Effects of weathering depth and thickness on rock failure:Experimental approach and particle flow code simulation

This study investigated the effects of weathering depth and thickness on the failure mechanisms of rock samples through experimental and numerical methods.The first configuration involved conducting artificial weathering on limestone using the freezing and thawing(F-T)for 40 cycles.The mechanical parameters of the samples were measured at the end of the 40th cycle.In the second configuration,a series of specimens underwent salt crystallization(S-C)tests for 20 cycles.Experimental results were validated using discrete element method(DEM).Next,the weathered limestone model with dimensions of 108 mm54 mm were prepared.The weathering layers were tested at four different thicknesses(i.e.2.5 mm,5 mm,7.5 mm,and 10 mm)and three different positions(at the surface,5 mm under the rock surface,and 10 mm under the rock surface).According to the results,weathering depth and thickness have a considerable effect on the failure process.The results also showed a correlation between the values of compressive strength and failure mechanisms associated with the weathering layer.The numerical results revealed that the tension crack was the dominant factor.Additionally,with increasing weathering thickness,Young's modulus,crack initiation stress,and final strength decreased in constant weathering depth.The results also demonstrated that the failure progress of the numerical models was similar to that observed in the laboratory.

Simulation Study of Foundations Reinforced with Horizontal-Vertical Inclusions Using Particle Flow Code

A two-dimensionM discrete element code, particle flow code （PFC2D）, is employed to investigate foundations reinforced with horizontal-vertical （H-V） inclusions. The initial states and loading processes of both unreinforced and H-V reinforced foundations are simulated by PFC2D method. The interface between particles and reinforcements, and the reinforcement mechanism of the H-V reinforced foundations are studied through stress distribution graphs, displacement vector graphs and contact force graphs. The simulation results demonstrate that the vertical elements of the H-V reinforcement keep the particles from being displaced under the applied load. The H-V reinforcement can distribute the load uniformly over a wider area, thereby improving the bearing capacity of soil foundation.

Mechanism of stress distribution and failure around two different shapes of openings within fractured rock-like materials

The complexity of a rock masses structure can lead to high uncertainties and risk during underground engineering construction.Laboratory tests on fractured rock-like materials containing a tunnel were conducted,and twodimensional particle flow models were established.The principal stress and principal strain distributions surrounding the four-arc-shaped and inverted U-shaped tunnels were investigated,respectively.Numerical results indicated that the dip angle combination of preexisting fractures directly affects the principal stress,principal strain distribution and the failure characteristics around the tunnel.The larger the absolute value of the preexisting fracture inclination angle,the higher the crushing degree of compression splitting near the hance and the larger the V-shaped failure zone.With a decrease in the absolute value of the preexisting fracture inclination angle,the compressive stress concentration of the sidewall with preexisting fractures gradually increases.The types of cracks initiated around the four-arc-shaped tunnel and the inverted U-shape tunnel are different.When the fractures are almost vertical,they have a significant influence on the stress of the sidewall force of the four-arc-shaped tunnel.When the fractures are almost horizontal,they have a significant influence on the stress of the sidewall of the inverted U-shaped tunnel.The findings provide a theoretical support for the local strengthening design of the tunnel supporting structure.