Stress sensitivity of seismic pulse velocity and rise time in a rock-like material

Abstract

The physical model on which the experiments were performed was constructed of three low-strength rock-like materials and had a central rectangular opening representing a coal-mine roadway. It was shown that the seismic pulse rise time is far more sensitive to a change in both uniaxial and biaxial stress fields than is the velocity of pulse propagation. This rise time sensitivity makes the measurement of pulse rise times a promising method for stress surveillance around underground excavations. Rock failure has also been shown to cause a significant increase in the pulse rise time.