Experimental and numerical study of granite blocks containing two side flaws and a tunnel-shaped opening. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Hao; Fan, Xiang; Lai, Hongpeng; Xie, Yongli; He, Zhongming
• Is Part Of: Theoretical and applied fracture mechanics. Volume 104(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Side flaw -- Tunnel-shaped opening -- Uniaxial compression -- Cracking -- Principal stress distribution; PFC particle flow code -- RFPA rock failure process analysis -- TCC three-centered circular -- FCC five-centered circular -- FLAC fast lagrangian analysis of continua -- MP monitoring point -- TSZ tensile stress zone -- SSZ shear stress zone; Fracture mechanics -- Periodicals; 620.1126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tafmec.2019.102394
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-8442

Abstract

Highlights: A high stress concentrated zone was generated by two side flaws in the granite block. The highway tunnel shaped opening was created in the high stress zone. The stress distributions and cracking processes around the openings were analyzed. Abstract: In this study, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on granite specimens containing two side flaws. Based on the experimental results, the numerical models containing two side flaws and a tunnel-shaped opening were created to investigate the peak stress, cracking process and stress distribution under uniaxial compression. It is found that the flaw inclination angle strongly affects the strength, cracking process and stress distribution, while the slight change of the opening shape has little influence. The cracks initiate from the flaw tips and the top and bottom of openings. Unlike the case of a circular opening, in addition to arch waists, large compressive stress occurs at the arch foots of the tunnel-shaped opening.