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Applied Sciences
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Rock Mass Characterization: Failure and Mechanical Behavior
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Rock Mass Characterization: Failure and Mechanical Behavior

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2024) | Viewed by 7069

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zhizhen Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Interests: rock mechanics; reservoir geomechanics; energy evolution; rockburst; underground engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cunfei Ma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: unconventional oil and gas reservoir characterization; structural diagenesis; natural fracture characterization and prediction
Dr. Yi Xue

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
Interests: rock mechanics; CO2-rock interactions; seepage theory; multi-field coupling; energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Xiaoji Shang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics & Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Interests: rock mechanics; fluid mechanics in rock mass; multiphysics coupled mechanics; oil and gas extraction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rock mass is composed of various types of rocks containing structural surfaces, which are discontinuous, heterogeneous and anisotropic. Rock mass is formed by multi-phase, multi-type and long-term geological processes, and is also disturbed by the processes of engineering construction, operation and maintenance. These processes change the composition, structure and geological environment of the rock mass, leading its deformation, strength, fluid migration and stability to change significantly, which is directly related to the safety and stability of part of or even the whole project during construction and operation.

Rock mass characterization is a critical aspect of geotechnical engineering, focusing on understanding the mechanical behavior and failure characteristics of rock masses. This involves geological and geotechnical mapping to identify structural features, rock mass classification to categorize properties, and in situ and laboratory testing to determine mechanical parameters. Failure criteria, stress analysis, and rock mass behavior are considered to assess the stability and design of support systems for engineering projects in rock environments. Accurate rock mass characterization ensures the safety and efficiency of construction and mining activities.

This Special Issue aims to collect research on new methods and discoveries for rock mass characterization and new related applications in rock engineering.

Dr. Zhizhen Zhang
Dr. Cunfei Ma
Dr. Yi Xue
Dr. Xiaoji Shang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • rock mass characterization
  • rock mechanics and physics
  • rock deformation and strength
  • rock damage and fracture
  • rock creep and relaxation
  • theoretical analysis
  • numerical simulation
  • laboratory test
  • field investigation
  • geotechnical engineering
  • water conservancy project
  • mining engineering
  • oil and gas engineering

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 4489 KiB  
Article
Effect of Bedding Angle on Energy and Failure Characteristics of Soft–Hard Interbedded Rock-like Specimen under Uniaxial Compression
by Zheng Wang, Jiaqi Guo and Fan Chen
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6826; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156826 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 831
Abstract
To investigate how bedding planes affect the energy evolution and failure characteristics of transversely isotropic rock, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on soft–hard interbedded rock-like specimens with varying bedding angles (α) using the RMT-150B rock mechanics loading system. The test results [...] Read more.
To investigate how bedding planes affect the energy evolution and failure characteristics of transversely isotropic rock, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on soft–hard interbedded rock-like specimens with varying bedding angles (α) using the RMT-150B rock mechanics loading system. The test results indicate that throughout the loading process, the energy evolution shows obvious stage characteristics, and the change of α mainly affects the accelerating energy dissipation stage and the full energy release stage. With the increase of α, the ability of rock to resist deformation under the action of energy shows the characteristics of “strong–weak–strong”. The energy dissipation process is accelerated by medium angle bedding planes (α = 45°~60°). The precursor points of the ratios of dissipation energy to total energy (RDT) and elastic energy to dissipation energy (RED) can be used to effectively predict early failure. With the gradual increase of α, the difficulty of crack development is gradually reduced. The changes of energy storage limitation and release rate of releasable elastic energy are the immanent cause of different macroscopic failure modes of specimens with varying α. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rock Mass Characterization: Failure and Mechanical Behavior)
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12 pages, 1592 KiB  
Article
New Method to Estimate Rock Mass Deformation Modulus Based on BQ System
by Huishi Xue, Yanhui Song, Man Feng and Guanghong Ju
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3736; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093736 - 27 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 848
Abstract
The rock mass deformation modulus is one of the most important design parameters in a range of rock engineering applications. Its value is usually obtained directly through in situ testing or estimated indirectly on the basis of a rock mass quality classification system. [...] Read more.
The rock mass deformation modulus is one of the most important design parameters in a range of rock engineering applications. Its value is usually obtained directly through in situ testing or estimated indirectly on the basis of a rock mass quality classification system. Because in situ testing is generally costly, time-consuming, and presents operational difficulties, it cannot be carried out extensively, and many researchers have concentrated on developing indirect procedures to obtain information on the modulus of deformation, such as the RMR method, Q method, and GSI method. The purpose of this paper is to present a new system for estimating the rock mass deformation modulus called the BQ method, which is based on the BQ (basic quality) system. In this paper, the BQ system is first briefly reviewed, and then more than 60 in situ measurements from three large hydropower stations in China are used to develop a new relationship between BQ and the deformation modulus, based on a power function relationship. The paper also derives correlations based on the existing estimation formula and the relationship between BQ and other classification schemes, resulting in several recommended formulas for estimating the deformation modulus of a rock mass using the BQ method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rock Mass Characterization: Failure and Mechanical Behavior)
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18 pages, 10449 KiB  
Article
Derivation of Creep Parameters for Surrounding Rock through Creep Tests and Deformation Monitoring Data: Assessing Tunnel Lining Safety
by Jiangrong Pei, Lipeng Liu, Xiaogang Wang and Yuanqiao Ling
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 2090; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14052090 - 2 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 929
Abstract
Tunnel instability and lining integrity are intimately tied to the creep properties of the surrounding rock. The acquisition of rock mass creep parameters is critical in ascertaining the appropriate timing for lining construction. Nevertheless, creep tests on rock specimens conducted in a controlled [...] Read more.
Tunnel instability and lining integrity are intimately tied to the creep properties of the surrounding rock. The acquisition of rock mass creep parameters is critical in ascertaining the appropriate timing for lining construction. Nevertheless, creep tests on rock specimens conducted in a controlled setting cannot be straightforwardly extrapolated to rock mass creep analysis. This study performs laboratory-based creep tests on mudstone samples and establishes the corresponding creep constitutive model. The integration of a Mohr–Coulomb element with the Burgers model in series serves to characterize the yield creep behavior of the rock mass. Additionally, the research outlines a series of 100 orthogonal experiments utilizing randomized creep parameters and formulates a GA-BP neural network inversion model. Employing long-term deformation measurements from the crown and sidewalls of the project site, this study deduces the creep parameters of the mudstone in the investigated tunnel section and examines the prolonged deformation traits of the surrounding rock. Drawing on the deformation traits of the surrounding rock and the forces impacting the primary support and lining structures, this paper evaluates the earliest and latest viable lining casting periods and pinpoints an optimal timing interval for lining implementation. The methodologies employed herein can serve as a benchmark for analogous endeavors internationally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rock Mass Characterization: Failure and Mechanical Behavior)
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16 pages, 8379 KiB  
Article
Simulation of Gas Fracturing in Reservoirs Based on a Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Damage Model
by Enze Qi, Fei Xiong, Zhengzheng Cao, Yun Zhang, Yi Xue, Zhizhen Zhang and Ming Ji
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051763 - 21 Feb 2024
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 1239
Abstract
Gas fracturing technology for enhancing rock permeability is an area with considerable potential for development. However, the complexity and variability of underground conditions mean that a variety of rock physical parameters can affect the outcome of gas fracturing, with temperature being a critical [...] Read more.
Gas fracturing technology for enhancing rock permeability is an area with considerable potential for development. However, the complexity and variability of underground conditions mean that a variety of rock physical parameters can affect the outcome of gas fracturing, with temperature being a critical factor that cannot be overlooked. The presence of a temperature field adds further complexity to the process of gas-induced rock fracturing. To explore the effects of temperature fields on gas fracturing technology, this paper employs numerical simulation software to model the extraction of shale gas under different temperature conditions using gas fracturing techniques. The computer simulations monitor variations in the mechanical characteristics of rocks during the process of gas fracturing. This analysis is performed both prior to and following the implementation of a temperature field. The results demonstrate that gas fracturing technology significantly improves rock permeability; temperature has an impact on the effectiveness of gas fracturing, with appropriately high temperatures capable of enhancing the fracturing effect. The temperature distribution plays a crucial role in influencing the results of gas fracturing. When the temperature is low, the fracturing effect is diminished, resulting in a lower efficiency of shale gas extraction. Conversely, when the temperature is high, the fracturing effect is more pronounced, leading to a higher shale gas production efficiency. Optimal temperatures can enhance the efficacy of gas fracturing and consequently boost the efficiency of shale gas extraction. Changes in the parameters of the rock have a substantial impact on the efficiency of gas extraction, and selecting suitable rock parameters can enhance the recovery rate of shale gas. This paper, through numerical simulation, investigates the influence of temperature on gas fracturing technology, with the aim of contributing to its improved application in engineering practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rock Mass Characterization: Failure and Mechanical Behavior)
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20 pages, 36525 KiB  
Article
Fault Controls on Hydrocarbon Migration—An Example from the Southwestern Pearl River Mouth Basin
by Bin Xu, Johannes M. Miocic, Yanjun Cheng, Lili Xu, Saiting Ma, Wenjie Sun, Yichen Chu and Zhiping Wu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051712 - 20 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1304
Abstract
Faults play a pivotal role in controlling fluid migration and retention within sedimentary basins, particularly in the context of fault-bound hydrocarbon reservoirs. Assessing the stability and sealing capabilities of faults enhances our comprehension of these systems and aids in the identification of pathways [...] Read more.
Faults play a pivotal role in controlling fluid migration and retention within sedimentary basins, particularly in the context of fault-bound hydrocarbon reservoirs. Assessing the stability and sealing capabilities of faults enhances our comprehension of these systems and aids in the identification of pathways for fluid migration. In this study, we focus on a series of fault-bound hydrocarbon accumulations located in the southern Wenchang A subbasin within the Pearl River Mouth Basin. We emphasize the significant influence of faults in governing the processes of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. By leveraging 3D seismic data and well information, we have assessed the sealing potential of ten faults that either currently retain hydrocarbon columns or have the potential to do so. Our analysis reveals that even faults with a relatively low Shale Gouge Ratio (as low as 15%) can effectively support substantial column heights. Taking into account factors, such as the source rock maturity, fault activity, geometry, sealing potential, and the distribution of hydrocarbon accumulations, we have formulated a conceptual model for hydrocarbon migration and accumulation within the study area. This model underscores potential fluid traps within the rift basin, shedding light on the complex dynamics of hydrocarbon movement in this region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rock Mass Characterization: Failure and Mechanical Behavior)
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14 pages, 5620 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties of Rock Specimens Containing Pre-Existing Cracks with Different Dip Angles Based on Energy Theory and Cohesive Element Method
by Limei Tian, Zhiming Feng, Zhide Wu, Bingbing Liu, Jinghua Zhang and Jiliang Pan
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14041484 - 12 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1035
Abstract
To investigate the influence of the crack dip angle on the strength of rock specimens, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on granite specimens containing pre-existing cracks. The strain energy evolution during the loading process was analyzed, and the loading-induced cracking process was simulated [...] Read more.
To investigate the influence of the crack dip angle on the strength of rock specimens, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on granite specimens containing pre-existing cracks. The strain energy evolution during the loading process was analyzed, and the loading-induced cracking process was simulated using the cohesive element method. Both the experimental and numerical results indicate that cracks significantly impact the plastic-yielding stage of the stress–strain curve more than the initial and elastic deformation stages. When the crack dip angle is less than 45°, the stress concentration near the crack is significant, which is an important factor affecting the strength and elastic strain energy distribution of rock specimens. When the crack dip angle is greater than 45°, the degree of stress concentration decreases, and the uniformity of the elastic strain energy distribution and the possibility of crack bifurcation increase. Combining the energy theory with the cohesive element method helps comprehensively understand the initiation, propagation, and coalescence of microcracks near pre-existing crack tips. These research results can provide a reference for geotechnical engineering design and structural stability assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rock Mass Characterization: Failure and Mechanical Behavior)
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