Journal: International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

Abbreviation

Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci.

Publisher

Elsevier

Journal Volumes

ISSN

1365-1609
0148-9062
1873-4545

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Publications 1 - 10 of 45
  • Simulating electropulse fracture of granitic rock
    Item type: Journal Article
    Walsh, Stuart D.C.; Vogler, Daniel (2020)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
  • Injection-induced slip heterogeneity on faults in shale reservoirs
    Item type: Journal Article
    Jia, Yunzhong; Wu, Wei; Kong, Xiang-Zhao (2020)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
  • Modelling rockbursts around a deep tunnel based on the particle finite element method: From progressive degradation to catastrophic ejection
    Item type: Journal Article
    Wang, Liang; Lei, Qinghua (2025)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
    We develop a novel computational framework based on the particle finite element method for simulating rockburst phenomena, from pre-failure initiation to failure evolution and to post-failure mobilisation and ejection, across spatiotemporal scales in hard rocks. The proposed framework builds upon a rigorously validated and extensively calibrated particle finite element model, distinguished by its unique capability to handle large deformation problems. This framework can simultaneously capture the creep damage mechanism based on a time-dependent strength degradation model and the brittle fracturing process based on a cohesion loss-frictional strengthening model. The post-failure mobilisation is further governed by a frictional weakening formulation to capture the associated stress drop behaviour. We consider the intrinsic material heterogeneity assuming a Weibull distribution of rock mass properties and represent the nearby fault zone as a thin continuum layer with equivalent mechanical properties. We apply the model to investigate the processes and phenomena of deep tunnelling-induced rockbursts under different stress and heterogeneity conditions. Our simulation results, grounded in a thoroughly validated modelling framework, yield insights with important implications for understanding and predicting catastrophic rockbursts during deep tunnel excavation. While further site-specific calibration would be required for practical application, the current framework demonstrates strong potential as a predictive tool for evaluating rockburst hazards in complex geological settings.
  • Limit equilibrium of asymmetric laterally constrained rockslides
    Item type: Journal Article
    Hungr, O.; Amann, F. (2011)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
  • Roles of heat and stress transfer in triggering fault instability in conjugate faulted reservoirs
    Item type: Journal Article
    Ma, Yueqiang; Xia, Kaiwen; Lei, Qinghua; et al. (2024)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
    The presence of multiple conjugate but non-intersecting faults in geothermal reservoirs presents issues related to fault interaction in the presence of complex coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes in influencing the triggering of seismicity. We examine alternate strategies in stimulating such a conjugate-faulted geothermal reservoir analogous to that hosting the Mw 5.5 Pohang earthquake (2017). We evaluate the response of the reservoir to both short-term stimulation (1y) and long-term production (10y), both with and without thermal effects – for a large fault (F1) adjacent to a non-intersecting smaller fault (F2) and in a reverse faulting stress regime. Results suggest that the slip on either fault impacts the stress state on the other fault through stress transfer. Reactivation of the minor fault (F2) transfers stress towards to the upper part of primary fault (F1), inducing instability. The slip of the major fault is delayed by positioning the location of injection away from the junction between the two faults – decreasing the injection depth from 4087.5 m to 3712.5 m delays the time to slip by 2.61 y. Furthermore, thermal stress plays a decisive role in prompting late-stage fault reactivation for long-term fluid circulation where pore pressures have already reached steady state. The pattern of thermal unloading follows the path of fluid transport and heat transfer along the faults. Overall, this study not only advances our understanding of mechanisms of injection-induced fault instability in EGS reservoirs with multiple and closely-interacting faults, but also provides insights into how different injection strategies can delay or mitigate induced seismicity.
  • Fully coupled hydro-mechanical–chemical continuum modeling of fluid percolation through rock salt
    Item type: Journal Article
    Yevugah, Ishmael Dominic; Kong, Xiang-Zhao; Jacquey, Antoine B.; et al. (2025)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
    In domal and bedded rock salt geothermal reservoirs, geochemical dissolution of the in-situ rock salt formation can alter fluid transport properties, thus impacting fluid flow. Coupled Hydro-mechanical–chemical (HMC) modeling is a useful tool to evaluate fluid transport through rock salt geothermal systems and to assess their economic potential. Existing continuum-based numerical simulation of fluid transport through rock salt relies on the polyhedral orientation of rock salt crystal boundaries as potential fluid pathways, employing a deformation-dependent permeability model to depict pressure-driven fluid flow through rock salt. However, this numerical approach is exclusively HM-coupled and overlooks the influence of halite dissolution/precipitation on the permeability model. This study extends the deformation-dependent permeability model to account for halite dissolution by adopting a reverse mineral growth approach. Using this extended (HMC-coupled) model, we capture the relevance of geochemical reactions on the response of rock salt formations undergoing pressure-driven fluid percolation. The resulting simulations predict a lower fluid pressure than the HM-coupled scenario, highlighting the impact of halite dissolution on fluid flow through rock salt.
  • Constraining the stress field and its variability at the BedrettoLab: Elaborated hydraulic fracture trace analysis
    Item type: Journal Article
    Bröker, Kai Erich Norbert; Ma, Xiaodong; Zhang, Shihuai; et al. (2024)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
    The measurement of the stress field and its natural heterogeneity is a common challenge in the field of geophysics and underground engineering. This study presents findings from an extensive mini-frac campaign conducted at the Bedretto Underground Laboratory (BedrettoLab) in the Swiss Alps. Six dedicated stress measurement boreholes, spanning 500 m along the Bedretto Tunnel, were utilized to prepare for meso-scale hydraulic stimulation experiments in a granitic rock volume. A detailed analysis of the induced hydraulic fracture trace morphology was carried out using acoustic televiewer logging data, with an interpretation based on the local geological context. The results show that the far field orientation of the maximum horizontal stress (S_Hmax) is on average N112°E and the overburden stress can be assumed to be a principal stress direction. However, the en-echelon shape of the observed hydraulic fracture traces suggests that there is a slight inclination of the greatest principal stress away from the vertical stress direction. The mini-frac test intervals along boreholes inside the enlarged niche of the BedrettoLab indicate a counterclockwise rotated horizontal stress by up to 37° and potentially stronger inclination of the greatest principal stress from the vertical stress direction. The most likely causes of this stress field rotation, along with a considerably larger scatter in stress magnitudes, appear to be the larger laboratory niche dimensions compared to the tunnel and the presence of natural fractures that are preferentially oriented for slip in the far field stress state. Although the uncertainties and variability of the stress field around the BedrettoLab are not yet fully understood, our results are useful for strategic planning and design of meso-scale stimulation experiments in the rock volume. Furthermore, our detailed analysis procedure contributes to advancing the understanding of mini-frac tests in similar geological settings.
  • Anisotropic dynamic elastic properties of Triassic Milas marbles from Mugla region in Turkey
    Item type: Journal Article
    Deliormanli, A. H.; Burlini, L.; Yavuz, A. B. (2007)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
  • Analysis of acoustic emissions recorded during a mine-by experiment in an underground research laboratory in clay shales
    Item type: Journal Article
    Amann, Florian; Le Gonidec, Yves; Senis, Montse; et al. (2018)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
  • The possible role of brittle rock fracture in the 1963 Vajont Slide, Italy
    Item type: Journal Article
    Havaej, Mohsen; Wolter, Andrea; Stead, Doug (2015)
    International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
Publications 1 - 10 of 45