Increasing effect of metamorphism on rock properties

This work studied the effect of increasing degree of metamorphism on the properties of rocks.The properties investigated are the physical,mechanical and dynamic parameters.They are important inputs in the design of many mining and civil engineering techniques such as in tunnelling,slope stability and dynamic activities associated with seismicity and fragmentation.This work compared the degree of metamorphism examined through petrographic studies of the Transvaal Sequence in South Africa with the properties of the rocks.The study shows that as the effect metamorphism increases,the state of stress,compaction of grains,cementation and the brittleness of the rocks increases.In addition,increase in the metamorphic effect increases the value of the rock property.The degree of metamorphism of an outcrop is the key factor influencing its property value.Therefore the metamorphism effect of an outcrop may act as a guide to its engineering properties.

Rock physical characteristics of deep dolomite under complex geological conditions:A case study of 4th Member of Sinian Dengying Formation in the Sichuan Basin,China

The deep-ultra deep carbonate reservoir in China,commonly subjected to modification of multi-stage diagenesis,has extremely high heterogeneity.Conventional rock physics analysis cannot accurately identify the elastic responses of reservoir.Here,the rock physics properties of the dolomite from the 4th Member of the Sinian Dengying Formation are experimentally measured,and the change law of rock physics characteristics is investigated within the framework of the diagenetic processes by the analysis of the elastic and petrologic characteristics,pore structure,and sedimentary environments.The results show that the differentiated diagenesis results in different pore structure characteristics and microtexture characteristics of the rock.The microbial dolomite of the algal mound-grain beach facies is subjected to the contemporaneous microbial dolomitization and seepage-reflux dolomitization,penecontemporaneous selective dissolution,burial dolomitization,and hydrothermal dolomitization.The resultant crystalline dolomite is found with one main type of the dolomite crystal contact boundaries,and the dissolution pore is extensive development.The siliceous,muddy,and limy dolomite of the interbeach sea environment mainly experiences the weak capillary concentration dolomitization,intensive mechanical compaction-induced densification,and burial dolomitization.Such crystalline dolomite is observed with four types of contact boundaries,namely the dolomite contact,clay contact,quartz contact,and calcite contact boundaries,and porosity mostly attributed to residual primary inter-granular or crystalline pores.The samples with the same crystal boundary condition have consistent correlations between the compressional-and shear-wave velocities,and between the compressional-wave velocity and the velocity ratio.Additionally,the variation of the acoustic velocity with effective pressure and the intensity of pore-scale fluid-related dispersion are controlled by the differentiation of pore structure types of the samples.The varied effects of soft pores like micro-cracks on the compressional-and shearwave velocity causes considerable changes in the relationships between the compressional-and shearwave velocities,compressional-wave velocity and velocity ratio,and porosity and acoustic velocity.This research is an attempt to demonstrate a novel method for investigating the rock physics variation of rock during the geological process,and the obtained findings can provide the rock physics basis for seismic prediction of the characteristics of deep carbonate reservoirs.

Characterization and analysis of coded excitation ultrasound parameters for rock properties

Coded excitation technology （CET） can effectively enhance the penetration and resolution of ultrasonic testing. To analyze the influence of rock properties on pulse compression performance （PCP） of coded excitation signals （CES）, a numerical simulation, and an ultrasonic experiment on different rock samples are performed; and the detection ability of several CESs are also investigated and compared. The results of experiments showed that the loss of the signal-to-noise ratio （SNR） of Barker coded signal with tapered linear frequency modulated carrier （BTLFM） is always less than Barker coded signal with sine carrier （BS）, while the resolution loss of BTLFM is lower than tapered linear frequency modulated signal （TLFM）. In sum, the results not only verifiy the effectiveness of CET, but also provide a basis for the parameter settings of coded signals used in rock ultrasonic testing.

A new model to predict roadheader performance using rock mass properties

Prediction of roadheader performance plays a significant role in the plan of tunnel construction, which is influenced by different key parameters, including rock strength, discontinuity in rock mass, type and specifications of roadheader machine, and brittleness. The main aim of this study is to build a robust empirical equation based on rock mass properties for the roadheader performance prediction. For achieving the aim, a dataset composed of roadheader performance rate and rock properties is established using the dataset compiled from an underground coal mine located in a remote rugged desert environment some 85 km south of Tabas City in mid east Iran. By using gathered data, the statistical analyses are conducted between rock mass properties and roadheader performance to find whether there is a significant relationship between input variables and roadheader performance. The results show that rock mass properties have a considerable impact on the rate of the roadheader performance. It is demonstrated that the proposed model can accurately predict the roadheader performance as a function of rock mass properties.

Effect of rock mechanical properties on electromagnetic radiation mechanism of rock fracturing

The influence of rock mechanical properties on the electromagnetic radiation(EMR)mechanism of rock fracturing is an important research topic in solid mechanics and earthquake prediction.In this study,an EMR model of rock fracturing considering the fracture factor,elastic modulus,Poisson’s ratio,radiation distance and crack length is derived based on the Hertz oscillator array assumption.An experimental system,including an electromagnetic shielding module,an EMR signal induction and transmission module,a signal recording module and a loading module,is developed to understand the EMR characteristics of four different rocks.The validity of the EMR theoretical model is verified and the relationships between the rock cracking morphology and the EMR waveform,amplitude and frequency are revealed.It is found that rock mechanical properties have obvious influences on the EMR waveform,amplitude and frequency during rock fracturing.This study provides a better understanding on the EMR mechanism of rock fracturing and can help to improve the accuracy of rock disaster prediction based on EMR.

Selection of regression models for predicting strength and deformability properties of rocks using GA

Recently,many regression models have been presented for prediction of mechanical parameters of rocks regarding to rock index properties.Although statistical analysis is a common method for developing regression models,but still selection of suitable transformation of the independent variables in a regression model is diffcult.In this paper,a genetic algorithm(GA)has been employed as a heuristic search method for selection of best transformation of the independent variables(some index properties of rocks)in regression models for prediction of uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)and modulus of elasticity(E).Firstly,multiple linear regression(MLR)analysis was performed on a data set to establish predictive models.Then,two GA models were developed in which root mean squared error(RMSE)was defned as ftness function.Results have shown that GA models are more precise than MLR models and are able to explain the relation between the intrinsic strength/elasticity properties and index properties of rocks by simple formulation and accepted accuracy.

A new method to test rock abrasiveness based on physico-mechanical and structural properties of rocks

A new method to test rock abrasiveness is proposed based upon the dependence of rock abrasiveness on their structural and physico-mechanical properties. The article describes the procedure of presentation of properties that govern rock abrasiveness on a canonical scale by dimensionless components, and the integrated estimation of the properties by a generalized index. The obtained results are compared with the known classifications of rock abrasiveness.

Influence of loading and heating processes on elastic and geomechanical properties of eclogites and granulites

Increased knowledge of the elastic and geomechnical properties of rocks is important for numerous engineering and geoscience applications(e.g. petroleum geoscience, underground waste repositories,geothermal energy, earthquake studies, and hydrocarbon exploration). To assess the effect of pressure and temperature on seismic velocities and their anisotropy, laboratory experiments were conducted on metamorphic rocks. P-(Vp) and S-wave(Vs) velocities were determined on cubic samples of granulites and eclogites with an edge length of 43 mm in a triaxial multianvil apparatus using the ultrasonic pulse emission technique in dependence of changes in pressure and temperature. At successive isotropic pressure states up to 600 MPa and temperatures up to 600 ℃, measurements were performed related to the sample coordinates given by the three principal fabric directions(x, y, z) representing the foliation(xy-plane), the normal to the foliation(z-direction), and the lineation direction(x-direction). Progressive volumetric strain was logged by the discrete piston displacements. Cumulative errors in Vpand Vsare estimated to be <1%. Microcrack closure significantly contributes to the increase in seismic velocities and decrease in anisotropies for pressures up to 200-250 MPa. Characteristic P-wave anisotropies of about 10% are obtained for eclogite and 3-4% in a strongly retrogressed eclogite as well as granulites. The wave velocities were used to calculate the geomechanical properties(e.g. density, Poisson’s ratio, volumetric strain, and elastic moduli) at different pressure and temperature conditions. These results contribute to the reliable estimate of geomechanical properties of rocks.

Determination of mechanical parameters for jointed rock masses

Combining with empirical method, laboratory test and numerical simulation, a comprehensive system was presented to determine the mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses. The system has the following four functions: (1) Based on the field investigation of joints, the system can consider rock mass structures, by using network simulation technology. (2) Rock samples are conducted by numerical simulation with the input engineering mechanical parameters of rocks and joints obtained from laboratory tests. (3) The whole stress-strain curve of jointed rock masses under certain normal stress can be plotted from numerical simulation, and then the shear strength parameters of jointed rock masses can be obtained from the whole stress-strain curves under different normal stresses. (4) The statistical values of mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses can be determined according to numerical simulation. Based on the statistical values, combining with engineering experiences and geological investigations, the comprehensive mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses can be achieved finally. Several cases are presented to prove the engineering feasibility and suitability of this system.

Shield Excavation Analysis: Ground Settlement & Mechanical Responses in Complex Strata

This study delves into the effects of shield tunneling in complex coastal strata, focusing on how this constructionmethod impacts surface settlement, the mechanical properties of adjacent rock, and the deformation of tunnelsegments. It investigates the impact of shield construction on surface settlement, mechanical characteristics ofnearby rock, and segment deformation in complex coastal strata susceptible to construction disturbances. Utilizingthe Fuzhou Binhai express line as a case study, we developed a comprehensive numerical model using theABAQUS finite element software. The model incorporates factors such as face force, grouting pressure, jack force,and cutterhead torque. Its accuracy is validated against field monitoring data from engineering projects. Simulationswere conducted to analyze ground settlement and mechanical changes in adjacent rock and segments acrossfive soil layers. The results indicate that disturbances are most significant near the excavation zone of the shieldmachine, with a prominent settlement trough forming and stabilizing around 2.0–3.0 D from the excavation. Theexcavation face compresses the soil, inducing lateral expansion. As grouting pressure decreases, the segmentexperiences upward buoyancy. In mixed strata, softer layers witness increased cutting, intensifying disturbancesbut reducing segment floatation. These findings offer valuable insights for predicting settlements, ensuring segmentand rock safety, and optimizing tunneling parameters.

Effects of thermal treatment on physical and mechanical characteristics of coal rock

To study the physical and mechanical properties of coal rock after treatment at different temperatures under impact loading, dynamic compression experiments were conducted by using a split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB). The stress–strain curves of specimens under impact loading were obtained, and then four indexes affected by temperature were analyzed in the experiment: the longitudinal wave velocity, elastic modulus, peak stress and peak strain. Among these indexes, the elastic modulus was utilized to express the specimens' damage characteristics. The results show that the stress–strain curves under impact loading lack the stage of micro-fissure closure and the slope of the elastic deformation stage is higher than that under static loading. Due to the dynamic loading effect, the peak stress increases while peak strain decreases. The dynamic mechanical properties of coal rock show obvious temperature effects. The longitudinal wave velocity, elastic modulus and peak stress all decrease to different extents with increasing temperature, while the peak strain increases continuously. During the whole heating process, the thermal damage value continues to increase linearly, which indicates that the internal structure of coal rock is gradually damaged by high temperature.

New design equations for estimation of ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations resting on rock masses

Rock masses are commonly used as the underlying layer of important structures such as bridges, dams and transportation constructions. The success of a foundation design for such structures mainly depends on the accuracy of estimating the bearing capacity of rock beneath them. Several traditional numerical approaches are proposed for the estimation of the bearing capacity of foundations resting on rock masses to avoid performing elaborate and expensive experimental studies. Despite this fact, there still exists a serious need to develop more robust predictive models. This paper proposes new nonlinear prediction models for the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations resting on non-fractured rock masses using a novel evolutionary computational approach, called linear genetic programming. A comprehensive set of rock socket, centrifuge rock socket, plate load and large-scaled footing load test results is used to develop the models. In order to verify the validity of the models, the sensitivity analysis is conducted and discussed. The results indicate that the proposed models accurately characterize the bearing capacity of shallow foundations. The correlation coefficients between the experimental and predicted bearing capacity values are equal to 0.95 and 0.96 for the best LGP models. Moreover, the derived models reach a notably better prediction performance than the traditional equations.

Effects of micrite microtextures on the elastic and petrophysical properties of carbonate reservoirs

Apparent differences in sedimentation and diagenesis exist between carbonate reservoirs in different areas and affect their petrophysical and elastic properties.To elucidate the relevant mechanism,we study and analyze the characteristics of rock microstructure and elastic properties of carbonates and their variation regularity using 89 carbonate samples from the different areas The results show that the overall variation regularities of the physical and elastic properties of the carbonate rocks are controlled by the microtextures of the microcrystalline calcite,whereas the traditional classification of rock-and pore-structures is no longer applicable.The micrite microtextures can be divided,with respect to their morphological features,into porous micrite,compact micrite,and tight micrite.As the micrites evolves from the first to the last type,crystal boundaries are observed with increasingly close coalescence,the micritic intercrystalline porosity and pore-throat radius gradually decrease;meanwhile,the rigidity of the calcite microcrystalline particle boundary and elastic homogeneity are enhanced.As a result,the seismic elastic characteristics,such as permeability and velocity of samples,show a general trend of decreasing with the increase of porosity.For low-porosity rock samples(φ<5%)dominated by tight micrite,the micritic pores have limited contributions to porosity and permeability and the micrite elastic properties are similar to those of the rock matrix.In such cases,the macroscopic physical and elastic properties are more susceptible to the formation of cracks and dissolution pores,but these features are controlled by the pore structure.The pore aspect ratio can be used as a good indication of pore types.The bulk modulus aspect ratio for dissolution pores is greater than 0.2,whereas that of the intergranular pores ranges from 0.1 to 0.2.The porous and compact micrites are observed to have a bulk modulus aspect ratio less than 0.1,whereas the ratio of the tight micrite approaches 0.2。

Mechanical and damage evolution properties of sandstone under triaxial compression

To study the mechanical and damage evolution properties of sandstone under triaxial compression, we analyzed the stress strain curve characteristics, deformation and strength properties, and failure process and characteristics of sandstone samples under different stress states. The experimental results reveal that peak strength, residual strength, elasticity modulus and deformation modulus increase linearly with confining pressure, and failure models transform from fragile failure under low confining pressure to ductility failure under high confining pressure. Macroscopic failure forms of samples under uniaxial compression were split failure parallel to the axis of samples, while macroscopic failure forms under uniaxial compression were shear failure, the shear failure angle of which decreased linearly with confin- ing pressure. There were significant volume dilatation properties in the loading process of sandstone under different confining pressures, and we analyzed the damage evolution properties of samples based on acoustic emission damage and volumetric dilatation damage, and established damage constitutive model, realizing the real-time Quantitative evaluation of samnles damage state in loading process.

Sources of variability in laboratory rock test results

Appropriate rock characterization is beneficial in providing a reliable judgment on rock properties which is crucial for the design process of rock engineering applications.However,it can be difficult to obtain consistent mechanical parameters due to substantial variations in rock properties.In this research,uniaxial compression tests on dolerite specimens collected from a gold mine in Western Australia showed substantial scatter in the results.Rock categorization based on the P-wave velocities is as accurate as the thin section analysis,which suggests that they can be used together to gain a more accurate initial understanding of the rock types before any laboratory testing.The quality of specimen preparation and rockemachine interaction greatly affect the test results.For instance,non-parallelness of loading platens can lead to considerable scatter of the testing results,which would be perceived as rock variability.It is suggested that the current testing standards should be modified towards a better control of the loading machine performance and equipment precision.Finally,the possibility of pre-existing microcracks in rock,neither detected by the thin section analysis nor by the ultrasonic measurement,must be examined by computed tomography(CT)scanning as they can affect the test results.This study will enhance our knowledge about the sources of variability in laboratory test results of rock which is essential for obtaining reliable data.

Mechanical properties and failure characteristics of fractured sandstone with grouting and anchorage

Based on uniaxial compression experimental results on fractured sandstone with grouting and anchorage, we studied the strength and deformation properties, the failure model, crack formation and evolution laws of fractured sandstone under different conditions of anchorage. The experimental results show that the strength and elastic modulus of fractured sandstone with different fracture angles are significantly lower than those of intact sandstone. Compared with the fractured samples without anchorage,the peak strength, residual strength, peak and ultimate axial strain of fractured sandstone under different anchorage increase by 64.5–320.0%, 62.8–493.0%, and 31.6–181.4%, respectively. The number of bolts and degree of pre-stress has certain effects on the peak strength and failure model of fractured sandstone. The peak strength of fractured sandstone under different anchorage increases to some extent, and the failure model of fractured sandstone also transforms from tensile failure to tensile–shear mixed failure with the number of bolts. The pre-stress can restrain the formation and evolution process of tensile cracks, delay the failure process of fractured sandstone under anchorage and impel the transformation of failure model from brittle failure to plastic failure.

Rock magnetic property of gravity core CSH1 from the northern Okinawa Trough and the effect of early diagenesis

Detailed rock magnetic investigations were undertaken at 2 -4 cm interval for the gravity core CSHI （with a length of 17.36 m） from the northern Okinawa Trough. Time-scale of the core was constructed by two characteristic tephras and foraminferal assemblages, indicating an age of 50 ka for the bottom of the core. Except for three tephras and abrupt decrease in surface, there are little changes in all kinds of rock magnetic parameters that can be correlated to the climate change for the last 50 ka. Different from the common sediments, most S-ratios （S equals the negative ratio of IRM-0.3T to SIRM, which is an indicator of low coercivity content） of the sediments are smaller than 0. 9, which implies a substantial amount of magnetic minerals with high coercivity. The existence of iron sulphide （ greigite or pyrrhotite） is revealed by representative susceptibility - temperature curves showing 200 350 ℃ Curie temperature in addition to 580 ℃ of magnetite, and also by awful smell during heating and dark heating products. Both the occurrence of authigenic iron sulphide and quick decrease of magnetic parameters near the surface clearly show that sediments from Core CSHI have undergone early diagenesis. The featureless magnetic changes of the whole core except for three tephras mean that the post-depositonal alteration is so strong that most original signals have been destroyed. For the same reason, the organic matter in sediment and sulphate in pore water must have been consumed along with dissolution, precipitation of iron and manganese happening sequencially during the redox reaction series. Great caution must be taken when using these altered chemical parameters for the interpretation of climatic changes.

Hydraulic properties of dune sand-bentonite mixtures of insulation barriers for hazardous waste facilities

The material and elastic properties of rocks are utilized for predicting and evaluating hard rock brittleness using artificial neural networks（ANN）. Herein hard rock brittleness is defined using Yagiz＇method. A predictive model is developed using a comprehensive database compiled from 30 years＇ worth of rock tests at the Earth Mechanics Institute（EMI）, Colorado School of Mines. The model is sensitive to density, elastic properties, and P- and S-wave velocities. The results show that the model is a better predictor of rock brittleness than conventional destructive strength-test based models and multiple regression techniques. While the findings have direct implications on intact rock, the methodology can be extrapolated to rock mass problems in both tunneling and underground mining where rock brittleness is an important control.

Petrophysical properties of deep Longmaxi Formation shales in the southern Sichuan Basin, SW China

Deep shale layer in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation,southern Sichuan Basin is the major replacement target of shale gas exploration in China.However,the prediction of"sweet-spots"in deep shale gas reservoirs lacks physical basis due to the short of systematic experimental research on the physical properties of the deep shale.Based on petrological,acoustic and hardness measurements,variation law and control factors of dynamic and static elastic properties of the deep shale samples are investigated.The study results show that the deep shale samples are similar to the middle-shallow shale in terms of mineral composition and pore type.Geochemical characteristics of organic-rich shale samples(TOC>2%)indicate that these shale samples have a framework of microcrystalline quartz grains;the intergranular pores in these shale samples are between rigid quartz grains and have mechanical property of hard pore.The lean-organic shale samples(TOC<2%),with quartz primarily coming from terrigenous debris,feature plastic clay mineral particles as the support frame in rock texture.Intergranular pores in these samples are between clay particles,and show features of soft pores in mechanical property.The difference in microtexture of the deep shale samples results in an asymmetrical inverted V-type change in velocity with quartz content,and the organic-rich shale samples have a smaller variation rate in velocity-porosity and velocity-organic matter content.Also due to the difference in microtexture,the organic-rich shale and organic-lean shale can be clearly discriminated in the cross plots of P-wave impedance versus Poisson’s ratio as well as elasticity modulus versus Poisson’s ratio.The shale samples with quartz mainly coming from biogenic silica show higher hardness and brittleness,while the shale samples with quartz from terrigenous debris have hardness and brittleness less affected by quartz content.The study results can provide a basis for well-logging interpretation and"sweet spot"prediction of Longmaxi Formation shale gas reservoirs.

Dynamic rock tests using split Hopkinson （Kolsky） bar system - A review

Dynamic properties of rocks are important in a variety of rock mechanics and rock engineering problems. Due to the transient nature of the loading, dynamic tests of rock materials are very different from and much more challenging than their static counterparts. Dynamic tests are usually conducted using the split Hopkinson bar or Kolsl^j bar systems, which include both split Hopkinson pressure bar （SHPB） and split Hopkinson tension bar （SHTB） systems. Significant progress has been made on the quantification of various rock dynamic properties, owing to the advances in the experimental techniques of SHPB system. This review aims to fully describe and critically assess the detailed procedures and principles of tech- niques for dynamic rock tests using split Hopkinson bars. The history and principles of SHPB are outlined, followed by the key loading techniques that are useful for dynamic rock tests with SHPB （i.e. pulse shaping, momentum-trap and multi-axial loading techniques）. Various measurement techniques for rock tests in SHPB （i.e. X-ray micro computed tomography （CT）, laser gap gauge （LGG）, digital image corre- lation （DIC）, Moir~ method, caustics method, photoelastic coating method, dynamic infrared thermog- raphy） are then discussed. As the main objective of the review, various dynamic measurement techniques for rocks using SHPB are described, including dynamic rock strength measurements （i.e. dynamic compression, tension, bending and shear tests）, dynamic fracture measurements （i.e. dynamic imitation and propagation fracture toughness, dynamic fracture energy and fracture velocity）, and dy- namic techniques for studying the influences of temperature and pore water.