A Method for Multiscale Interpretation of Fracture Processes in Carrara Marble Specimen Containing a Single Flaw Under Uniaxial Compression

This paper presents a method for continuous multiscale observation of uniaxial compressive tests of Carrara marble specimens containing a single preexisting artificially created flaw. The experiments aim at analyzing the associated mesoscale‐macroscale phenomena in the fracture process of the specimens. In the macroscale, the crack types are observed and characterized by optical observation using a camcorder and a high‐speed camera. In the mesoscale, the crack types are analyzed and characterized by the moment tensor inversion of acoustic emission. For the experimental investigation on the fracture process on specimens containing a single preexisting flaw, it is the first time quantitative and continuous interpretation and comparison of the mesoscale‐macroscale fracture process have become available. The present findings provide substantial improvement on our understanding of the mesoscale‐macroscale fracture process in rock specimens containing a single preexisting flaw. In addition, the experimental results provide insightful information about the laboratory scale fault extension and propagation and laboratory scale acoustic emission moment‐frequency distribution. The findings are helpful for establishing the link between the laboratory scale tests and the tectonic scale seismic activities.