Rock Mechanics Bulletin最新文献

A simplified two-stage method was employed to provide an explicit solution for the time-dependent tunnel-rock interaction, considering the generalized Zhang-Zhu strength criterion. Additionally, a simplified mechanical model of the yielding support structure was established. The tunnel excavation is simplified to a two-stage process: the first stage is affected by the longitudinal effect, while the second stage is affected by rheological behavior. Two cases are considered: one is that the rigid support is constructed during the first stage, and the other is that constructed at the second stage. Distinguished by the support timing at the seconde stage, different kinds of the “yield-resist combination” support method are divided into three categories: “yield before resist” support, “yield-resist” support, and “control-yield-resist” support. Results show that the support reaction of “control-yield-resist” is much higher than that of “yield before resist” if the initial geostress is not very high, but the effect is not obvious on controlling the surrounding rock deformation. So, the “yield before resist” support is much more economical and practical when the ground stress is not very high. However, under high geostress condition, through applying relatively high support reaction actively to surrounding rock at the first stage, the “control-yield-resist” support is superior in controlling the deformation rate of surrounding rock. Therefore, in the high geostress environment, it is recommended to construct prestressed yielding anchor immediately after excavation, and then construct rigid support after the surrounding rock deformation reaches the predetermined deformation.

Bimrocks are characterized by their geotechnically significant blocky structure, presenting complex shear behavior. This study investigates the shear behavior and dilatancy of bimrocks featuring a rock-like matrix, such as conglomerates. The study addresses a gap in current research, which has predominantly examined the shear behavior of soil-matrix bimrocks (bimsoils). Laboratory direct shear tests were performed on idealized models with varying volumetric block proportions (VBPs). The results highlight that blocks exert both positive and negative effects on shear strength, dilation, and block breakage factor (BF), depending on VBP. Results indicate 40% and 60% as critical VBPs, revealing distinct shear strength trends within this range, contrary to the dominant downward trend. Blocks positively impact dilation and BF between 20% and 50% VBP, while negatively affecting them beyond this range. Blocky skeleton inherently promotes stable dilatancy under normal stress increments and intensifies stress dependency of shear strength. Variations in dilation angle concerning normal stress and VBP suggest the potential for characterizing this factor using equivalent strength and roughness, akin to rockfill materials. Indirect assessments of equivalent strength revealed positive effects of blocks when VBP was between 30% and 70%. Lastly, the findings indicate that blocks notably impact pre- and post-peak behaviors by reducing shear stiffness and inducing local hardening phases. This study also discusses the similarities and distinctions in the function of blocks within soil-like and rock-like matrices. It offers new insights into the exact role of blocks in bimrock shear behavior beyond the traditional interpretation through the variation of friction and cohesion.

Cyclic shear tests on rock joints serve as a practical strategy for understanding the shear behavior of jointed rock masses under seismic conditions. We explored the cyclic shear behavior of en-echelon and how joint persistence and test conditions (initial normal stress, normal stiffness, shear velocity, and cyclic distance) influence it through cyclic shear tests under CNS conditions. The results revealed a through-going shear zone induced by cyclic loads, characterized by abrasive rupture surfaces and brecciated material. Key findings included that increased joint persistence enlarged and smoothened the shear zone, while increased initial normal stress and cyclic distance, and decreased normal stiffness and shear velocity, diminished and roughened the brecciated material. Shear strength decreased across shear cycles, with the most significant reduction in the initial shear cycle. After ten cycles, the shear strength damage factor D varied from 0.785 to 0.909. Shear strength degradation was particularly sensitive to normal stiffness and cyclic distance. Low joint persistence, high initial normal stress, high normal stiffness, slow shear velocity, and large cyclic distance were the most destabilizing combinations. Cyclic loads significantly compressed en-echelon joints, with compressibility highly dependent on normal stress and stiffness. The frictional coefficient initially declined and then increased under a rising cycle number. This work provides crucial insights for understanding and predicting the mechanical response of en-echelon joints under seismic conditions.