Relationships between the original heterogeneity structures of rock and the ultimate fracture modes

Abstract

Rock original structure is one of the major factors influencing rock fracture, and understanding the relationship between rock structure and fracture modes is essential for elucidating the failure mechanisms of geotechnical materials. However, the characteristics of rock’s internal structure and its relationship with the ultimate fracture mode remain unclear. To investigate this relationship and identify the impact mechanisms of the original structure during rock fracture, multistage loading experiments were conducted on siltstone using acoustic imaging technology. The results show that minerals and pores within the microstructure of rocks are spatially grouped into different regions, forming new macrostructures with distinct mechanical properties, known as heterogeneity structures. These heterogeneity structures are interwoven and control the final fracture pattern and main fracture shape of rocks. Based on systems engineering principles, we propose the concept of a “rock structure system” and define its hierarchical structure: the “rock monolithic layer (rock sample),” the “macroscopic structural body layer (heterogeneity structures),” and the “microscopic basic unit layer (mineral grains, microfractures, microporosity, etc.)”. This study bridges the gap between microscopic and macroscopic studies of rock fracture, providing significant contributions to the prediction and prevention of geological and engineering disasters.

Keywords

rock mechanics / heterogeneity structure / rock fracture mode / engineering disasters

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