A Macro–Micro Damage Model for Rock under Compression Loading

Abstract

Rock damage caused by its microcrack growth has a great influence on the deformation and strength properties of rock under compressive loading. Considering the interaction of wing cracks and the additional stress caused by rock bridge damage, a new calculation model for the mode-I stress intensity factor at wing crack tip was proposed in this study. The proposed calculation model for the stress intensity factor can not only accurately predict the cracking angle of wing crack, but can also simulate the whole range of variation of wing crack length from being extremely short to very long. Based on the modified stress intensity factor, a macro–micro damage model for rock materials was also established by combining the relationship between microcrack growth and macroscopic strain. The proposed damage model was verified with the results from the conventional triaxial compression test of sandstone sample. The results show that the proposed damage model can not only continuously simulate the stress-strain curves under different confining pressures, but also can better predict the peak strength. Furthermore, the sensitivities of initial crack size, crack friction coefficient, fracture toughness, initial damage and parameter m on the stress-strain relationship are discussed. The results can provide a theoretical reference for understanding the effect of microcrack growth on the progressive failure of rock under the compressive loading.

Keywords

• rock damage
• microcrack growth
• stress intensity factor
• stress-strain curves
• progressive failure