Dynamic multifractal characteristics and damage evolution of granite pegmatite with varying biotite content based on acoustic emission monitoring

Abstract

Biotite content critically influences rock mechanical behavior and threatens underground engineering stability. Uniaxial compression tests with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring were conducted on granite pegmatite samples having varying biotite content. Peak frequency distribution analysis, rise angle-average frequency (RA-AF) analysis, multifractal theory, and a dynamic multifractal algorithm were applied to explore the relationship between damage evolution and AE characteristics. Results indicate that increased biotite content reduces uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus, enhances plastic deformation, and increases the proportion of shear cracks. The segmented evolution of the dynamic multifractal parameter △ α_m is biotite-dependent. Oscillations during the elastic phase signify localized shear crack initiation and propagation; their attenuation in the plastic phase reflects frictional closure along biotite cleavage planes, promoting elastic energy storage and delaying release. AE-based damage models and time-varying signals characterize rock damage progression. Stress concentrations around biotite minerals foster localized shear band formation, leading to concentrated shear failure at lower damage levels. Higher biotite content accelerates crack propagation, while smooth cleavage planes lower the fracture energy threshold, reducing strength and stiffness. These findings enhance understanding of biotite-influenced progressive rock damage and underpin stability monitoring and early-warning systems for underground engineering.

Keywords

Biotite content / Granite pegmatite / Acoustic emission / Dynamic multifractal / Rock damage progression

Acknowledgments

Financial support for this work is provided by the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2024YFC3012605) and the State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protec-tion Independent Research Project (Nos. SKLGP2022Z001, SKLGP2023Z029 and SKLGP2022K027).

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