Damage evolution in sandstone under uniaxial cyclic loading and varying water contents: Theoretical and experimental investigation

Abstract

During underground excavation, the surrounding rock mass is subjected to complex cyclic stress, significantly impacting its long-term stability, especially under varying water content conditions where this effect is amplified. However, research on the mechanical response mechanisms of surrounding rock mass under such conditions remains inadequate. This study utilized acoustic emission (AE) and resistivity testing to monitor rock fracture changes, revealing the rock’s damage state and characterizing the damage evolution process during uniaxial cyclic loading and unloading. First, a damage variable equation was established based on AE and resistivity parameters, leading to the derivation of a corresponding damage constitutive equation. Uniaxial cyclic loading and unloading tests were then conducted on sandstone samples with varying water contents, continuously monitoring AE signals and resistivity, along with computed tomography scans before and after failure. The predictions from the damage constitutive equation were compared with experimental results. This comparison shows that the proposed damage variable equation effectively characterizes the damage evolution of sandstone during loading and unloading, and that the constitutive equation closely fits the experimental data. This study provides a theoretical basis for monitoring and assessing the responses of surrounding rock mass during underground excavation.

Keywords

sandstone / acoustic emission / rock resistivity / uniaxial cyclic loading and unloading / rock cracks / damage constitutive equation

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Central South University