Numerical modeling of permeability evolution based on degradation approach during progressive failure of brittle rocks

The permeability evolution of rock during the progressive failure process is described. In combination with the strength degradation index, the degradation formulas of s and a, which are dependent on the plastic confining strain component, the material constants of Hock-Brown failure criterion are presented, and a modified elemental scale elastic-brittle-plastic constitutive model of rock is established. The rela- tionship between volumetric strain and permeability through tri-axial compression is investigated. Based on the above, a permeability evolution model is established. The model incorporates confining pressure- dependent degradation of strength, dilatancy and corresponding permeability evolution. The model is implemented in FLAC by the FISH function method. The permeability evolution behavior of rock is inves-tigated during the progressive failure process in a numerical case. The results show that the model is cap- able of reproducing, and allowing visualization of a range of hydro-mechanical responses of rock. The effects of confining pressure on degradation of strength, dilatancy and permeability evolution are also reflected.

Triaxial shear behavior of a cement-treated sand——gravel mixture

A number of parameters,e.g.cement content,cement type,relative density,and grain size distribution,can influence the mechanical behaviors of cemented soils.In the present study,a series of conventional triaxial compression tests were conducted on a cemented poorly graded sandegravel mixture containing 30% gravel and 70% sand in both consolidated drained and undrained conditions.Portland cement used as the cementing agent was added to the soil at 0%,1%,2%,and 3%(dry weight) of sandegravel mixture.Samples were prepared at 70% relative density and tested at confining pressures of 50 kPa,100 kPa,and150 kPa.Comparison of the results with other studies on well graded gravely sands indicated more dilation or negative pore pressure in poorly graded samples.Undrained failure envelopes determined using zero Skempton’s pore pressure coefficient (= 0) criterion were consistent with the drained ones.Energy absorption potential was higher in drained condition than undrained condition,suggesting that more energy was required to induce deformation in cemented soil under drained state.Energy absorption increased with increase in cement content under both drained and undrained conditions.