Influence of chemical composition and discontinuities on energy transformation and rock mass behaviour: Insights into geological dynamic

Abstract

Abstract In this study, efforts were made to incorporate the influence of discontinuities and failure modes of rock into the classification of rock masses. The past tectonic activities may create microfractures in the rock body therefore the failure moods have been determined carefully under uniaxial compression. The results of the discontinuity analysis, conducted through kinematic study, highlighted the significant impact of wedge failure on the failure of the rock mass. In correlating the geological strength index with rock mass rating, it was observed that joint volume played a negative role, whereas compressive strength played a positive role. These correlations are particularly applicable for a certain rock type, as the compressive strength is inherently dependent on the type of rock. The analysis of failure modes under uniaxial compression reveals that the dissipation energy coefficient initially undergoes rapid increase before reaching its minimum value at the failure stage. The microstructures of the rock effect significantly the elastic and dissipation energy characteristics. Specifically, the axial splitting failure mode emerges as predominant. Given the area's past tectonic activity, these results emphasize the impact of microfractures within the rock body. Relating the failure criteria with the chemical composition of rock types reveals that rocks abundant in SiO2, such as gabbronorite, tend to exhibit brittle failure. Additionally, a dominance of Al2O3 over Fe2O3 suggests a predisposition towards brittle failure, while an increased ratio of CaO to MgO implies increased susceptibility to compression.

Keywords

• rock mechanics
• geotechnical engineering
• geotechnical structures