Theoretical and numerical studies of crack initiation and propagation in rock masses under freezing pressure and far-field stress

Water-bearing rocks exposed to freezing temperature can be subjected to freezeethaw cycles leading tocrack initiation and propagation, which are the main causes of frost damage to rocks. Based on theGriffith theory of brittle fracture mechanics, the crack initiation criterion, propagation direction, andcrack length under freezing pressure and far-field stress are analyzed. Furthermore, a calculation methodis proposed for the stress intensity factor （SIF） of the crack tip under non-uniformly distributed freezingpressure. The formulae for the crack/fracture propagation direction and length of the wing crack underfreezing pressure are obtained, and the mechanism for coalescence of adjacent cracks is investigated.In addition, the necessary conditions for different coalescence modes of cracks are studied. Using thetopology theory, a new algorithm for frost crack propagation is proposed, which has the capability todefine the crack growth path and identify and update the cracked elements. A model that incorporatesmultiple cracks is built by ANSYS and then imported into FLAC3D. The SIFs are then calculated using aFISH procedure, and the growth path of the freezing cracks after several calculation steps is demonstratedusing the new algorithm. The proposed method can be applied to rocks containing fillings such asdetritus and slurry. 2014 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The lining responses for shallow mountain tunnels subjected to frost heaving

Mountain tunnels in cold regions are vulnerable to adverse effects of freezing action.Thus,it is necessary to identify the lining responses of shallow mountain tunnels subjected to freezing action.To quantify the influence of freezing action and key design parameters(such as cross-sectional shape;lining thickness;and waterproof measures)on the lining response,a thermal-hydro-mechanical coupled finite element(FE)model is established and verified.Then,specific consideration is given to the lining internal force and resulting axial stresses.And the influences of the cross-sectional shape,concrete parameters,and waterproof measures on the lining responses are investigated.Generally,the rectangular tunnel has the worst security;the circular tunnel is the safest.On the other hand,when the thermal conductivity is less than 2.2[W/(m·K)],a greater thermal conductivity will cause a greater risk of damage to the lining.Moreover,the drainage plate can reduce the value of minimum axial stresses,whether frozen or not,even eliminating the tensiondamaged area.Overall,this study helps to estimate the lining responses and prevent frost damages for shallow mountain tunnels during freezing period.