Experimental investigation of the anisotropic mechanical behavior of phyllite under triaxial compression

• Published in: International journal of rock mechanics and mining sciences (Oxford, England : 1997) Vol. 104; pp. 100 - 112
• Main Authors: Xu, Guowen, He, Chuan, Su, Ang, Chen, Ziquan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Acoustic emissions(AE); Acoustics; Anisotropic rocks; Anisotropy; Compression; Compressive strength; Excavation; Failure mechanisms; Fractal property; Fractals; Fractures; Gneiss; Heat transfer; Mechanical properties; Natural gas; Natural gas exploration; Oil and gas exploration; Oil exploration; Permeability; Planes; Radioactive materials; Research projects; Rocks; Sandstone; Scanning electron microscope (SEM); Scanning electron microscopy; Schist; Shale; Triaxial compression; Triaxial compression tests; Underground storage; Triaxial compression; Scanning electron microscope (SEM); Acoustic emissions(AE); Anisotropy; Fractal property
• ISSN: 1365-1609; 1873-4545
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2018.02.017

The physical and mechanical properties (e.g., strength, permeability, and heat transfer) of anisotropic rocks are affected significantly by weak planes. Numerous engineering projects have dealt with anisotropic rocks, including underground excavation, the storage of radioactive materials, and oil and gas exploration. In recent years, the behavior of anisotropic rocks, including phylllte, schist, gneiss, slate, shale, sandstone, and synthetic rock, has been attracting increased interest, and their behavior has been studied using uniaxial and triaxial compression tests. The results of these past research projects clearly indicate that weak planes affect the macroscopic fracture patterns, the mesoscopic failure mechanisms, and the failure process of anisotropic rock. A comprehensive study of these phenomena will help gain a better understanding of the anisotropic features of rock. Thus, this paper describes our use of triaxial compression tests to investigate the anisotropy of phyllite with different water contents. In addition to fracture patterns and strength, the mesoscopic failure mechanisms were obtained through SEM fractographic studies and 3D laser profilometry on the fractured surface.