The mechanical behaviour and failure modes of volcanic rocks: a review

Abstract

The microstructure and mineralogy of volcanic rocks is varied and complex, and their mechanical behaviour is similarly varied and complex. This review summarises recent developments in our understanding of the mechanical behaviour and failure modes of volcanic rocks. Compiled data show that, although porosity exerts a first-order influence on the uniaxial compressive strength of volcanic rocks, parameters such as the partitioning of the void space (pores and microcracks), pore and crystal size and shape, and alteration also play a role. The presence of water, strain rate, and temperature can also influence uniaxial compressive strength. We also discuss the merits of micromechanical models in understanding the mechanical behaviour of volcanic rocks (which includes a review of the available fracture toughness data). Compiled data show that the effective pressure required for the onset of hydrostatic inelastic compaction in volcanic rocks decreases as a function of increasing porosity, and represents the pressure required for cataclastic pore collapse. Differences between brittle and ductile mechanical behaviour (stress-strain curves and the evolution of porosity and acoustic emission activity) from triaxial deformation experiments are outlined. Brittle behaviour is typically characterised by shear fracture formation, and an increase in porosity and permeability. Ductile deformation can either be distributed (cataclastic pore collapse) or localised (compaction bands) and is characterised by a decrease in porosity and permeability. The available data show that tuffs deform by delocalised cataclasis and extrusive volcanic rocks develop compaction bands (planes of collapsed pores connected by microcracks). Brittle failure envelopes and compactive yield caps for volcanic rocks are compared, highlighting that porosity exerts a first-order control on the stresses required for the brittle-ductile transition and shear-enhanced compaction. However, these data cannot be explained by porosity alone and other microstructural parameters, such as pore size, must also play a role. Compactive yield caps for tuffs are elliptical, similar to data for sedimentary rocks, but are linear for extrusive volcanic rocks. Linear yield caps are considered to be a result of a high pre-existing microcrack density and/or a heterogeneous distribution of porosity. However, it is still unclear, with the available data, why compaction bands develop in some volcanic rocks but not others, which microstructural attributes influence the stresses required for the brittle-ductile transition and shear-enhanced compaction, and why the compactive yield caps of extrusive volcanic rocks are linear. We also review the Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and frictional properties of volcanic rocks. Finally, we review how laboratory data have and can be used to improve our understanding of volcanic systems and highlight directions for future research. A deep understanding of the mechanical behaviour and failure modes of volcanic rock can help refine and develop tools to routinely monitor the hazards posed by active volcanoes.