Uniaxial compression tests reveal crack evolution in jointed rock based on weak-filled layer properties, suggesting improved understanding of rock stability.
Key Points
This research aims to investigate how weak-filled layer properties affect the mechanical response and failure characteristics of jointed rock.
Performed uniaxial compression tests on rock-like specimens with weak-filled layers at 45° inclination.
Varied joint roughness coefficients (JRC) to assess their impact on peak stress and failure strain.
Developed a three-dimensional weak-filled rough joint numerical model using the adaptive solid-to-DES method.
Increasing JRC initially raises and then decreases peak stress, while failure strain progressively increases.
Fracture modes transition from interface sliding to mixed tensile-shear failure as JRC increases.
Higher JRC leads to matrix splitting, with thicker fillings requiring smaller JRC for failure transition.