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Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics
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Advances and Techniques in Rock Fracture Mechanics

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 5354

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 4556 KiB  
Article
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
Viewed by 318
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 [...] Read more.
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)
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28 pages, 11302 KiB  
Article
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 286
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 [...] Read more.
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)
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16 pages, 3460 KiB  
Article
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 1274
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 [...] Read more.
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)
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19 pages, 5882 KiB  
Article
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 1 | Viewed by 2393
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 [...] Read more.
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)
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