Dynamic characteristics of high stressed red sandstone subjected to unloading and impact loads

• Published in: Journal of Central South University 2022-02, Vol.29 (2), p.596-610
• Main Authors: Gong, Feng-qiang, Zhong, Wen-hui, Gao, Ming-zhong, Si, Xue-feng, Wu, Wu-xing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Compression tests; Compressive strength; Confining; Dynamic characteristics; Engineering; Excavation; Failure analysis; Failure modes; Impact loads; Mechanical properties; Metallic Materials; Pressure effects; Sandstone; Shear strength; Split Hopkinson pressure bars; Strain rate
• ISSN: 2095-2899; 2227-5223
• DOI: 10.1007/s11771-022-4944-6

In the process of deep projects excavation, deep rock often experiences a full stress process from high stress to unloading and then to impact disturbance failure. To study the dynamic characteristics of three-dimensional high stressed red sandstone subjected to unloading and impact loads, impact compression tests were conducted on red sandstone under confining pressure unloading conditions using a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar. Impact disturbance tests of uniaxial pre-stressed rock were also conducted (without considering confining pressure unloading effect). The results demonstrate that the impact compression strength of red sandstone shows an obvious strain rate effect. With an approximately equal strain rate, the dynamic strength of red sandstone under confining unloading conditions is less than that in the uniaxial pre-stressed impact compression test. Confining pressure unloading produces a strength-weakening effect, and the dynamic strength weakening factor (DSWF) is also defined. The results also indicate that the strain rate of the rock and the incident energy change in a logarithmic relation. With similar incident energies, unloading results in a higher strain rate in pre-stressed rock. According to the experimental analysis, unloading does not affect the failure mode, but reduces the dynamic strength of pre-stressed rock. The influence of confining pressure unloading on the shear strength parameters (cohesion and friction angle) is discussed. Under the same external energy impact compression, pre-stressed rock subjected to unloading is more likely to be destroyed. Thus, the effect of unloading on the rock mechanical characteristics should be considered in deep rock project excavation design.