Experimental Study on Shear Behavior and a Revised Shear Strength Model for Infilled Rock Joints
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 20, Issue 9
Abstract
To better understand the shear behavior of infilled rock joints with standard joint roughness coefficient (JRC) profiles, direct shear experiments are performed on sand and clay infilled joints prepared by reproducing the standard JRC profiles on a rock-like material and placing the infill material inside the joint. The results show that the shear behavior and strength of infilled joints are affected by the JRC, the infill material type, the infill thickness to joint asperity amplitude (t/a) ratio, and the applied normal stress. For most of the infilled joints, the shear stress versus shear displacement curve shows a residual shear stress value close to the peak value and no softening phase. The normal displacement of infilled joints shows pure compression or first compression and then dilatation. Under the same normal stress, the clean joints show the largest shear strength, followed by the sand infilled joints, and then the clay infilled joints. The peak shear strength of infilled joints decreases with larger t/a, following a nearly negative exponential relation, and reaches the shear strength value of the infill material when t/a is above a certain value. A revised shear strength model for infilled joints was proposed by incorporating the negative exponential relationship between friction angle and t/a in the Barton and Choubey shear strength criterion under constant normal load (CNL) condition. The good agreement between the prediction results from the revised shear strength model and experimental data indicates its capability in estimating the peak shear strength of infilled rock joints.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Acknowledgments
This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51774131, 51274097, 51434006, 41172266), the Open Projects of State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining (CUMT SKLCRSM16KF12), and the CRSRI Open Research Program (CKWV2017508/KY).
References
Amin, M. F. M., O. H. Yau, C. S. Huei, and R. A. Abdullah. 2008. “Characteristics of filled joint under shear loading.” Bull. Geol. Soc. Malaysia 54: 47–51. https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm54200808.
Asadollahi, P., and F. Tonon. 2010. “Constitutive model for rock fractures: Revisiting Barton’s empirical model.” Eng. Geol. 113 (1–4): 11–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2010.01.007.
ASTM. 2002. Standard test method for unconfined compressive strength of intact rock core specimens. ASTM D2938. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
ASTM. 2005. Standard test method for splitting tensile strength of intact rock core specimens. ASTM D3967. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
ASTM. 2011a. Standard practice for classification of soils for engineering purpose (unified soil classification system). ASTM D2487. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
ASTM. 2011b. Standard test method for direct shear test of soils under consolidated drained conditions. ASTM D3080/D3080M. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
Barla, G., F. Forlati, P. Bertacchi, and A. Zaninetti. 1987. “Shear behaviour of natural filled joints.” In Proc., 6th Congress of the Int. Society for Rock Mechanics, 291–300. Lisbon, Portugal: ISRM.
Barton, N. 1973. “Review of a new shear-strength criterion for rock joints.” Eng. Geol. 7 (4): 287–332. https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7952(73)90013-6.
Barton, N., and V. Choubey. 1977. “The shear strength of rock joints in theory and practice.” Rock Mech. 10 (1–2): 1–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01261801.
Bi, J., X. P. Zhou, and Q. H. Qian. 2016. “The 3D numerical simulation for the propagation process of multiple pre-existing flaws in rock like materials subjected to biaxial compressive loads.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 49 (5): 1611–1627. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-015-0867-y.
Brady, B. H. G., and E. T. Brown. 2007. Rock mechanics: For underground mining. New York: Springer.
Brown, E. T. 2004. “The mechanics of discontinua: Engineering in discontinuous rock.” In Vol. 1 of Proc., 9th Australia New Zealand Conf. on Geomechanics, edited by G. Farquhar, P. Kelsey, J. Marsh, and D. Fellows, 51–72. Auckland: New Zealand Geotechnical Society.
Chen, J., D. Lu, W. Liu, J. Fan, and D. Jiang. 2020. “Stability study and optimization design of small-spacing two-well (SSTW) salt caverns for natural gas storages.” J. Energy Storage 27: 101131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2019.101131.
Chen, J., D. Lu, F. Wu, J. Fan, and W. Liu. 2019. “A non-linear creep constitutive model for salt rock based on fractional derivatives.” Therm. Sci. 23 (3): 773–779. https://doi.org/10.2298/TSCI180510092C.
Cheng, T. C., S. G. Chern, S. R. Wu, and Y. T. Lin. 2016. “Effect of infill moisture content and thickness on shear behavior of planar and rough rock joints.” Geo. Eng. 47 (3): 130–135.
Davis, R. O., and G. A. Salt. 1986. “Strength of undulating shear surfaces in rock.” Géotechnique 36 (4): 503–509. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1986.36.4.503.
Deng, D., R. Simon, and M. Aubertin. 2006. “Modelling shear and normal behaviour of filled rock joints.” In Proc., GeoCongress 2006: Geotechnical Engineering in the Information Technology Age, edited by D. J. DeGroot, J. T. DeJong, D. Frost, and L. G. Baise, 1–6. Reston, VA: ASCE.
De Toledo, P. E., and M. H. De Freitas. 1993. “Laboratory testing and parameters controlling the shear strength of filled rock joints.” Géotechnique 43 (1): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1993.43.1.1.
Gao, Y., and L. N. Y. Wong. 2015. “A modified correlation between roughness parameter z2 and the JRC.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 48 (1): 387–396. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-013-0505-5.
Goodman, R. E. 1970. “Deformability of joints.” In Proc., Symp. on Determination of the In-Situ Modulus of Deformation of Rock, 179–196. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
Grasselli, G., and P. Egger. 2003. “Constitutive law for the shear strength of rock joints based on three-dimensional surface parameters.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 40 (1): 25–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1365-1609(02)00101-6.
Grasselli, G., J. Wirth, and P. Egger. 2002. “Quantitative three-dimensional description of a rough surface and parameter evolution with shearing.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 39 (6): 789–800. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1365-1609(02)00070-9.
Guo, Z. 1982. “The mechanical effect of the thickness of the weak intercalated layers within undulated weak structural plane.” [In Chinese.] Hydrogeol. Eng. Geol. 9 (1): 33–39.
Haberfield, C. M., and I. W. Johnston. 1994. “A mechanistically based model for rough rock joints.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Geomech. Abstr. 31 (4): 279–292. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(94)90898-2.
Hoek, E., and E. T. Brown. 1988. “The Hoek–Brown failure criterion—A 1988 update.” In Proc., 15th Canadian Rock Mechanics Symp., edited by J. Curran, 31–38. Toronto: University of Toronto.
Hoek, E., and J. Bray. 1981. Rock slope engineering. London: Taylor & Francis.
Hoek, E., and E. T. Brown. 1980. Underground excavations in rock. London: Institution of Mining and Metallurgy.
Howing, K.-D., and H. K. Kutter. 1985. “Time dependent shear deformation of filled rock joints.” In Proc., Int. Syrup. on Fundamentals of Rock Joints, 113–122. Lulea, Sweden: Centek Publishers.
Huang, S. L., S. M. Oelfke, and R. C. Speck. 1992. “Applicability of fractal characterization and modelling to rock joint profiles.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Geomech. Abstr. 29 (2): 89–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(92)92120-2.
Huang, X., B. C. Haimson, M. M. Plesha, and X. Qiu. 1993. “An investigation of the mechanics of rock joints—Part I. Laboratory investigation.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Geomech. Abstr. 30 (3): 257–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(93)92729-A.
Indraratna, B., A. Haque, and N. Aziz. 1999. “Shear behaviour of idealized infilled joints under constant normal stiffness.” Géotechnique 49 (3): 331–355. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1999.49.3.331.
Indraratna, B., W. Premadasa, E. T. Brown, A. Gens, and A. Heitor. 2014. “Shear strength of rock joints influenced by compacted infill.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 70: 296–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2014.04.019.
Indraratna, B., H. S. Welideniya, and E. T. Brown. 2005. “A shear strength model for idealised infilled joints under constant normal stiffness.” Géotechnique 55 (3): 215–226. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.2005.55.3.215.
Jahanian, H., and M. H. Sadaghiani. 2015. “Experimental study on the shear strength of sandy clay infilled regular rough rock joints.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 48 (3): 907–922. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-014-0643-4.
Jang, H. S., S. S. Kang, and B. A. Jang. 2014. “Determination of joint roughness coefficients using roughness parameters.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 47 (6): 2061–2073. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-013-0535-z.
Kutter, H. K., and A. Raunterberg. 1979. “The residual shear strength of filled joints in rock.” In Vol. 1 of Proc., 4th. Symp. Int. Congress on Rock Mechanics, 221–227. Lisbon, Portugal: ISRM.
Ladanyi, B., and G. Archambault. 1977. “Shear strength and deformability of filled indented joints.” In Proc., 1st Int. Symp. on the Geotechnics of Structurally Complex Formations, 317–326. Italy: Associazione Geotecnica Italiana.
Lin, H., S. J. Xie, R. Yong, Y. F. Chen, and S. G. Du. 2019a. “An empirical statistical constitutive relationship for rock joint shearing considering scale effect.” C.R. Mec. 347 (8): 561–575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crme.2019.08.001.
Lin, H., H. Yang, Y. Wang, Y. Zhao, and R. Cao. 2019b. “Determination of the stress field and crack initiation angle of an open flaw tip under uniaxial compression.” Theor. Appl. Fract. Mech. 104: 102358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tafmec.2019.102358.
Liu, X. G., W. C. Zhu, Q. L. Yu, S. J. Chen, and R. F. Li. 2017. “Estimation of the joint roughness coefficient of rock joints by consideration of two-order asperity and its application in double-joint shear tests.” Eng. Geol. 220: 243–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.02.012.
Lu, Y., L. Wang, Z. Li, and H. Sun. 2017. “Experimental study on the shear behavior of regular sandstone joints filled with cement grout.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 50 (5): 1321–1336. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-016-1154-2.
Maleki, M. R. 2011. “Study of the engineering geological problems of the Havasan dam, with emphasis on clay-filled joints in the right abutment.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 44 (6): 695–710. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-011-0165-2.
Meng, F., H. Zhou, Z. Wang, L. Zhang, L. Kong, S. Li, and C. Zhang. 2017. “Influences of shear history and infilling on the mechanical characteristics and acoustic emissions of joints.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 50 (8): 2039–2057. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-017-1207-1.
Mirzaghorbanali, A., J. Nemcik, and N. Aziz. 2014. “Effects of cyclic loading on the shear behaviour of infilled rock joints under constant normal stiffness conditions.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 47 (4): 1373–1391. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-013-0452-1.
Naghadehi, M. Z. 2015. “Laboratory study of the shear behaviour of natural rough rock joints infilled by different soils.” Period. Polytech. Civ. Eng. 59 (3): 413–421. https://doi.org/10.3311/PPci.7928.
Papaliangas, T., S. R. Hencher, A. C. Lumsden, and S. Manolopoulou. 1993. “The effect of frictional fill thickness on the shear strength of rock discontinuities.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Geomech. Abstr. 30 (2): 81–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(93)90702-F.
Papaliangas, T., A. C. Lumsden, S. R. Hencher, and S. Manolopoulou. 1990. “Shear strength of modelled filled rock joints.” In Proc., Int. Symp. on Rock Joints, 275–282. Rotterdam, Netherlands: AA Balkema.
Patton, F. D. 1966. “Multiple modes of shear failure in rock.” In Proc., 1st Int. Society for Rock Mechanics Congress, 509–513. Lisbon, Portugal: ISRM.
Peng, K., Z. Liu, Q. Zou, Z. Zhang, and J. Zhou. 2019. “Static and dynamic mechanical properties of granite from various burial depths.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 52: 3545–3566. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-019-01810-y.
Pereira, J. P. 1990. “Shear strength of filled discontinuities.” In Proc., Int. Symp. on Rock Joints, 283–287. Portugal: International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.
Pereira, J. P. 1997. “Rolling friction and shear behaviour of rock discontinuities filled with sand.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 34 (3): 244.e1–244.e17.
Phien-Wej, N., U. B. Shrestha, and G. Rantucci. 1990. “Effect of infill thickness on shear behaviour of rock joints.” In Proc., Int. Symp. on Rock Joints, 289–294. Rotterdam, Netherlands: Balkema.
Samadhiya, N. K., M. N. Viladkar, and M. A. Al-Obaydi. 2008. “Three-dimensional joint/interface element for rough undulating major discontinuities in rock masses.” Int. J. Geomech. 8 (6): 327–335. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1532-3641(2008)8:6(327).
Seidel, J. P., and C. M. Haberfield. 2002. “Laboratory testing of concrete–rock joints in constant normal stiffness direct shear.” Geotech. Test. J. 25 (4): 391–404.
Shrivastava, A. K., and K. S. Rao. 2018. “Physical modeling of shear behavior of infilled rock joints under CNL and CNS boundary conditions.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 51 (1): 101–118. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-017-1318-8.
Skinas, C. A., S. C. Bandis, and C. A. Demiris. 1990. “Experimental investigations and modelling of rock joint behaviour under constant stiffness.” In Proc., Int. Symp. on Rock Joints, 301–308. Rotterdam, Netherlands: Balkema.
Sun, W., T. Zheng, and M. Li. 1981. “The mechanical effect of the thickness of the weak intercalary layers.” In Proc., Int. Symp. on Weak Rock, 49–54. Portugal: International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.
Wu, Q. H., L. Weng, Y. Zhao, B. H. Guo, and T. Luo. 2019. “On the tensile mechanical characteristics of fine-grained granite after heating/cooling treatments with different cooling rates.” Eng. Geol. 253: 94–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2019.03.014.
Xiao, S. F., and K. Argelov. 1991. Structures of inter-layer shear zones and their creeping behaviour. [In Chinese.] Changchun, China: Jilin Science Press.
Xu, D. P., X. T. Feng, and Y. J. Cui. 2013. “An experimental study on the shear strength behavior of an interlayered shear weakness zone.” Bull. Eng. Geol. Environ. 72 (3–4): 327–338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-013-0479-2.
Xu, S., and M. H. de Freitas. 1988. “Use of a rotary shear box for testing the shear strength of rock joints.” Géotechnique 38 (2): 301–309. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1988.38.2.301.
Zhao, Y., Y. Wang, W. Wang, L. Tang, Q. Liu, and G. Cheng. 2019. “Modeling of rheological fracture behavior of rock cracks subjected to hydraulic pressure and far field stresses.” Theor. Appl. Fract. Mech. 101: 59–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tafmec.2019.01.026.
Zhao, Y., L. Zhang, W. Wang, C. Pu, W. Wan, and J. Tang. 2016. “Cracking and stress-strain behavior of rock-like material containing two flaws under uniaxial compression.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 49 (7): 2665–2687. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-016-0932-1.
Zhao, Y., L. Zhang, W. Wang, J. Tang, H. Lin, and W. Wan. 2017a. “Transient pulse test and morphological analysis of single rock fractures.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 91: 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2016.11.016.
Zhao, Y., L. Zhang, W. Wang, W. Wan, and W. Ma. 2018. “Separation of elastoviscoplastic strains of rock and a nonlinear creep model.” Int. J. Geomech. 18 (1): 04017129. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0001033.
Zhao, Z., J. Yang, D. Zhou, and Y. Chen. 2017b. “Experimental investigation on the wetting-induced weakening of sandstone joints.” Eng. Geol. 225: 61–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.04.008.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 20 • Issue 9 • September 2020
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 17, 2019
Accepted: Mar 30, 2020
Published online: Jun 17, 2020
Published in print: Sep 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Nov 17, 2020
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.