Study on the mechanical properties and rheological model of an anchored rock mass under creep-fatigue loading

Abstract

The stress environment of deep rock masses is complex. Under the action of earthquakes or blasting, the strength and stability of anchored rock masses in fracture zones or faults are affected. To explore the variation in anchored rock masses under creep-fatigue loading, shear creep comparative testing of anchored marble specimens with or without fatigue loading is performed. Considering the damage variable of rock under fatigue loading, a rheological model is established to characterize the whole shear creep process of anchored rock masses under creep-fatigue loading. The results show that (1) the overall deformation of marble under creep-fatigue loading is larger than that under only shear creep loading, and the average deformation is increased by 18.3%. (2) By comparing the creep curves with and without fatigue loading, the two curves basically coincide when the first level stress is applied, and the two curves are stable with the increase in stress level. The results show that the strain difference among the specimens increases gradually in the steady-state stage and reaches the maximum at the fourth level. (3) The shear creep is described by considering the creep mechanical properties of anchored rock masses under fatigue loading. The accuracy of this creep-fatigue model is verified by laboratory tests, and the applicability of the model is illustrated by the fitting parameter R2. The proposed model provides a theoretical basis for the study of anchored rock masses under low-frequency earthquakes or blasting and new methods for the stability and reinforcement of rock masses.