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Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 3981

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Dr. Meng Li

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Interests: rockmass mechanics; fractured rock mass; constitutive models; backfill mining; rock engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Peng Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Interests: rockmass instability; fractured rock mass; constitutive models; energy evolution; strata control; environmental effects
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the successful publication of the first edition of the Special Issue "Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering," which showcased cutting-edge research and practical innovations across the field, we are pleased to announce the launch of its second edition. This new edition continues to provide a platform for the dissemination of original research, novel methodologies, and advanced analytical and experimental approaches that address both fundamental and applied aspects of rock mechanics and rock engineering. Contributions that bridge theoretical developments with real-world engineering applications are particularly welcome.

Mining activities disrupt the balance of in situ stress, resulting in the instability and collapse of rock formations, as well as surface subsidence. Mining-induced rockmass stability is essential for controlling rock movement and mastering mine pressure. The roadway support design, working face support selection, and dynamic disaster prevention measures, for example, are closely related to the mechanical properties, fracture mechanisms, and stability forms of rockmass. Currently, the prevention and control of rockmass instability focuses primarily on backfilling goaf, enhancing rock mass strength, and optimizing mining design. As the mining depth increases, the mechanism underlying rock mass instability and fracture formation will become more complicated. Consequently, novel methods for preventing and controlling rock mass instability are critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of mining activities.

The primary objective of this Special Issue is to encourage scholars to present new perspectives, advances, and challenges in rock mechanics and rock engineering induced by mining. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: the proposition of mine rockmass mechanics; predicting mechanical behavior of rockmass; rock strata movement; rockmass mechanics tests; constitutive models and instability criteria; fracture and energy evolution of rockmass; seepage analysis of fractured rockmass; grouting reinforcement of fractured rockmass; key technology of preventing and controlling rockmass instability; underground mining with backfill; safety and environmental effects; and other engineering applications.

Dr. Meng Li
Dr. Peng Huang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

rockmass instability
rockmass mechanics
fractured rockmass
constitutive models
energy evolution
strata control
backfill mining
rock engineering

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 4661 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Pore Propagation Law of Deep-Hole Pre-Splitting Blasting in Outburst-Prone Coal Seams Under Combined Multi-Stress Action

by Zhongju Wei, Junwei Yang, Xigui Zheng, Tao Li and Guangyu Sun

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3906; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083906 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

The coal resource-rich areas in Guizhou Province are located at the overlapping junction of the southern part of the third fold and subsidence zones of the Neocathaysian structural system and the Nanling latitudinal structural belt. These areas are characterized by well-developed folds and faults, complex coal seam structures, high in situ stress, and poor air permeability, which lead to low-efficiency conventional gas drainage and failure to achieve the expected results. In terms of enhancing coal seam permeability and improving gas drainage and utilization, research is urgently needed on the permeability enhancement mechanism of deep-hole blasting in outburst-prone coal seams under combined multi-stress action. By analyzing the influence law of coal mass fracture evolution before and after blasting, developing an experimental device for blasting permeability enhancement under combined multi-stress action, and conducting research on the pore variation law of coal mass before and after blasting, it is found that in situ stress is negatively correlated with coal mass pores, while blasting and gas stresses are positively correlated with pores. This study provides a theoretical basis and experimental evidence for permeability enhancement via deep-hole blasting in outburst-prone coal seams and further supports the selection of reasonable parameters for field tests to improve the gas drainage efficiency of outburst-prone coal seams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 6409 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Engineering Geological Characteristics and Alteration Classification of Altered Granite in East Quwu Mountain, Gansu, China

by Ming He, Yanqiu Leng and Jianbing Peng

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 2993; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16062993 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 217

Abstract

With its excellent physical and mechanical properties, granite is often the first choice for the foundation material for dams in water conservancy engineering. However, alteration can profoundly change the mineral composition, structure, and mechanical behavior of deep granite, posing critical challenges to project safety. The Quwu Mountain area in Baiyin, Gansu Province, a proposed pumped storage reservoir, exposes extensive Silurian granite. Engineering investigation shows that different levels of clay and hydrothermal alteration have taken place in the granite rock mass, and the level of alteration exhibits a distinct vertical zonation as revealed by borehole core logging. In this study, we quantitatively characterize the porosity, compressive strength, wave velocity, and shear parameters of altered granite of different degrees through mineralogical analysis, laboratory tests, and in situ testing. In order to guide the construction in this area, we establish a classification system that distinguishes weak, moderate, and strong alteration degree, based on macroscopic features, RQD, and clay mineral content. Results of this paper show that alteration is dominated by potassium feldspathization and kaolinitization, leading to increased porosity (4–10%) and structural loosening. Strongly altered granite exhibits severe mechanical degradation, moderately altered granite retains medium strength, and weakly altered granite approaches the properties of fresh rock. This research can provide technical support for engineering safety design and risk prevention in the Quwushan reservoir area, but its applicability to other regions requires further validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 4541 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Dry–Wet Cycles and pH Values on Gangue Waste-Based Roadway Shotcrete: Mechanical Performance and Microstructural Analysis

by Yang Zhao, Meng Li, Zhibo Cui, Yu Zhou, Zhangyu Li, Longyan Tan and Zhangjie Yin

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2508; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052508 - 5 Mar 2026

Viewed by 294

Abstract

The mechanical durability of gangue-based roadway shotcrete material (GRSM) in aqueous environments was systematically investigated by evaluating the effects of immersion duration, dry–wet cycles, and pH variations on its uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). The results indicate that prolonged immersion significantly degrades the mechanical performance of GRSM. After 28 days of immersion, the UCS decreased by 8.68 MPa (22%) compared with specimens under standard curing conditions. In contrast, limited dry–wet cycling (up to two cycles) enhanced the UCS to 36.05 MPa by promoting continued hydration and pore refinement, whereas additional cycling led to progressive deterioration. GRSM exhibited pronounced pH sensitivity: acidic environments induced the most severe strength loss, followed by alkaline conditions, whereas neutral to weakly alkaline environments (pH 8–12) resulted in relatively stable mechanical performance. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) confirmed that pore structure evolution governed strength variation, with acidic exposure and dry–wet cycles producing the greatest increases in porosity. Mechanically activated gangue (MA-gangue) was prepared by ball milling and partially substituted for cement. Although MA-GRSM exhibited lower UCS than conventional GRSM under all conditions, both materials demonstrated similar environmental response patterns. These findings elucidate the coupled physicochemical mechanisms governing the durability of gangue-based shotcrete materials in underground water-bearing environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 22518 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the True-Triaxial Mechanical Properties and Fracture Mechanisms of Granite Subjected to Cyclic Thermal Shock

by Fan Zhang, Shaohui Quan, Shengyuan Liu, Man Li and Qian Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1892; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041892 - 13 Feb 2026

Viewed by 389

Abstract

During reservoir stimulation and long-term operation of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGSs), repeated injection of cold fluids induces cyclic thermal shock in the surrounding rock mass, leading to progressive modification of mechanical properties and fracture behavior. However, the combined effects of cyclic thermal shock and true-triaxial stress conditions on granite strength and failure characteristics remain inadequately quantified. In this study, a series of true-triaxial compression tests were conducted on granite specimens subjected to cyclic thermal shock at 400 °C. Thermal shock cycles of 0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 were considered in conjunction with intermediate principal stress levels of 5, 20, 30, and 50 MPa to systematically evaluate their coupled influence on characteristic stresses and macroscopic failure behavior. The results show that the peak intensity increases with the rise of the intermediate principal stress, but with the increase in the number of thermal shocks, it first increases and then decreases. Macroscopic failure is dominated by asymmetric V-shaped fracture surfaces, roughly oriented along the

σ_{2}

direction. As the intermediate principal stress increases, the failure mode transitions from tensile–shear mixed failure to shear-dominated failure, whereas thermal cycling promotes the persistence of tensile–shear cracking even under relatively high

σ_{2}

conditions. Based on these observations, a modified Mogi–Coulomb strength criterion that accounts for thermal shock-induced damage is proposed to describe granite strength under true-triaxial stress conditions. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the design of hydraulic fracturing in hot dry rock and evaluating reservoir stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 5440 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Transient Response of Composite Lined Tunnels Subjected to Blasting P-Wave

by Wei Guo, Cong Luo, Zhiyun Liu, Lingxiao Guan, Jingliang Dong and Ning Guo

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031482 - 2 Feb 2026

Viewed by 256

Abstract

Blasting-induced vibrations from new tunnel construction pose a significant threat to the structural safety of existing tunnel linings due to dynamic stress concentration. To address this, this study establishes a transient-response analytical model for composite lining tunnels using wave function expansion and a combination of the Duhamel integral and Fourier transform methods. Through a case study of the Hongshan South Road Tunnel, the research systematically quantifies the influence of critical factors such as load rise time, lining thickness, and material stiffness. Numerical results reveal that under blasting P-wave action, the inner vault of the secondary lining exhibits the most significant dynamic stress concentration, identifying it as the primary vulnerable zone. Furthermore, peak dynamic stress and vibration velocity increase sharply as the load rise time decreases, indicating that short-duration, high-intensity impacts present the greatest hazard. To mitigate these effects, the study identifies several optimization strategies: increasing the thickness of the initial support and employing high-modulus materials effectively reduce stress peaks. Specifically, maintaining the elastic modulus ratio of the surrounding rock to the initial support at approximately 2.0 provides an optimal balance for enhancing blast resistance. The findings suggest that tunnel design should prioritize optimizing the stiffness of the initial support and utilizing grouting to reinforce the surrounding rock. This research provides a robust theoretical framework and specific parameter optimization directions for the seismic and blast-resistant design of composite lining tunnels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 5821 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Strain Evolution of Grouted Rock Mass with Inclined Fractures Using Digital Image Correlation

by Qixin Ai, Ying Fan, Lei Zhu and Sihong Huang

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031224 - 25 Jan 2026

Viewed by 313

Abstract

To address the depletion of shallow coal resources, mining activities have progressed to greater depths, where rock masses contain numerous fractures due to complex geological conditions, making grouting reinforcement essential for ensuring stability. Using digital image correlation, this study investigated the strain evolution characteristics of grouted fractured specimens of three rock types—mudstone, coal–rock, and sandstone—under uniaxial compression. Analysis of the strain evolution process focused on two typical fracture inclinations of 0° and 60°, while examination of the peak strain characteristics covered five inclinations, namely 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°. The findings indicate that the mechanical response varies systematically with lithology and fracture inclination. The post-peak curves differ significantly among rock types: coal–rock shows a gentle descent, mudstone exhibits a rapid strength drop but higher residual strength, and sandstone is characterized by “serrated” fluctuations. The failure mode transitions from tensile splitting at a horizontal inclination of 0° to shear failure at inclinations of 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°. Strain nephograms corresponding to the peak stress point D reveal sharp, band-shaped zones of strain localization. The maximum principal strain exhibits a non-monotonic trend, first increasing and then decreasing with increasing inclination angle. For grouted coal–rock and sandstone, the peak values of 47.47 and 45.00 occur at α = 45°. In contrast, grouted mudstone reaches a maximum value of 26.80 at α = 30°, indicating its lower susceptibility to damage. The study systematically clarifies the strain evolution behavior of grouted fractured rock masses, providing a theoretical basis for evaluating the effectiveness of reinforcement and predicting failure mechanisms. Crucially, the findings highlight mudstone’s role as a high-integrity medium and the particular vulnerability of horizontal fractures, offering direct guidance for the targeted grouting design in stratified rock formations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition)

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29 pages, 5586 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in the Correlation of Rock Mass–Structural Plane–Structural Block Shear Strength Parameters Between Sandstones and Mudstones in Continuous Strata

by Congyan Ran, Jin Liao, Jinshan Hu, Xiaodong Wang, Tao Xu, Enze Bao, Zhen Liu and Cuiying Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 11885; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152211885 - 7 Nov 2025

Viewed by 645

Abstract

In continuous strata engineering, such as foundations and underground caverns, the differences in shear strength between sandstone and mudstone rock mass–structural plane–structural block systems critically affect design and safety. However, the underlying mechanisms and controlling factors of these shear strength parameters remain poorly understood, leading to challenges in optimizing engineering strategies. This study investigates the differences in shear strength parameter correlations between sandstone and mudstone and develops an intelligent model for predicting rock mass displacement. We constructed multi-parameter correlation models using laboratory and field shear test data combined with a random forest algorithm. The results show that the model achieved high prediction accuracy (R² = 0.997–0.998, RMSE = 1.649–3.898, MAE = 1.110–2.991). For instance, the peak shear strength of sandstone structural planes was approximately 54% higher than that of mudstone. Sensitivity analysis revealed that for sandstone, structural plane shear stress (27.80%) and structural block stress (25.50%) are the most sensitive factors, while for mudstone, structural plane shear displacement (35.20%) and structural block strain (34.20%) dominate. These correlations are model-predicted based on empirical data from shear tests. These findings provide a mechanistic understanding of plastic instability in sandstone and slip-strain-induced fissure extension in mudstone, and they can guide shear strength prediction and stability assessment in mixed sandstone–mudstone strata. The study contributes to the field by offering a quantitative basis for stratified adaptive design in continuous strata engineering, enhancing the efficiency and safety of foundation treatment and cavern support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 6106 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a 140 MPa Deep In Situ Pressure-Preserved Coring Controller

by Cong Li, Xiaojun Shi, Le Zhao, Xin Fang, Xun Yang and Jianan Li

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11792; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111792 - 5 Nov 2025

Viewed by 544

Abstract

Deep in situ pressure coring provides an accurate means of determining oil and gas reserve parameters. The key to achieving pressure coring at depths exceeding 5000 m lies in the ultimate bearing strength and stability of the pressure controllers. Due to the limited downhole space and the inherent technical demands of pressure coring, traditional pressure coring technology typically has an ultimate bearing pressure capacity of less than 70 MPa. The structural model of the pressure controller is designed. The stress–strain distribution of the pressure controller under external load is numerically simulated. A contact stress optimization scheme and critical sealing gap of pressure controllers are proposed. It was found that the saddle pressure controllers can ensure the fit clearance of the sealing surface and effectively control the deformation of the valve cover within 0.015 mm. The saddle pressure controllers have demonstrated an ultimate bearing strength exceeding 140 MPa, with minimal leakage. These findings have significant implications for accurate assessment of deep petroleum resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 4455 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Tiered Cyclic Shear Stress on Shear Friction and Instability Behavior of Marble Specimens with the Fractures

by Yinghu Li, Ze Xia, Changhao Shan, Qiang Xu, Qiangling Yao and Haitao Li

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10308; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910308 - 23 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 661

Abstract

Fractured rock masses are susceptible to stress-induced disturbances, which can lead to severe geological disasters. In recent years, the shear deformation and failure characteristics of fractured rock under cyclic shear loading have become a frontier issue in rock mechanics and engineering. A thorough understanding of the failure mechanism of fractured rock masses is of great significance for the scientific evaluation of their long-term stability in engineering applications. In this study, experiments were conducted on marble specimens with artificial fractures under constant normal stress using the RDS-200 rock mechanics shear test system. The results reveal the following three key findings: First, the residual shear displacement increases linearly with cycling numbers, and the fractures demonstrate memory functions under pre-peak tiered cyclic shear loading, with shear displacement exhibiting hysteresis effects. Second, significant differences were observed between tiered cyclic shear (TCS) and direct shear test (DST) outcomes in terms of peak shear stress and failure patterns. The peak shear strength under TCS was 17.76–24.04% lower than under DST, with the strength-weakening effect increasing with normal stress. The fracture surfaces showed more severe damage and debris accumulation under TCS compared to DST, with the contour area ratio decline rate correlating with both normal stress and initial surface conditions. Third, energy evolution analysis indicates that as cyclic shear stress increases, the elastic energy release rate exceeds the dissipation rate, and the elastic energy index progressively rises through the loading cycles. The findings of this research contribute to a better understanding of the shear instability of rock fractures under pre-peak tiered cyclic shear loading with constant normal stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2nd Edition)

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