Shear Stress Distribution in Rock-Cemented Discontinuities under Direct Shear: Theoretical Analysis and Numerical Validation
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 22, Issue 2
Abstract
To better understand the shear stress distribution in rock-cemented discontinuities, such as bedding planes and mineral-filled natural fractures (NFs), subjected to direct shear, an analytical solution for shear stress was first derived on the basis of the compression and bending theories of materials. The shear stresses obtained using the analytical solution for different conditions were then verified by the numerical simulation method. Finally, the main factors that influence the shear stress distribution in cemented discontinuities were explored using the analytical solution and numerical simulation methods. The results showed that the internal moment generated by shear forces significantly affects the shear stress distribution in a cemented NF. The analytical solution which considers the internal moment can accurately predict the shear stress distribution in most cases. The shear and normal stresses are both concentrated near the ends of cemented NF; however, they are comparatively uniform in the central portion. The shear stress concentration decreases with the increasing width of cemented NF, whereas it increases with Young’s modulus of cemented NF. The nonuniformity in shear stress decreases with the specimen height, and only when the specimen height is equal to the specimen length, the error produced by the analytical solution attains a minimum. The tractions on the loading surfaces are significantly nonuniform, and the nonuniform tractions are to balance the bending moment created by shear forces. Moreover, the shear box can dramatically influence the shear stress distribution in cemented NF. Uniform normal and shear displacements which represent the normal and shear forces loaded via a rigid shear box should be used for the boundary conditions. The findings in this study can provide a theoretical foundation for the evaluation of deformation properties and shear strength of intact rocks, rock interfaces, bedding planes, or mineral-filled NFs subjected to direct shear.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51804100, 51904092, 41872176, and U1904126), the scientific and technological research project in Henan province (Grant Nos. 202102310289, 202102310244, and 212102310377), the Key Programs of Universities in Henan Province of China (Grant No. 19A440010), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Universities of Henan Province (Grant No. NSFRF200322), and the Doctor Foundation of Henan Polytechnic University (Grant No. 760207/011).
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 22 • Issue 2 • February 2022
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 3, 2020
Accepted: Aug 31, 2021
Published online: Dec 1, 2021
Published in print: Feb 1, 2022
Discussion open until: May 1, 2022
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Cited by
- Shuai Heng, Yu Chen, Xianzhong Li, Shigang Hao, Tenglong Rong, Analytical Solution for Shear Stress Distribution on the Interface between Different Rocks under Direct Shear, International Journal of Geomechanics, 10.1061/IJGNAI.GMENG-8160, 23, 5, (2023).