Submit to Minerals Review for Minerals Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (14 April 2023) | Viewed by 11790

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Lianguo Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Interests: mining rock mechanics; stability analysis and control of surrounding rock in deep underground engineering; mine power disaster prevention and control

Dr. Zhaolin Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mines, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
Interests: true triaxial failure of rock; fracture mechanics; damage mechanics; analysis on fracture law of surrounding rock

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the demand for mineral resources and underground space in the deep crust keeps increasing, underground rock engineerings, such as mines, tunnels, hydropower stations, and nuclear waste repositories, is gradually turning its focus to the development of deep rocks. Deep underground engineering faces extreme conditions such as high ground stress and strong engineering disturbance. This leads to the frequent occurrence of engineering disasters with high energy levels and large volumes in the deep. The mechanism is unclear, difficult to predict, and effectively control, and the traditional rock mechanics and mining theories are controversial in terms of deep applicability.

In the construction of deep underground engineering, some abnormal rock fracture and damage phenomena, such as rock burst, large deformation, and zonal disintegration, differ significantly from those of shallow rocks. This sheds light on the judgment that deep rocks may have mechanical constitutive behaviors that are completely different from shallow ones. As traditional rock mechanics only take static loads, fatigue loads, or impact loads into account, it is inadequate to explain the unconventional mechanical behavior and fracture characteristics of deep rocks, as well as to provide scientific guidance for major underground engineering issues such as exploitation of deep resources, storage of deep energy, CO₂ and nuclear waste storage, and earthquake prediction. Therefore, to ensure the scientific design and safe operation of deep underground engineering, it is of great significance to learn more about the mechanical behavior and fracture characteristics of deep rocks. Moreover, the issues of earth science, environmental science, and engineering science in the utilization of deep space have become an important direction for the development of science and technology in the future world, which is a major frontier field of related disciplines and their cross-integration.

The Special Issue focuses on the latest and most challenging research topics on rock mechanical behavior and fractures in deep underground engineering, as well as on the mechanism and control of deep engineering geological disasters. We invite researchers to provide original research on the mechanism and control of deep rock mass geological disasters and their applications for this Special Issue. Accordingly, excellent original research papers and state-of-the-art review papers that well reflect advances in dynamic failure characteristics, energy characteristics, and nonlinear mechanical behavior of deep rocks are to be collected. Manuscripts on laboratory experiments, field investigations, theoretical analyses, and numerical simulations are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

Theory and methods of deep rock mechanics tests
Mechanical characteristics of rock under high stress
In situ mechanical behavior of deep underground rock masses
Fracture mechanism and characteristics of deep underground rock masses
Distribution and evolution characteristics of mining-induced stress in surrounding rock in deep roadways
Macroscopic and microscopic damage behavior of deep rock masses
Energy dissipation characteristics of deep rocks
New developments in numerical simulation of deep rock fractures
Constitutive models and failure criteria of deep rocks
Nonlinear mechanical characteristics and aging characteristics of deep rock masses
Deep mining power mutation causes disaster theory
Theory and technology in deep mining disaster change prediction
Deep mining disaster prevention and control technologies

Prof. Dr. Lianguo Wang
Dr. Zhaolin Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

fracture mechanics
three-dimensional stress field
disaster process
evolutionary mechanism
constitutive relation
stress field
mechanical properties
loading rate
engineering application
monitoring method
numerical simulation
dynamic fracture toughness

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 4883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Model for Calculating Surface Movement Related to Open-Pit and Underground Caving Combined Mining

by Kai Ma, Tianhong Yang, Yong Zhao, Yuan Gao, Rongxing He, Yilong Liu, Junxu Hou and Jinduo Li

Minerals 2023, 13(4), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13040520 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1307

Abstract

Surface movement under the combined mining of open-pit and underground caving is the main problem affecting safe and efficient mining. Taking the combined mining of Dahongshan Iron Mine as an example, a mechanical model for calculating surface movement range was established to reveal the movement mechanism. The topography, the caving zone, the gravel filling of the caving zone and mining depth were considered, and the surface principal stress was calculated. Based on the mechanical model, the mechanical relationship between the subsidence angle and the surface cracking range was established and the definition of subsidence angle was supplemented: the subsidence angle is the angle measured from the horizontal of the moving boundary line, a straight line with zero displacement from the edge of the deepest extraction level to the surface and the largest surface cracking range. A trial calculation method for calculating the subsidence angle was proposed: by presetting different subsidence angles, the subsidence angle corresponding to the maximum surface prone cracking range calculated by mechanical model was found as the real subsidence angle. The subsidence angle calculated by the mechanical model was 60°, consistent with the observed subsidence angle of 64° in the Dahongshan Iron Mine, which verifies the reliability of the model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Negative Value of the Non-Darcy Flow Coefficient in Pore-Fracture Media under Hydro-Mechanical Coupling

by Ying Zhang, Qingqing Shang, Dongsheng Zhang, Jiliang Pan, Xun Xi, Peitao Wang and Meifeng Cai

Minerals 2023, 13(3), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13030373 - 07 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1215

Abstract

The Forchheimer equation is widely used in studying non-Darcy flow. Non-Darcy flow coefficient β in the Forchheimer equation is generally thought to be positive, and there are few studies on negative values. In this work, we performed seepage tests on sandstone samples with single, T-shaped, and Y-shaped fractures under different confining pressures, water pressures, and angles to analyze the nonlinear seepage behaviors and the features of Forchheimer’s coefficients of water flow in pore-fracture media. At the same time, the flow trajectory of the fluid inside the sample is studied by numerical simulation. The results showed that β was negative in the seepage test in pore-fracture media. The angle of the single-fracture sandstone sample had a greater influence on the seepage characteristic of the pore-fracture media; angles of the sandstone samples with T-shaped and Y-shaped fractures had a relatively small impact. The relationship between β and inherent permeability k was following a power function, and the differences in the seepage characteristics between the three fractures were compared. The use of the normalized hydraulic conductivity method is used to evaluate the applicability of Darcy’s law. Finally, we explained the primary cause of non-linear seepage behaviors with negative β in fractured sandstone samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strain Energy Dissipation Characteristics and Neural Network Model during Uniaxial Cyclic Loading and Unloading of Dry and Saturated Sandstone

by Yang Hao, Yu Wu, Ruoyu Cui, Kewang Cao, Dongdong Niu and Chunhui Liu

Minerals 2023, 13(2), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13020131 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1565

Abstract

The energy dissipation characteristics are important features of rock damage and failure during loading. However, the quantitative relationship between energy dissipation and rock failure is not clear. In this work, acoustic emission monitoring tests during uniaxial cyclic loading and unloading were conducted on sandstones in two conditions, namely dry and saturated, to investigate the energy evolution characteristics. Then, an index of the absolute energy ratio and a dynamic adjustment coefficient were put forward to represent rock damage and failure. A recurrent neural network was employed to predict the dynamic adjustment coefficient of dissipative strain energy. The results showed that (1) water saturation promoted the increased rate of dissipative strain energy during the last loading and unloading, but suppressed the sudden drop in elastic strain energy. (2) In the early and middle stages of cyclic loading–unloading, the absolute acoustic emission energy of dry and saturated rock samples was mainly generated by the historical maximum stress, while the absolute acoustic emission energy was mainly generated by cycle loading–unloading in the final cyclic stages. (3) The absolute energy ratio of both dry and saturated rock samples showed a sudden increase at the last cyclic loading–unloading, and this phenomenon can be taken as a precursor of rock damage of cycle loading–unloading. (4) The recurrent neural network for the prediction of the dynamic adjustment coefficient shows good agreement for rock failure related to dissipative strain energy. The results can provide experimental and prediction models for the monitoring and warning of rock engineering disasters in slopes, hydraulic fractures, tunnels, and coal mines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modified Tributary Area and Pressure Arch Theories for Mine Pillar Stress Estimation in Mountainous Areas

by Yang Yu, Jin Ma, Shenen Chen, Kazhong Deng, Bingqian Chen, Fenfen Hua and Jianrong Kang

Minerals 2023, 13(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13010117 - 12 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1586

Abstract

This paper describes a parametric study using discrete element modeling (DEM) of partial mining in a mountain terrain with in situ pillars for overburden support. For room and pillar mining or strip pillar mining, the accurate estimation of pillar stress is essential to ensure pillar stability and mine safety. Classical mine design methods such as the tributary area theory (TAT) and the pressure arch theory (PAT) are commonly used to calculate the pillar stress for mines under a relatively flat terrain. However, mine sites with uneven terrains can result in nonuniform stress distributions in the mine system and the classical methods may underestimate the pillar stresses by several times. In this paper, 1200 DEM mine models with terrains that include either a single slope or a valley, have been constructed. Through rigorous numerical modeling, the effects of several design parameters are identified: The influence factors, influence range, and mechanism of the concentrated pillar stresses computed from the models indicate that the shape of an extended pressure arch (EPA) can dictate the accuracy of the TAT and PAT methods. Based on the EPA estimation, a pillar stress estimation method is proposed for the design of mines in mountainous terrains. This paper updated the method of terrain-induced pillar stress concentrations with an improved EPA theory, and the gap between PAT and TAT theories is addressed by further discussion on their relationship and applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 29497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Paleostress Analysis in the Northern Birjand, East of Iran: Insights from Inversion of Fault-Slip Data

by Maryam Ezati, Ahmad Rashidi, Ebrahim Gholami, Seyed Morteza Mousavi, Majid Nemati, Shahram Shafieibafti and Reza Derakhshani

Minerals 2022, 12(12), 1606; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12121606 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

This research assessed stress regimes and fields in eastern Iran using fault-slip data and the tectonic events associated with these changes. Our stress analysis of the brittle structures in the Shekarab Mountains revealed significant changes in stress regimes from the late Cretaceous to the Quaternary. Reconstructing stress fields using the age and sense of fault movements showed that during the late Cretaceous, the direction of the maximum horizontal stress axes (σ1) under a compressional stress regime was ~N290°. This stress regime led to the uplifting of ophiolites and peridotites in eastern Iran. During the Eocene, the σ1 direction was NE-SW. The late Eocene and Oligocene stress states showed two distinct transpression and transtension stress regimes. This transition from transpression to transtension in the eastern Shekarab Mountains was the consequence of regional variations in stress regimes. The Quaternary stress state indicates that the tectonic regime in the Quaternary is strike-slip and the σ1 direction is ~N046°, which coincides with the current convergence direction of the Arabia–Eurasia plates. Our paleostress analysis revealed that four distinct stress regimes have been recognized in the area, including compressional, transtensional, transpressional, and strike-slip regimes. Our findings indicated that the diversity of the tectonic regimes was responsible for the formation of a variety of geological structures, including folds with different axes, faults with different mechanisms, and the current configuration of the Sistan suture zone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Characteristics of Sandstone under High Temperature and Cyclic Loading in Underground Coal Gasification

by Ji’an Luo and Jun He

Minerals 2022, 12(10), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101313 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1260

Abstract

In the process of underground gasification of coal, the top rock of coal seam will experience a certain high temperature action and be in a complex stress environment. Therefore, it is of great theoretical and engineering significance to study the effect of cyclic unloading and loading on mechanical properties of rocks under high temperature action. In this thesis, the stress–strain curves of sandstone under different high-temperature treatments are obtained by conducting graded loading and unloading tests on sandstone treated at room temperature and at 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, respectively. The research content of this paper is as follows: the peak stress, peak strain, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, internal friction angle, and cohesion of sandstone in the destruction stage of sandstone. The results show that the peak strain and cohesion of sandstone show an increasing trend with the increase of temperature from room temperature to 800 °C; the peak stress shows a decreasing trend with the increase of temperature from room temperature to 800 °C; the modulus of elasticity tends to increase from 200 °C to 400 °C and to decrease with temperature in the rest of the period; the Poisson’s ratio tends to increase from 600 °C to 800 °C and to decrease with temperature in the rest of the period; the internal friction angle increases sharply within room temperature to 200 °C, decreases slowly within 200–600 °C, and decreases sharply when the temperature exceeds 600 °C. The results of the study will provide important reference significance for the design and engineering application of the gasifier of a coal-bed underground gasification project. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Preliminary Experimental Study on the Effect of Confining Pressure or Gas Pressure on the Permeability of Coal Samples

by Jiaxing Guo, Lianguo Wang, Ke Ding, Chongyang Jiang, Shuai Wang and Bo Ren

Minerals 2022, 12(10), 1265; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101265 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 972

Abstract

To provide technical support for gas extraction and gas accident prevention technology, the permeability law of gas in coal seams under different ground stress and gas pressure has been explored. The evolution law of coal sample permeability under different confining pressure and gas pressure was deeply studied by using the coal rock mechanics–permeability test system TAWD-2000. The conclusions are as follows. The permeability of coal samples can be divided into three stages in the whole stress–strain process, gradually decreasing stage, tending to be stable and slowly rising stage, and significantly rising stage. When the confining pressure and axial pressure of the coal sample are constant, the permeability of the coal sample decreases gradually with the increase in gas pressure. When the gas pressure and axial pressure of coal samples are constant, the permeability of the coal samples first decreases and then rises with the gradual increase of confining pressure. Under different confining pressures and gas pressures, the change degree and change rate of coal permeability and are different in the whole stress–strain process. The research results can provide necessary data support for subsequent numerical calculations and practical engineering application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Deformation and Failure Characteristics and Control Technology of Mining Area Rises under the Influence of Mining Stress

by Chongyang Jiang, Lianguo Wang, Furong Tang, Zhaolin Li, Shuai Wang and Bo Ren

Minerals 2022, 12(10), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101242 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1077

Abstract

Affected by mining stress, roadways surrounding rock face problems such as serious deformation and failure and difficult support. In this study, with the II2 mining area rise in Taoyuan Coal Mine taken as the engineering background, the evolution laws of stress, deformation and plastic zone area of the mining area rises during the advance process of the working face were explored with the aid of FLAC^3D software. The results suggested that the stress, deformation and plastic zone area of the surrounding rock increase significantly when the distance between the working face and the track rise is less than 20 m. Based on this finding, it was further determined that the stopping line of the II8₂22 working face should be at least 20 m away from the track rise. Furthermore, in accordance with the deformation and failure characteristics of surrounding rock under the influence of mining stress, this paper conducted a simulation on four support schemes of mining area rises, and quantitatively analyzed the mechanical response of a roadway surrounding rock under these support schemes. The simulation results revealed that the support scheme of “bolt-mesh-spray-cable + grouting bolt” can effectively deal with the influence of mining stress on the working face. Meanwhile, an engineering application was carried out. By monitoring the surface displacement of the surrounding rock, it was found that the deformation of the roadway surrounding rock was effectively controlled, and a remarkable support effect was achieved. In short, the proposed support scheme greatly improved the stability and safety of surrounding rock in the mining area rise under the influence of mining stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Characteristics of Rock in Deep Underground Engineering

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI