Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 8900

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Junwei Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
Interests: fracture mechanics; dynamic problems; FEM; XFEM; phase field
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Zhi Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
Interests: civil engineering; phase field; rock 3D reconstruction theory; multi-field coupling numerical simulation of fractured rock mass

Dr. Jian-Zhi Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Zijin School of Geology and Mining, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
Interests: rock mechanics; tunneling; peridynamics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled "Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics", focuses on the latest developments and methodologies used to understand the mechanical behavior of fractured rock.

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research that explores various aspects of rock fracture mechanics, including experimental studies, theoretical models, and computational simulations. The topics covered include the mechanics of crack initiation and propagation, the influence of rock properties on fracture behavior, and innovative techniques for monitoring and analyzing fractures. This compilation aims to provide valuable insights and advancements that contribute to the fields of geology, civil engineering, and resource extraction, ultimately enhancing the understanding and management of rock fractures in natural and engineered environments.

Dr. Junwei Chen
Dr. Zhi Zhao
Dr. Jian-Zhi Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

rock fracture mechanics
rock engineering
rock slope and tunnel
numerical method
experimental study

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

24 pages, 10105 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rock Mass Strength Characterisation from Field and Laboratory: A Comparative Study on Carbonate Rocks from the Larzac Plateau

by Kévin Elkharrat, Sara Lafuerza, Catherine Homberg and Muriel Gasc-Barbier

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 12956; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152412956 - 9 Dec 2025

Abstract

The southern edge of the Larzac carbonate plateau in Occitanie (France) is subject to various landslide processes from rock falls, toppling, and roto-translational slides to rock spreading. To constrain the strength of the carbonate rock mass involved, field and laboratory approaches have been employed. The first approach involves field investigations using the Rock Mass Rating method and the Geological Strength Index, as well as estimations of uniaxial compressive strength conducted with the Schmidt hammer. The second approach consists of various laboratory tests under uniaxial compressive and triaxial stress. A comparison of mechanical parameters obtained from the field and laboratory approaches for characterising the rock mass (cohesion, friction angle and Young’s modulus) illustrates that laboratory measurements provide much higher (70%) cohesion values than field measurements. The friction angles derived from the field investigations are also weaker (20%). Such differences are considered the result of a scale effect, which is less evident for the Young’s modulus. The field approach appears to be more representative of the in situ rock mass strength as it characterises the rock mass by considering both the intact rock and discontinuities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 5567 KB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring and Prediction of Deformation and Failure of Roadway Surrounding Rock Based on Binocular Vision and Random Forest

by Pengfei Shan, Long Zhang, Chengwei Yan, Huicong Xu, Zheng Meng, Bojia Xi and Gang Xu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12070; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212070 - 13 Nov 2025

Viewed by 394

Abstract

The deformation and failure of surrounding rock in underground roadways are governed by complex mechanical interactions and environmental factors, yet the fundamental scientific patterns behind these processes remain unclear. This lack of real-time, data-driven understanding limits the development of intelligent monitoring and prediction systems in mining engineering. To address this challenge, this study aims to establish an intelligent system for the dynamic monitoring and prediction of roadway surrounding rock deformation based on binocular vision and machine learning. An improved Semi-Global Block Matching (SGBM) algorithm is developed for real-time 3D deformation measurement, while a physical similarity model is constructed to visualize the deformation–failure evolution. The Random Forest (RF) algorithm is employed for deep deformation prediction, and its optimal parameters are determined by minimizing the mean square error. Experimental results show that the average measurement errors of the binocular vision method are 1.22 mm and 0.92 mm, outperforming total station monitoring. The gradient-enhanced Random Forest (GERF) model achieves RMSE values of 0.0164 and 0.0113, with R² values of 0.8856 and 0.8356, respectively. Compared with AdaBoost, XGBoost, and Vision Transformer models, GERF improves predictive accuracy by 7.82%, 8.68%, and 3.87%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the scientific feasibility and technical advantage of the proposed intelligent system, offering a new approach to understanding and predicting roadway deformation and failure in intelligent mining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 11837 KB

Open AccessArticle

Convergence Modeling Based on a Historical Underground Salt Chamber Example

by Zbigniew Szczerbowski, Krzysztof Skrzypkowski and Rafał Gawałkiewicz

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 11005; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152011005 - 14 Oct 2025

Viewed by 363

Abstract

The monitoring of the process of converging historic mining excavations in the medieval and still-active Bochnia Salt Mine, conducted for years using classic geodetic measurements, allows for determining the results of point displacements. The movements of the selected fragments of the excavation over time, determined on the basis of these displacements, allow for estimating the displacement field, characterizing the entire excavation together with the often-complicated surface layout of the sidewalls, roof and floor. However, this is a certain simplification of the model of this field, and so far, no stress field has been determined that would characterize the compressive forces and would correspond to the characteristics of the measured deformations. This issue has both scientific and practical importance. The latter involves determining the model characteristics of deformations that would be used in the strategy of the conducted protective works. The authors concluded that in modeling displacements, the results of classic geodetic measurements are insufficient for a precise description of the displacement field and reliable simulations of the stress field model. The use of a laser scanner made it possible to obtain an appropriate image of the geometry of the selected excavation and displacements over time. From a scientific point of view, it is interesting to explain the differentiation of displacements in different directions, and determine the nature and share of the acting compressive forces (gravitational forces, the impact of other excavations, tectonic forces). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4556 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of Rock Failure Cone Development Using a Modified Load-Transferring Anchor Design

by Kamil Jonak, Robert Karpiński, Andrzej Wójcik and Józef Jonak

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7653; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147653 - 8 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1015

Abstract

This study investigates a novel anchor-based method for controlled rock fragmentation, designed as an alternative to conventional excavation or explosive techniques. The proposed solution utilizes a specially modified undercut anchor that induces localized failure within the rock mass through radial expansion rather than traditional pull-out forces. Finite Element Method simulations, performed in ABAQUS with an extended fracture mechanics approach, were used to model the initiation and propagation of failure zones in sandstone. The results revealed a two-phase cracking process starting beneath the anchor’s driving element and progressing toward the rock’s free surface, forming a breakout cone. This behavior significantly deviates from conventional prediction models, such as the 45° cone or Concrete Capacity Design methods (cone 35°). The simulations were supported by field tests, confirming both the feasibility and practical advantages of the proposed anchor system, especially in confined or safety-critical environments. The findings offer valuable insights for the development of compact and efficient rock fragmentation technologies suitable for mining, rescue operations, and civil engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 11302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Response and Failure Mechanisms of Block Caving Bottom Structures Under Dynamic Conditions Induced by Slope Rockfalls

by Xinglong Feng, Guangquan Li, Zeyue Wang, Xiongpeng Zhu, Zhenggao Huang and Hang Lin

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6867; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126867 - 18 Jun 2025

Viewed by 658

Abstract

The stability of bottom structures in block caving mines is significantly challenged by impact loads generated from large rockfalls and ore collapses on slopes. This study aims to investigate the mechanical response and failure characteristics of bottom structures under such dynamic and cyclic loading conditions. Discrete element methods (DEMs) were employed to simulate the impact load amplitudes caused by large rockfalls on bottom structures. Specimens with identical mechanical properties to the bottom structure were fabricated at a 1:100 scale, based on the principle of similarity ratio tests. Three distinct types of impact loads were identified and analyzed: overall impact from large-scale slope collapses, localized impact from partial rock and soil mass collapses, and continuous multiple impacts from progressive slope failures. True triaxial tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical response of the bottom structure under these loading scenarios. The results indicate that while overall and multiple impact loads from slope collapses do not lead to catastrophic failure of the bottom structure, severe damage occurs under a 100 m thickness of ore and large block impacts. Specifically, the inner walls of ore accumulation troughs peel off, and ore pillars between troughs fracture and fail. This study highlights the need for advanced experimental and numerical approaches to accurately predict the stability and failure modes of bottom structures under complex loading conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3460 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stress Characteristics and Mechanical Behavior of Rock Masses with an Opening under Complex Deep Underground Stress Conditions

by Mingyu Cao, Xianyang Qiu, Rihong Cao, Zeyu Li, Xiuzhi Shi and Lihai Tan

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7197; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167197 - 15 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1661

Abstract

In this study, the impact of principal stress states on the stress characteristics and initial failure of the rock mass surrounding a three-center arch opening was investigated using complex variable function methods and Discrete Element Method (DEM) numerical modeling. First, the mapping function of the opening was determined using the trigonometric interpolation method, and the influence of the number of terms in the mapping function on its accuracy was revealed. Based on this, the far-field stress state of the underground rock mass was characterized by the ratio of the minimum to maximum principal stress (λ) and the angle (β) between the principal stress and the vertical direction. This stress state was then converted into normal and shear stresses. Using complex variable function theory, the stress characteristics at the boundary of the opening under different stress states were analyzed. Finally, DEM numerical modeling was employed to study the initial failure characteristics at the boundary of the opening and its relationship with the stress distribution. The results indicate that the lateral pressure coefficient significantly affects the stability of the opening by influencing stress concentration around the surrounding rock. Low lateral pressure coefficients lead to tensile stress concentration at the boundary perpendicular to the maximum principal stress. As the coefficient increases, tensile stress decreases, and compressive stress areas expand. While the principal stress direction has a minor effect on stress concentration, it notably impacts stress distribution at the boundary. When λ < 1.0 and β = 45°, stress distribution asymmetry is most pronounced, with the highest compressive stress. The early failure distribution aligns with stress concentration areas, validating the use of stress analysis in predicting opening stability and failure characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5882 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Thrust, Torque, and Power Estimation Model, and Prediction Performance of Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machine in Mixed-Face Strata

by Shufang Zhai, Yingjie Song and Hao Tian

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5887; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135887 - 5 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3444

Abstract

In this paper, a theoretical estimation model of TBM thrust, torque, and power in the rock–soil interface (RSI) of mixed ground is developed, including a new force model for the drag cutter that accounts for chamber pressure and soil friction. A distribution model of the disc cutters and drag cutters on the cutterhead adaptable to different excavation surfaces is built in order to visualize the cutting process as the TBM cutterhead rotates, and a program is created and that runs smoothly using the Python version 3.8, which can recognize the numbers and calculate the forces of the disc cutters and drag cutters in the soft and hard strata, respectively. Then, combining with friction forces and chamber pressure calculated by the program, the variation in torque, thrust, and power are produced. Subsequently, a new index (MPPI), which considers both the thrust of the TBM and cutterhead torque, for forecasting TBM tunneling performance in composite strata is presented. The reliability of the index as well as the estimation model are validated using data from an actual project to offer recommendations for future tunneling projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI