Loading Rate Dependence of Rock Strength Under Triaxial Compression

Knowledge regarding the time-dependent behavior of rocks is essential to estimate the long-term deformation and stability of underground structures. The rock strength increases with the increasing loading rate. However, the loading rate dependence in postfailure regions under confining pressure remains unclear. In this study, triaxial compression tests were conducted on four types of rocks to examine the loading rate dependence in both peak and postfailure regions. Results demonstrate that an increase in residual strength with a tenfold increase in the strain rate was approximately proportional to 4% of the residual strength. Furthermore, the increase in peak strength with a tenfold increase in the strain rate increased at a rate of approximately 4% of peak strength. The obtained results were applicable to all the sample rocks and can be easily employed for improving the constitutive equations. Finally, the effect mechanism of the confining pressure on the loading rate dependence of rock strength is discussed.

Automated summary

This study conducted triaxial compression tests on four types of rocks to examine the loading rate dependence in both peak and postfailure regions. It was found that the increase in residual strength and peak strength with a tenfold increase in strain rate was approximately proportional to 4% of the respective strength. The obtained results can be easily applied to improve constitutive equations, and the effect mechanism of confining pressure on the loading rate dependence of rock strength was discussed.