, and a method to forecast the formation of rock seepage paths before transfixion is provided. This work could provide a reference and guiding elements for ensuring the safety of slopes with high internal water pressure.