Mechanical response of discontinuities of different joint wall contact strengths

An intensive investigation was set up to study the mechanical response of discontinuities with different joint wall compressive strengths. Physical models were employed in order to perform the planned studies. Models were designed to contain profiles of regular artificial joints molded by five types of plaster mortars each of which representing a distinct uniaxial compressive strength. The compressive strengths of plaster specimens ranged from 5.9 to 19.5 MPa. These specimens were prepared considering to have discontinuities of regular triangular asperity profile and were so designed to achieve joint walls of different strength material combinations. Direct shear tests were carried out on joints, and variations of shear stiffness, normal stiffness, and residual friction angle were investigated in various states. Details of the experiments, obtained data, the performed analyses, and the results are presented in this paper.     

The Shear Behavior of Bedding Planes of Weakness Between Two Different Rock Types with High Strength Difference

In this article, the shear behavior of discontinuities caused by bedding planes of weakness between two different rock types with high strength difference is investigated. The effect of roughness and compressive strength of joint wall in such discontinuities are studied. The designed profiles consist of two regular and three irregular artificial joints molded by three types of plaster mortars with different uniaxial compressive strengths. Firstly, it is demonstrated that the shear behavior of discontinuities with different joint wall compressive strengths (JCS) is different from rock joints with identical wall compressive strengths by showing that Barton’s empirical criterion is not appropriate for the former discontinuities. After that, some correlation equations are proposed between the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) parameter and some surface statistical/fractal parameters, and the normal stress range of Barton’s strength criterion is also modified to be used for such discontinuities. Then, a new empirical criterion is proposed for these discontinuities in such a way that a rational function is used instead of JRC log₁₀(JCS/σ _n) as i ₀(σ _c/σ _n)^a/[b + (σ _c/σ _n) ^a ] by satisfying the peak dilation angle boundary conditions under zero and very high normal stress (physical infinite normal stress causing zero peak dilation angle). The proposed criterion has three surface parameters: i ₀, a, and b. The reason for separation of i ₀ from JRC is indicated and the method of its calculation is mentioned based on the literature. The two remaining coefficients (a and b) are discussed in detail and it is shown that a shows a power-law relationship with b, introducing the coefficient c through b = c ^a . Then, it is expressed that a is directly related to discontinuity surface topography. Finally, it is shown that the coefficient c has higher values in irregular profiles in comparison with regular profiles and is dominated by intensity of peak dilation angle reduction (majorly related to the surface irregularity and minorly related to roughness). The coefficient c is to be determined by performing regression analysis on experimental data.     

估算异性岩石不连续面峰值剪切强度的经验公式

长江三峡库区广泛发育着两侧岩性不同的不连续面（称为异性不连续面）,研究其峰值剪切强度可为相关岩体的稳定性分析和评价提供理论依据。采用高强石膏浇注3组不同形貌且上、下壁面强度不同的不连续面试件,并在不同常法向应力下进行剪切试验。引入不连续面壁组合系数λ来综合量化不连续面壁的抗压强度和基本摩擦角对异性不连续面峰值剪切强度的影响,λ越小,上、下不连续面壁强度差异越大。异性不连续面的峰值剪切强度随λ的增加呈非线性增加,且在高法向应力下更为显著。在Barton公式的基础上,通过多元回归分析建立了估算异性不连续面峰值剪切强度的经验公式。采用天然和人工锯齿形异性不连续面的直剪试验结果对新公式做了进一步验证,试验剪切强度与新公式预测值吻合较好。简要分析了新公式在软硬互层岩质边坡稳定性评价中的应用。最后,讨论了Wu公式的适用性以及新公式的优点和不足。     

Experimental Validation of Modified Barton’s Model for Rock Fractures

Among the constitutive models for rock fractures developed over the years, Barton’s empirical model has been widely used. Although Barton’s failure criterion predicts peak shear strength of rock fractures with acceptable precision, it has some limitations in estimating the peak shear displacement, post-peak shear strength, dilation, and surface degradation. The first author modified Barton’s original model in order to address these limitations. In this study, the modified Barton’s model (the peak shear displacement, the shear stress–displacement curve, and the dilation displacement) is validated by conducting a series of direct shear tests.     

Review of a new shear-strength criterion for rock joints

Barton, N., 1973. Review of a new shear-strength criterion for rock joints. Eng. Geol., 7: 287–332.

The surface roughness of rock joints depends on their mode of origin, and on the mineralogy of the rock. Amongst the roughest joints will be those that formed in intrusive rocks in a tensile brittle manner, and amongst the smoothest the planar cleavage surface in slates. The range of friction angles exhibited by this spectrum will vary from about 75° or 80° down to 20° or 25°, the maximum values being very dependent on the normal stress, due to the strongly curved nature of the peak strength envelopes for rough unfilled joints.

Direct shear tests performed on model tension fractures have provided a very realistic picture of the behaviour of unfilled joints at the roughest end of the joint spectrum. The peak shear strength of rough—undulating joints such as tension surfaces can now be predicted with acceptable accuracy from a knowledge of only one parameter, namely the effective joint wall compressive strength or JCS value. For an unweathered joint this will be simply the unconfined compression strength of the unweathered rock. However in most cases joint walls will be weathered to some degree. Methods of estimating the strength of the weathered rock are discussed. The predicted values of shear strength compare favourably with experimental results reported in the literature, both for weathered and unweathered rough joints.

The shear strength of unfilled joints of intermediate roughness presents a problem since at present there is insufficient detailed reporting of test results. In an effort to remedy this situation, a simple roughness classification method has been devised which has a sliding scale of roughness. The curvature of the proposed strength envelopes reduces as the roughness coefficient reduces, and also varies with the strength of the weathered joint wall or unweathered rock, whichever is relevant. Values of the Coulomb parameters c and Φ fitted to the curves between the commonly used normal stress range of 5–20 kg/cm² appear to agree quite closely with experimental results.

The presence of water is found in practice to reduce the shear strength of rough unfilled joints but hardly to affect the strength of planar surfaces. This surprising experimental result is also predicted by the proposed criterion for peak strength. The shear strength depends on the compressive strength which is itself reduced by the presence of water. The sliding scale of roughness incorporates a reduced contribution from the compressive strength as the joint roughness reduces. Based on the same model, it is possible to draw an interesting analogy between the effects of weathering, saturation, time to failure, and scale, on the shear strength of non-planar joints. Increasing these parameters causes a reduction in the compressive strength of the rock, and hence a reduction in the peak shear strength. Rough—undulating joints are most affected and smooth—nearly planar joints least of all.     

Comparison between Empirical Estimation by JRC-JCS Model and Direct Shear Test for Joint Shear Strength

In order to study the reliability of the empirical estimation of joint shear strength by the JRC(joint roughness coefficient)-JCS(joint compressive strength) model,natural rock joints of dif-ferent lithologic characteristics and different sizes were selected as samples,and their shear strengths under dry and saturated conditions were measured by direct shear test and compared to those esti-mated by the JRC-JCS model.Comparison results show that for natural rock joints with joint surfaces closely matched,the...     

Failure Process after Peak Strength of Artificial Joints by Fractal Dimension

Because lack of information when the joints exhibit strain softening behavior, the transition from peak to residual values is assumed to decrease either linearly or exponentially. Also, displacement of slide side after peak is much larger than the peak displacement and the stress approaches the residual state, thus studying failure process after peak strength is very important. In this research, three types of artificial joints with tooth-shaped asperity under repeated direct-shear were tested. Continuously movement of slide side after peak strength was monitored during shearing test. Reduction of shear parameters was examined according to two failure criteria (Barton and Patton). JRC value (Joint Roughness Coefficient) for a given profile was estimated by fractal dimension. One of the results of this study is that Barton’s criterion predicts a good estimation of residual strength and the second result is when the amount of fractal dimension of a joint surface increases, the JRC amount also increases, and with having value of h (height average) and l (base average) of a tooth-shaped asperity can determine the JRC of joint surface. M. Askari is a M.Sc Student of Engineering Faculty, Mining Engineering Department, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran.     

Effect of different wall roughness on the frictional behavior of rock joints

Rock discontinuities play a crucial and critical role on the deformational and failure behavior of the rock mass. In most investigations, both the surfaces of the rock joints are considered to have same roughness. But, in nature, the walls of a fresh joint is only expected to be complimentary and to have same roughness. Weathered and water percolating rock joint is most likely to develop different surface roughness on the two opposite walls. So, the shear strength and frictional response behavior derived from the single joint roughness coefficient (JRC) assumption cannot be used in such a condition. To address this shortcoming, we have prepared sandstone blocks with different surface roughness and conducted experiments in a tribometer. The static friction, shear stiffness and coefficient-of-friction of the joint surfaces were calculated and their changes with increasing normal load were noted. One of the major findings of this paper is that, shear strength of the joints may not have a direct correlation with the increasing JRC value of the individual joint walls. Hence, some of the joint walls having higher cumulative JRCs were found to show lower shear strength than those with lowers roughness. This is because, the opposing walls of such joints are not anymore complementary and the frictional resistance is completely controlled by the height and contact area of the asperites.     

基于PFC2D数值试验的异性结构面剪切强度特性研究

天然岩体中广泛发育两侧岩性不同的异性结构面,开展异性结构面变形和强度特性研究旨在为岩体稳定性评价和利用提供依据。选取三峡库区侏罗系典型的砂岩-泥岩异性岩层,首先运用分形几何理论,定量计算了平直和4种不同不规则起伏形态结构面的粗糙度系数JRC值,然后基于PFC2D颗粒流程序,分别开展了以上5种形态异性结构面的数值剪切试验,获得了各形态结构面在不同正应力下的剪切应力-位移曲线。根据数值试验结果,采用巴顿的JRC-JCS模型分析了异性结构面强度特性,并与同性结构面强度性质进行对比研究。最后,在考虑异性结构面剪切破坏机制的基础上,引入强度因子的概念,提出了新的适用于异性结构面强度评价的两类改进巴顿准则。研究结果表明：异性岩体结构面抗剪强度介于相同粗糙度的两种同性结构面强度之间,在较低正应力下接近软岩同性结构面强度,符合Ⅰ型改进巴顿准则;在较高正应力下偏向硬岩同性结构面强度,符合Ⅱ型改进巴顿准则。实际工程中可利用改进准则并根据异性结构面应力状态对岩体稳定性进行评价,弥补了以往研究的不足。     

改进的Maksimovic峰值剪切强度准则的试验验证

Maksimovic峰值剪切强度准则形式简洁,参数的物理含义明确,但由于反映节理粗糙程度的特征量“粗糙度角 ”须由试验值确定,因此不可用于估算岩石节理的峰值剪切强度。改进的Maksimovic峰值剪切强度准则在继承原准则优点的基础上,采用定量化的三维形貌参数表示节理的“粗糙度角 ”。采用岩石节理的直剪切试验数据对改进的Maksimovic峰值剪切强度准则进行了试验验证,计算值与试验值具有很好的相关性,表明可以采用该准则估算岩石节理的峰值剪切强度。     

含结构面岩体试样单轴强度与变形特征

结构面是岩体区别于岩石材料的一大特征,其产状、迹长、密度等参数对岩体的力学性质有着重要影响。本文利用FLAC3D对含结构面岩体试样的单轴压缩特性进行了较为系统的数值模拟研究。文中建立了含不同组贯通性结构面的岩体试样模型和含不同倾角及迹长的非贯通结构面岩体试样模型,对每个试样进行单轴压缩试验的数值模拟,结构体和结构面均采用Mohr-Coulomb剪切和拉伸破坏准则。模拟中用编制的伺服控制程序通过调节加载速度,控制试样内最大不平衡力,研究含结构面试样单轴压缩情况下的变形、强度及破坏方式等特征。模拟结果显示,含1-3组贯通性结构面试样呈现各向异性特征,而含4组贯通性结构面试件呈现各向同性特征。随着贯通性结构面数量的增多,同尺寸试件的变形强度参数劣化。含单组非贯通性结构面试件,其单轴压缩模拟试验的应力-应变曲线峰值后出现应力降。基于Mohr-Coulomb抗剪强度准则和损伤理论所得的解析解与数值模拟结果所得的非贯通性结构面试件的单轴压缩强度不符,说明用抗剪强度准则与损伤理论刻画非贯通结构面试样的强度并不合理。随着非贯通性结构面贯通率的增大,试件的变形、强度参数劣化。含单组结构面试件的破坏方式可分为结构面控制破坏,结构面部分控制破坏和结构面不控制破坏3种类型,而随着结构面组数的增多,结构面控制试样破坏的概率增加。     

Rock slope stability assessment using finite element based modelling – examples from the Indian Himalayas

Numerical modelling of rock slides is a versatile approach to understand the failure mechanism and the dynamics of rock slopes. Finite element slope stability analysis of three rock slopes in Garhwal Himalaya, India has been carried out using a two dimensional plane strain approach. Two different modelling techniques have been attempted for this study. Firstly, the slope is represented as a continuum in which the effect of discontinuities is considered by reducing the properties and strength of intact rock to those of rock mass. The equivalent Mohr-Coulomb shear strength parameters of generalised Hoek-Brown (GHB) criterion and modified Mohr-Coulomb (MMC) criterion has been used for this continuum approach. Secondly, a combined continuum-interface numerical method has been attempted in which the discontinuities are represented as interface elements in between the rock walls. Two different joint shear strength models such as Barton-Bandis and Patton’s model are used for the interface elements. Shear strength reduction (SSR) analysis has been carried out using a finite element formulation provided in the PHASE². For blocky or very blocky rock mass structure combined continuum-interface model is found to be the most suitable one, as this model is capable of simulating the actual field scenario.     

Microplane damage model for jointed rock masses

The paper presents a new microplane constitutive model for the inelastic behavior of jointed rock masses that takes into account the mechanical behavior and geometric characteristics of cracks and joints. The basic idea is that the microplane modeling of rock masses under general triaxial loading, including compression, requires the isotropic rock matrix and the joints to be considered as two distinct phases coupled in parallel. A joint continuity factor is defined as a microplane damage variable to represent the stress‐carrying area fraction of the joint phase. Based on the assumption of parallel coupling between the rock joint and the rock matrix, the overall mechanical behavior of the rock is characterized by microplane constitutive laws for the rock matrix and for the rock joints, along with an evolution law for the microplane joint continuity factor. The inelastic response of the rock matrix and the rock joints is controlled on the microplane level by the stress–strain boundaries. Based on the arguments enunciated in developing the new microplane model M7 for concrete, the previously used volumetric–deviatoric splits of the elastic strains and of the tensile boundary are avoided. The boundaries are tensile normal, compressive normal, and shear. The numerical simulations demonstrate satisfactory fits of published triaxial test data on sandstone and on jointed plaster mortar, including quintessential features such as the strain softening and dilatancy under low confining pressure, as well as the brittle–ductile transition under higher confining pressure, and the decrease of jointed rock strength and Young's modulus with an increasing dip angle of the joint. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Influence of Shearing Velocity on Shear Behavior of Artificial Joints

In this paper, the effects of shear velocity on the shearing behavior of artificial joints have been studied at different normal stress levels. Here, artificial joints with planar and rough surfaces were prepared with the plaster (simulating soft rock joints) and concrete (medium-hard rock joints) materials. The rough joints had triangular shaped asperities with 10° and 20° inclination angles. Direct shear tests were performed on these joints under various shear velocities in the range of 0.3–30 mm/min. The planar plaster–plaster and planer concrete–concrete joints were sheared at three levels of normal stress under constant normal load boundary condition. Also, the rough plaster–plaster and concrete–concrete joints were sheared at one level of normal stress under constant normal stiffness boundary condition. The results of the shear tests show that the shearing parameters of joints, such as shear strength, shear stiffness and friction angle, are related to the shear velocity. Shear strength of planar and rough plaster–plaster joints were decreased when the shear velocity was increased. Shear strength of concrete joints, except for rough joints with 10° inclination, increased with increasing shear velocity. Regardless of the normal stress level, shear stiffness of both planar plaster–plaster and concrete–concrete joints were decreased when the shear velocity was increased.     

Critical review on shear strength models for soil-infilled joints

An infilled rock joint is likely to be the weakest plane in a rock mass. The presence of infill material within the joint significantly reduces the friction of the discontinuity boundaries (i.e. rock to rock contact of the joint walls). The thicker the infill, the smaller the shear strength of the rock joint. Once the infill reaches a critical thickness, the infill material governs the overall shear strength, and the joint walls (rock) play no significant role. Several models have been proposed to predict the peak shear strength of soil-infilled joints under both constant normal load (CNL) and constant normal stiffness (CNS) boundary conditions, taking into account the ratio of infill thickness (t) to the height of the joint wall asperity (a). CNS models provide a more realistic picture of the soil-infilled joint behaviour in the field. This paper presents a critical review on the existing mathematical models for predicting the shear strength of soil-infilled rock joint and verifies the normalised peak shear stress model with further laboratory investigations carried out on idealised saw-tooth rock joints at the University of Wollongong. Based on the prediction of the experimental data, the normalised peak shear stress model is slightly modified by the authors. A simplified approach for using this model in practice is presented and a new expression for prediction of dilatation at peak shear stress is suggested.     

循环剪切荷载作用下岩石节理变形特性试验研究

以水泥砂浆为相似材料,制备3种岩壁强度、5种起伏角度的锯齿型节理试样;利用试验设备,进行了在4种法向应力下的循环剪切试验。根据试验结果,结合循环剪切试验特点,定义剪胀角来表征节理循环剪切的法向变形特性,以及剪切刚度来表征节理循环剪切的切向变形特性。基于不同起伏角、不同强度等级和不同法向应力下的节理试样循环剪切试验结果,分析了循环剪切过程中剪胀角和剪切刚度的变化规律;并利用不同条件下的试验结果,对比分析初始起伏角度、法向应力、岩壁强度对节理循环剪切变形特性的影响规律。研究发现：剪胀角、剪切刚度均随着剪切循环次数的增加而呈现先快、后慢的降低趋势,并且中低起伏角度节理的剪胀角、剪切刚度的降低趋势随着初始起伏角度、法向应力的增加而加快,随着岩壁强度增加而变慢,高起伏角度节理的剪胀角、剪切刚度的降低趋势基本保持不变。     

砂岩试验强度与强度准则预测结果对比分析

对山西大同煤峪口矿巷道砂岩进行了巴西劈裂、单轴和常规三轴试验,分析了其变形和强度特性,以整体平方根误差最小为依据拟合确定了5种强度准则参数,比较各准则的整体拟合效果以及抗拉强度和抗压强度预测值与试验值之间的差异。结果表明:砂岩单轴和低围压下的脆性特征显著,随着围压增大屈服段明显增加,逐渐由脆性向延性转变;对试验数据的整体拟合效果,Mohr-Coulomb准则最不理想,指数强度准则最好,Hoek-Brown准则和Bieniawski准则相接近;对抗拉强度的预测,Mohr-Coulomb准则明显高估了砂岩的抗拉强度,不适合预测抗拉强度,指数强度准则最为理想,Bieniawski准则不能反映岩石抗拉特性;单轴和不同围压下砂岩强度,直线型Mohr-Coulomb准则偏离了大多数试验数据点,特别是高围压下偏离显著结果失真,Hoek-Brown准则和Bieniawski准则预测结果几乎一致,Sheorey准则高围压下预测结果稍有偏高,指数强度准则接近大多数试验数据,预测效果最佳。      

Probabilistic Stability Evaluation of Oppstadhornet Rock Slope,Norway

Probabilistic analyses provide rational means to treat the uncertainties associated with underlying parameters in a systematic manner. The stability of a 734-m-high jointed rock slope in the west of Norway, the Oppstadhornet rock slope, is investigated by using a probabilistic method. The first-order reliability method (FORM) is used for probabilistic modeling of the plane failure problem in the rock slope. The Barton–Bandis (BB) shear strength criterion is used for the limit state equation. The statistical distributions of the BB criterion parameters, for which comprehensive data were collected and statistically analyzed, are determined by using distribution fitting algorithms. The sensitivity of the FORM model for the BB criterion is also investigated. It is found that the model is most sensitive to the mean value of the residual friction angle (ϕ _r) and least sensitive to the mean value of the slope angle (β _f). It is also found that the standard deviation of joint compressive strength (JCS) causes the greatest difference in the reliability index, which has the least sensitivity to the change in the mean and standard deviation of joint roughness coefficient (JRC).     

Predicting mechanical properties and ultimate shear strength of gypsum,limestone and sandstone rocks using Vipulanandan models

ABSTRACT

In this study, over 1000 data from the literature was used to characterize and compare the density, strengths, modulus, fracture toughness, porosity and the ultimate shear strengths of the gypsum, limestone and sandstone rocks. The compressive modulus and Mode-1 fracture toughness of the gypsum rock, limestone rock and sandstone rocks varied from 0.7 GPa to 70 GPa, and from 0.03 MPa.m^0.5 to 2.6 MPa.m^0.5  respectively. Vipulanandan correlation model was effective in relating the modulus of elasticity, fracture toughness with the relevant strengths of the rocks. A new nonlinear Vipulanandan failure criterion was developed to quantify the tensile strength, pure shear (cohesion) strength and to predict the maximum shear strength limit with applied normal stress on the gypsum, limestone and sandstone rocks. The Vipulanandan failure model predicts the maximum shear strength limit was, as the Mohr-Coulomb failure model does not have a limit on the maximum shear strength. With the Vipulanandan failure model based on the available data, the maximum shear strengths predicted for the gypsum, limestone and sandstone rocks were 64 MPa, 114 MPa and 410 MPa respectively.