Life-time prediction for rocks under static compressive and tensile loads: a new simulation approach

The life time or time to failure of rocks under load is governed by microstructural defects, like microcracks, voids etc. The life time can be predicted either by empirical exponential laws or physical laws based on damage and fracture mechanics. The proposed numerical model is based on subcritical crack growth using the linear elastic fracture mechanical approach and is implemented as a numerical cellular automate. The algorithm considers both tensile and shear fracturing. Each cell contains a microcrack of random length according to a given probability function. Fracture growth is controlled by the Charles equation. Macroscopic cracks are the results of the coalescence of growing microcracks. Within the numerical approach elasto-plastic stress redistributions take place. If the stress intensity factors have reached the critical values or the microcrack has reached the zone dimension, the zone is considered as fractured and residual strength values are assigned. The proposed approach was applied to rock samples under uniaxial compressive and tensile loads (creep tests). Successful results were obtained in respect to the predicted life time, damage evolution and the fracture pattern. Conclusions for further improvements and extensions of this methodology were drawn.