Seepage-stress combined experiment and damage model of rock in different loading and unloading paths

In the excavation of water-related underground projects such as hydropower and energy reserves, the surrounding rock surfers complex stress path and stress state redistribution, resulting in damage and failure under the hydro-mechanical coupling condition. However, the rock hydro-mechanical coupling characteristics under complex stress paths are unclear and corresponding theoretical models are scarce. In this study, a series of tests such as triaxial compression, unloading confining pressure and cyclic loading and unloading were carried out to study the effects of different stress paths, stress levels and seepage pressure on rock deformation, strength, failure and permeability. Based on test results, the damage evolutions under three different testing paths were analyzed, a new seepage-stress coupling statistical damage model which can better simulate the compaction stage is proposed. The prediction results of the proposed model under different stress paths are in good agreement with the experimental results. Under different stress paths, the fitting relationship between parameters R0 and n and & sigma;eff is similar and has good correlation.

Automated summary

In the excavation of water-related underground projects, the complex stress path and stress state redistribution of the surrounding rock can cause damage and failure under the hydro-mechanical coupling condition. However, the understanding and theoretical models of rock hydro-mechanical coupling characteristics under complex stress paths are limited. This study conducted a series of tests to investigate the effects of different stress paths, stress levels, and seepage pressure on rock deformation, strength, failure, and permeability.