Triaxial Loading Research Articles

Triaxial experimental study of mechanical behavior of non-persistent jointed granite subjected to slight cyclic dynamic disturbances

A slight disturbance can induce fault-slip burst failure in deep rock masses. In this paper, a series of triaxial tests were conducted to investigate the strength, deformation characteristics, and failure behavior of non-persistent jointed granite specimens subjected to slight cyclic loading. A representative stress–strain curve for non-persistent jointed rock was generated and used to study the crack evolution process (initiation → propagation → coalescence). The effects of varying the joint angle and frequency and amplitude of the disturbance were then analyzed. A theoretical (fracture mechanics) model for a non-persistent joint subject to triaxial cyclic loading was also established and used to investigate the combined effects of static confining stress and slight disturbances. Finally, the mechanical mechanism by which a slight dynamic disturbance induces fault-slip burst was discussed. Our results show that the failure mode of a non-persistent jointed rock mass depends more on the joint angle than the amplitude and frequency of the slight disturbance. The disturbance induces the initiation and extension of cracks. It can also induce fracture-slip bursting once the disturbance exceeds a certain threshold. The value of this threshold depends on the initial stress state, joint angle, length, dynamic and static friction coefficients, and fracture toughness of the rock. The study thus enriches our mechanistic understanding of the crucial ingredients involved in the triggering of fault-slip rock bursts in deep rock masses by slight disturbances.

Micromechanical Behavior of Granular Materials Caused by Particle Shapes under Triaxial Loading

Micromechanical Behavior of Granular Materials Caused by Particle Shapes under Triaxial Loading

Geometry of adipocyte packing in subcutaneous tissue contributes to nonlinear tissue properties captured through a Gaussian process surrogate model.

Subcutaneous tissue mechanical response is governed by the geometry and mechanical properties at the microscale and drives physiological and clinical processes such as drug delivery. Even though adipocyte packing is known to change with age, disease, and from one individual to another, the link between the geometry of the packing and the overall mechanical response of adipose tissue remains poorly understood. Here we create 1200 periodic representative volume elements (RVEs) that sample the possible space of Laguerre packings describing adipose tissue. RVE mechanics are modeled under tri-axial loading. Equilibrium configuration of RVEs is solved by minimizing an energetic potential that includes volume change contributions from adipocyte expansion, and area change contributions from collagen foam stretching. The resulting mechanical response across all RVE samples is interpolated with the aid of a Gaussian process (GP), revealing how the microscale geometry dictates the overall RVE mechanics. For example, increase in adipocyte size and increase in sphericity lead to adipose tissue softening. We showcase the use of the homogenized model in finite element simulations of drug injection by implementing a Blatz-Ko model, informed by the GP, as a custom material in the popular open-source package FEBio. These simulations show how microscale geometry can lead to vastly different injection dynamics even if the constituent parameters are held constant, highlighting the importance of characterizing individual's adipose tissue structure in the development of personalized therapies.

Intermittent disturbance mechanical behavior and fractional deterioration mechanical model of rock under complex true triaxial stress paths

Mechanical excavation, blasting, adjacent rockburst and fracture slip that occur during mining excavation impose dynamic loads on the rock mass, leading to further fracture of damaged surrounding rock in three-dimensional high-stress and even causing disasters. Therefore, a novel complex true triaxial static-dynamic combined loading method reflecting underground excavation damage and then frequent intermittent disturbance failure is proposed. True triaxial static compression and intermittent disturbance tests are carried out on monzogabbro. The effects of intermediate principal stress and amplitude on the strength characteristics, deformation characteristics, failure characteristics, and precursors of monzogabbro are analyzed, intermediate principal stress and amplitude increase monzogabbro strength and tensile fracture mechanism. Rapid increases in microseismic parameters during rock loading can be precursors for intermittent rock disturbance. Based on the experimental result, the new damage fractional elements and method with considering crack initiation stress and crack unstable stress as initiation and acceleration condition of intermittent disturbance irreversible deformation are proposed. A novel three-dimensional disturbance fractional deterioration model considering the intermediate principal stress effect and intermittent disturbance damage effect is established, and the model predicted results align well with the experimental results. The sensitivity of stress states and model parameters is further explored, and the intermittent disturbance behaviors at different f are predicted. This study provides valuable theoretical bases for the stability analysis of deep mining engineering under dynamic loads.

Study on the Damage Characteristics and Internal Variable Modeling of Single-Fracture Sandstone under the Coupling Effect of Freeze–Thaw and Fatigue Load

The fractured rock mass in the western cold region is affected by freezing and thawing disasters and is prone to local damage and fracture along the fissures’ ends. The fatigue damage induced by repeated frost heave and traffic loads seriously endangers the stability of cold region roadbed. This paper selects sandstone as the research object. Firstly, 20 freeze–thaw cycles were performed on fractured sandstone samples with different inclination angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. Subsequently, triaxial compression and triaxial fatigue loading tests were conducted to explore the mechanical properties and fracture morphology evolution mechanism during the compression process of freeze–thaw fractured sandstone. Nuclear magnetic resonance technology (NMR) was used to measure the H-containing fluid inside rock pores. The microscopic damage characteristics inside the rock were analyzed from the NMR T2 relaxation spectrum signal and pore size distribution characteristics. Based on the internal variable theory of continuum mechanics, a fatigue model of freeze–thaw fractured sandstone with different inclination angles was established. The results show that sandstone strength was negatively correlated with the fracture dip angle, and the axial deformation and shear failure angle were positively correlated with the fracture dip angle. The mechanical properties of the sandstone were deteriorated by fatigue loading. When the crack angle was 90°, the fatigue failure strength of the rock sample was the lowest. The T2 spectrum distribution of the fractured sandstone mainly had three peaks and the pore size was mainly medium and small pores. There was a small leftward shift after freeze–thaw cycles and fatigue loading. The T2 spectrum area was significantly affected by fatigue loading, with the highest rate of change at a crack angle of 30°. Through the fine correspondence between the axial residual deformation and the deformation modulus, a fatigue model with different crack inclination angles was established using the axial residual deformation as the internal variable, and the rationality of the model was verified by fatigue loading tests.

Development and Application of the Large‐Scale Simulation Experimental System for the In Situ Long‐Term Injection and Production of EGS

With the proposal of the double carbon target, the exploration, development, and efficient utilization of geothermal energy is an important field for the energy development. Meanwhile, there also exists a series of challenges. With regard to the injection and production process of enhanced geothermal system, researchers mainly focus on the numerical simulation. As the conceptual model is developed based on several assumptions, the results are unable to truly reflect the heat transfer and seepage process of the fluid. Unfortunately, there are few reports on the large‐scale physical simulation experiments. Considering the present research situation, we have developed a large‐scale physical simulation experiment system in which the in situ long‐term injection and production process of hot dry rock (HDR) can be simulated. The experimental system includes several components: high‐temperature and high‐pressure true triaxial chamber and loading system, multiwell injection system, acoustic emission monitoring system, and flow and temperature monitoring system. By designing the experiments, the performance evaluation of the temperature variation, fluid flow, and heat energy extraction in the long‐term HDR injection and production process can be completed. Taking the granite outcrop rock sample, which is from the Gonghe Basin in Qinghai Province, as an example, we have conducted the long‐term injection and production experiment. The production temperature and flow rate were monitored and discussed. The results showed that the experimental system can simulate the heat transfer and seepage process of the fluid. More working conditions can be designed for the research of the long‐term injection and production process. Hopefully, this will provide an experimental platform for the efficient development of HDR.

Damage evolution of rock-encased-backfill structure under stepwise cyclic triaxial loading

Rock-encased-backfill (RB) structures are common in underground mining, for example in the cut-and-fill and stoping methods. To understand the effects of cyclic excavation and blasting activities on the damage of these RB structures, a series of triaxial stepwise-increasing-amplitude cyclic loading experiments was conducted with cylindrical RB specimens (rock on outside, backfill on inside) with different volume fractions of rock (VF = 0.48, 0.61, 0.73, and 0.84), confining pressures (0, 6, 9, and 12 MPa), and cyclic loading rates (200, 300, 400, and 500 N/s). The damage evolution and meso-crack formation during the cyclic tests were analyzed with results from stress-strain hysteresis loops, acoustic emission events, and post-failure X-ray 3D fracture morphology. The results showed significant differences between cyclic and monotonic loadings of RB specimens, particularly with regard to the generation of shear microcracks, the development of stress memory and strain hardening, and the contact forces and associated friction that develops along the rock-backfill interface. One important finding is that as a function of the number of cycles, the elastic strain increases linearly and the dissipated energy increases exponentially. Also, compared with monotonic loading, the cyclic strain hardening characteristics are more sensitive to rising confining pressures during the initial compaction stage. Another finding is that compared with monotonic loading, more shear microcracks are generated during every reloading stage, but these microcracks tend to be dispersed and lessen the likelihood of large shear fracture formation. The transition from elastic to plastic behavior varies depending on the parameters of each test (confinement, volume fraction, and cyclic rate), and an interesting finding was that the transformation to plastic behavior is significantly lower under the conditions of 0.73 rock volume fraction, 400 N/s cyclic loading rate, and 9 MPa confinement. All the findings have important practical implications on the ability of backfill to support underground excavations.

Influence of pumice and fines contents on the extent of particle crushing in pumiceous sand-silt mixtures during undrained cyclic triaxial loading

Influence of pumice and fines contents on the extent of particle crushing in pumiceous sand-silt mixtures during undrained cyclic triaxial loading

Excess pore pressure generation in silty sands subjected to cyclic triaxial loading

Excess pore pressure generation in silty sands subjected to cyclic triaxial loading

Experimental study of hydraulic fractures in carbonate rocks under triaxial loading

Experimental study of hydraulic fractures in carbonate rocks under triaxial loading

Characteristic stress and strain precursor information for fine-grained granite during failure process under triaxial loading and unloading conditions

The unloading effect by excavation may cause irreversible and severe damage to the surrounding rock masses in underground engineering. In this paper, both conventional triaxial compression (CTC) tests and triaxial unloading confining pressure (TUCP) tests were conducted on fine-grained granite to study its triaxial compression failure processes due to unloading. Based on the crack volumetric strain (CVS) method, the crack axial strain (CAS) method and crack radial area strain (CRAS) method were proposed to identify the failure precursor information (including stress thresholds and axial strain at the initiation point of crack connectivity stage) during the rock failure processes. The results of the CTC tests show that the stable crack development stress σsd, unstable crack development stress σusd, and crack connectivity stress σct identified by the CAS method are 6%, 74%–84%, and 86%–97% of the peak stress, respectively. For the TUCP cases, as the confining pressure increases, the stress thresholds, axial pressure at failure and axial strain at the start of the crack connectivity stage increase, while the time ratio of the crack connectivity stage to the entire unloading stage decreases. This indicates that fine-grained granite is prone to generate more cracks and leads to fail suddenly under high confining pressure. Furthermore, this new method demonstrates that the point at which the derivative of the radial crack area strain transitions from stable to a sudden increase or decrease is defined as the precursor point of rock failure. The results of axial strain at the starting point of the crack connectivity stage are very close to those predicted by the AE method, with β1 no more than 11%.

TRIAXIAL COMPRESSION STUDY OF CLAY SAMPLES

The paper presents a unique method for studying mudstone samples using an independent triaxial compression unit developed at the Department of Oil and Gas Well Drilling, Samara State Technical University. Drilling directional and horizontal wells has difficulties associated with wellbore stability. Stability is directly determined by the strength and deformation characteristics of the rocks, and also takes into account anisotropy, bottomhole pressure and wellbore configuration. In this regard, there are emergency situations at the rig: scree and collapse of the walls of wells in the intervals of unstable rocks. The purpose of the study is to study the core properties to prevent these complications during the design phase. Analysis of rock compression test methods was performed. The method of study is physical modeling of mountain stress at the plant for triaxial compression. The work presents a phased study plan. Analysis of the problem of microcracking of mudstones was also carried out. Based on the design characteristics of plant classes for independent triaxial loading, the installation of the second class with multi-stop systems was chosen. At this stage, the installation is equipped with software. Experiments were carried out according to the first loading program, that is, first the core sample was uniformly compressed along all three axes in one position, and then in a turned position on the 90º. Pressure versus displacement plots were obtained. After processing the results, you can find the Poisson ratio, Young’s modulus, and shear modulus, as well as determine anisotropy. In the future, it is planned to conduct experiments on core saturation.

РАСЧЕТНАЯ МОДЕЛЬ ДЕФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ГРУНТОВОГО ОСНОВАНИЯ ВЫСОТНОГО ЗДАНИЯ С УЧЕТОМ ПРЕДЫСТОРИИ ЗАГРУЖЕНИЯ

While designing high-rise buildings, it is necessary to take into account the influence of stages of their erection, this is the sequence of loading, on the change in physical-mechanical properties of soils. The calculation of deformations of subgrade is made with due regard for the change in soils properties comparing with the initial (natural) state. On the basis of the results of experimental studies, the authors substantiate the necessity for introducing the new parameter which makes it possible to characterize the mechanical condition of the soil at any stage of loading and can be used for creating calculation models. An analytical diagram of soil deformation in coordinates «σ1–ε1» for triaxial compression (where σ1 – vertical stresses (deviator), ε1 – linear deformations under the triaxial compression) is adopted as this parameter. The procedure for constructing transformed diagrams of the soil state under the long performance triaxial loading is described. The procedure obtained was approbated when calculating deformations of the foundation base of the high-rise building with due regard for the influence of staging of construction and rheological properties of soils on the change in the base rigidity and, as a result, on the redistribution of stresses among separate elements of the system “subgrade –foundation – upper part of the building.

Disturbance mechanical behaviors and anisotropic fracturing mechanisms of rock under novel three-stage true triaxial static-dynamic coupling loading

Disturbance mechanical behaviors and anisotropic fracturing mechanisms of rock under novel three-stage true triaxial static-dynamic coupling loading

Stiffness and damping characteristics of jointed rocks under cyclic triaxial loading subjected to prolonged cyclic loading

A modelled rock joint set featuring a rough joint surface inclined at 60° was fabricated, and cyclic triaxial and conventional monotonic triaxial experiment series were carried out at various confining stresses. Cyclic deviatoric loading was applied up to 500,000 cycles at 8 Hz frequency to evaluate the impact of prolonged repeated loading on the stiffness and damping properties of rock joints and their variation with irreversible axial strain. The analysis of the experimental data revealed that, under the tested conditions, the accumulation of irreversible axial strain exhibited a progressive rise as the repeated loading advanced, particularly in the early stage of deformation. Furthermore, the resilient moduli demonstrated a downward trend in relation to cumulative irreversible axial strain, while the damping ratio showed a rapid decrease initially and then increased slowly with cumulative irreversible axial strain. Moreover, with the rise in confining stress, the accumulated irreversible axial strain reduced while resilient moduli and Young’s moduli increased, and the damping ratio decreased. Through nonlinear regression analysis, empirical relationships for the resilient moduli variation with the irreversible axial strain and variation of critical dynamic irreversible axial strain with cyclic stress ratio were developed.

Spatial evolution of pore and fracture structures in coal under unloading confining pressure: A stratified nuclear magnetic resonance approach

The inherent spatial complexity and strong heterogeneity characterise the pore and fracture structures (PFS) in coal. Understanding the spatial evolution of PFS in coal under unloading confining pressure is crucial for ensuring the safety of coal mining operations. In this study, the stratified nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique and a triaxial mechanical loading system were combined to realise real-time observation of the spatial evolution of PFS in coal during the unloading confining pressure process. A conceptual model depicting the spatial evolution of PFS in coal under unloading confining pressure was formulated. Based on our experimental findings, the mesoscopic mechanical behaviour of coal subjected to unloading confining pressure was simulated using PFC 2D. Our research reveals that throughout the unloading confining pressure process, the PFS within coal samples simultaneously exhibits characteristics of both compacted and fractured states, with mutual transformation occurring in the adsorption and seepage pores. A reduction in confining pressure results in a notable escalation of observed damage within the coal samples and intensified development of PFS. Furthermore, our numerical simulation results closely align with NMR test results, providing additional validation to our findings.

Effect of confining pressure strength on the characteristics of energy evolution and fatigue fracture of the coal‐rock structural body

AbstractThe stability of coal seam‐overlying strata is significant to the safety of coal mines. The coal‐rock height ratio and confining pressure strength affect the stability of coal seam‐overlying strata. The research purpose of this paper is to obtain the effects of confining pressure and coal‐rock height ratio on the mechanical properties, energy evolution characteristics, and damage variables of structural body through the uniaxial loading, uniaxial cyclic loading, and triaxial cyclic loading experiment. Based on the evolution characteristics of the energy, the concept of energy dissipation ratio is put forward, and the effect of height ratio and confining strength on the energy dissipation ratio are compared and analyzed. The research results of this paper can provide theoretical reference for exploring the stress and energy evolution of coal seam‐overlying strata during chamber excavation and working face mining.

Brittleness Characteristics and Damage Evolution of Coal Under True Triaxial Loading Based on the Energy Principle

Brittleness Characteristics and Damage Evolution of Coal Under True Triaxial Loading Based on the Energy Principle

Mechanical behavior and fracture characteristics of high-temperature sandstone under true triaxial loading conditions

To understand the stability of deep underground engineering rocks at high temperatures, it is necessary to conduct comprehensive tests on the mechanical properties of the rocks. In this study, a series of true triaxial tests (TTT) were conducted on sandstones using a self-developed true triaxial testing system combined with XRD, FE-SEM and CT analyses. The study systematically examined the microstructural characteristics, physical phase behavior, deformation properties and internal fracture development of the sandstone before and after heat treatment. The results of the study show that sandstone has temperature-dependent true triaxial mechanical properties after heat treatment. The stress-strain characteristic curves of the post-peak portion from room temperature to 800 °C show a significant stress-reducing segment, indicating the presence of brittle behavior. In addition, when the temperature exceeds 1000 °C, the sandstone exhibits brittle-ductile change characteristics, with a peak stress threshold observed at 800 °C. Notably, the peak stresses corresponding to 800 °C increased by 84.5 %, 63.1 %, 47 %, and 49.8 %, respectively, compared with the room temperature intermediate principal stresses(IPS) ranging from 20 MPa to 50 MPa, respectively. Importantly, the linear Mogi-Coulomb criterion remains valid for the peak strength of the high-temperature sandstone, while the internal fracture damage pattern of the specimens shows an inverted "Y" or inverted "W" configuration. The internal fracture network of rock samples above 800 °C is more complex. Intergranular crack is the main form of microcracking. This experimental study on the mechanical properties of sandstone under the combined effects of high temperature and real triaxial stresses provides valuable guidance for the selection of sandstone parameters and safety evaluation of coal underground gasification roofs.

Strength and resilient modulus characteristics of emulsion-stabilised demolition wastes in pavement structures

The use of bitumen emulsion has commonly been limited to pavement surface treatments or stabilising virgin aggregates. There is a lack of experimental evidence about the resilient modulus responses of bitumen emulsion-stabilised recycled demolition wastes in pavement applications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of bitumen emulsion on the tensile strength and resilient modulus responses of recycled crushed concrete aggregate and crushed brick for pavement base/subbase course applications. A type of slow-set anionic bitumen emulsion was used at different contents of 0, 1, 2, and 3 % by dry weight of aggregates to prepare compacted specimens. The specimens were dried back to 70 and 90 % of the compaction moisture content to simulate the field conditions. Specimens were next investigated through a comprehensive testing program, including indirect tensile strength, indirect tensile modulus, and repeated triaxial loading tests. Results showed that the tensile strength of the mixtures generally increased as the emulsion content increased. The inclusion of 2 % and 3 % bitumen emulsion to RCC and CB provided the highest indirect tensile resilient modulus (ITMr) at 359 and 310 MPa, respectively, for those samples cured for 3 h. The highest ITMr results were obtained from samples cured for 3 days at 40 °C in a dry state with the inclusion of 2 % emulsion. For CB and RCC specimens, the results were 2808 and 3361 MPa, respectively. However, specimens of CB and RCC with 3 % emulsion that were cured for 3 days at 40 °C and then soaked in water at 25 °C exhibited the highest ITMr at 1981 and 2900 MPa, respectively. The resilient modulus in the majority of the specimens peaked at 2 % emulsion content, which was recommended as the optimum emulsion content. Results also indicated an enhanced resistance to moisture damage in demolition wastes through emulsion stabilisation. This study proposes, validates and promotes the sustainable approach of emulsion stabilisation of recycled aggregates used in the construction of pavement structures.