Study on mechanical properties and failure mechanism of hard rock with stiff discontinuities based on 3D printing

Abstract

To examine the influence of stiff discontinuities with different angles and roughness on the stability of deep hard rock engineering, RLSD is created through the integration of 3D scanning, digital modeling, and 3D printing. The specimen's composition truly reflects the mineral components of the original rock. The impact of angle and roughness on the strength, deformation, and failure characteristics of RLSD is explored by uniaxial tests. The failure process and mechanism of specimens under the influence of stiff discontinuity feature are investigated through the integration of DIC, AE, and SEM test. The study results demonstrate that achieving highly similar specimen of hard rock containing stiff discontinuities with different angles and roughness is attainable by utilizing rock-like materials based on original rock mineral components and employing a combination of 3D scanning and 3D printing techniques. The peak strength, peak strain and elastic modulus of RLSD increase with the increase of JRC, and there is a V-shaped trend of“decrease first and then increase” with the increase of angle. The failure mode of RLSD shows the change rule of tension failure - tension-shear composite failure - shear failure - tension-shear composite failure - tension failure with the increase of angle. At angles of 60° and 75°, a sudden increase in hit and energy of AE feature is observed in RLSD, resulting in brittle failure. The cumulative energy exhibits a positive correlation with JRC. Based on the test results, an empirical estimation formula is established for the uniaxial compressive strength of RLSD, considering the influence of angle and JRC. The research results can provide reference for estimating the strength of surrounding rock in deep underground engineering as well as disaster prevention and control.