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Applied Sciences
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Advances and Technologies in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering
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Advances and Technologies in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 1090

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Qiang Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Interests: rock mass seepage; rock mechanics; efficient resource extraction; multi-scale numerical simulation methods; multi-field coupling; disaster prevention and control
Dr. Quanqi Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: mechanical behaviors of rocks; advanced monitoring technologies; modeling of rock engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of rock mechanics and rock engineering is undergoing rapid advancements, driven by the increasing demand for efficient resource extraction and infrastructure development. Meanwhile, the application of advanced technologies helps to overcome the limitations of traditional research methods, offering innovative solutions to major engineering challenges. By integrating high-precision experimental techniques, multi-scale numerical simulation methods, and data-driven intelligent analysis approaches, it is possible to more accurately reveal the mechanical behavior and evolutionary mechanisms of rocks under complex stress environments. This Special Issue aims to collect original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies that address the challenges and opportunities in rock mechanics and rock engineering. Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Mechanical behavior and modeling of rocks under multi-field coupling conditions;
  • Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in rock mechanics and rock engineering;
  • Applications of advanced monitoring technologies in rock mechanics and rock engineering;
  • Challenges and solutions in deep rock engineering.

Dr. Qiang Li
Dr. Quanqi Zhu
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

  • mechanical behaviors of rocks
  • multi-field coupling
  • advanced monitoring technologies
  • modeling of rock engineering
  • applications of machine learning
  • solutions in deep rock engineerings

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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30 pages, 9020 KB  
Article
Performance of Fault-Controlled Hydrothermal System: Insights from Multi-Field Coupled Rock Mechanics Analysis
by Bo Cheng, Xiaofei Gong, Qiang Li, Yong Liu and Jinghong Yan
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 10064; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151810064 - 15 Sep 2025
Abstract
As is typical of deep rock engineering, fault-controlled hydrothermal systems (FHS) have emerged as a highly promising solution for geothermal energy exploitation. The stability and thermal recovery performance of such systems are critical to their long-term efficiency and viability. In this study, we [...] Read more.
As is typical of deep rock engineering, fault-controlled hydrothermal systems (FHS) have emerged as a highly promising solution for geothermal energy exploitation. The stability and thermal recovery performance of such systems are critical to their long-term efficiency and viability. In this study, we establish a coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) model to investigate the mechanical response and thermal output of an FHS. The stability of the system is evaluated based on the evolution of the failure zone within the fault. Key findings include the following: (1) The pore pressure distribution between injection and production wells leads to an elliptical failure pattern in the fault, caused by the constraint exerted by the negative pore pressure zone around the production well on the positive pressure zone around the injection well along the well connectivity direction; (2) Reducing the injection flow rate by 50% can result in a 76% decrease in the thermal recovery efficiency. Meanwhile, reducing the number of reinjection sub-wells from seven to three can lead to a 95% reduction in the failure volume; and (3) Larger fault thickness diminishes both failure volume and thermal performance; specifically, increasing the fault thickness from 5 m to 30 m can result in an 89% reduction in the failure volume. The fault damage zone volume exhibits a sharp decrease as permeability rises from 2 × 10−12 m2 to 8 × 10−12 m2. This study provides scientific insights and practical guidelines for the design and stability assessment of FHS-based geothermal systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Technologies in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering)
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22 pages, 21904 KB  
Article
Complex Network Modeling and Analysis of Microfracture Activity in Rock Mechanics
by Yushu Chen, Qihua Zhao, Jindong Xiang and Yi Peng
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5242; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105242 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 450
Abstract
This study employs rock triaxial acoustic emission laboratory tests to investigate the activity of microfractures in plagiogranite from the Yebatan hydropower station dam area. By integrating interdisciplinary theories—including spatiotemporal single-link groups, fractal theory, complex networks, and graph theory—we develop a complex network model [...] Read more.
This study employs rock triaxial acoustic emission laboratory tests to investigate the activity of microfractures in plagiogranite from the Yebatan hydropower station dam area. By integrating interdisciplinary theories—including spatiotemporal single-link groups, fractal theory, complex networks, and graph theory—we develop a complex network model of rock microfractures. Results demonstrate that the microfracture network, characterized by the average degree (<k>) and clustering coefficient (<c>), undergoes distinct evolutionary stages during rock deformation and failure. The complex network parameters <k> and <c> undergo abrupt increases and decreases. These changes serve as characteristic indicators of the transition from stable to unstable states in rock deformation and failure, providing new insights into predicting rock failure and instability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Technologies in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering)
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Review

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29 pages, 3166 KB  
Review
Variable Dilation Angle Models in Rocks, a Review
by Javier Arzúa, Daniel Ibarra-González and Edison Martínez-Bautista
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 9872; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15189872 - 9 Sep 2025
Viewed by 227
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive review of dilation angle models in rock mechanics. Dilation, a characteristic behavior of geomaterials, such as rocks and rock masses, involves volumetric changes during plastic deformation. This study focuses on the dilation angle, a key parameter for measuring [...] Read more.
This paper presents a comprehensive review of dilation angle models in rock mechanics. Dilation, a characteristic behavior of geomaterials, such as rocks and rock masses, involves volumetric changes during plastic deformation. This study focuses on the dilation angle, a key parameter for measuring dilation, and its dependence on the plastic strain history and confining stress. The review covers ten variable dilation angle models developed over the past two decades and analyzes their equations, parameters, and main features. These models range from simple approaches with few parameters to complex formulations that involve multiple coefficients. The strengths and limitations of each model, including their applicability to different rock types and testing conditions, are presented. Key findings include the importance of considering both plastic strain history and confining stress in dilatancy models, the variation in approaches for defining the onset of plastic strain, and the challenges in standardizing and comparing different models. This review also highlights the ongoing debate regarding the influence of rock type, specimen size, and structure on dilatant behavior. This review contributes to the field of rock mechanics by providing a comprehensive overview of the current dilatancy models, their applications, and limitations. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in geomechanical engineering, particularly in areas such as tunnel design, mining engineering, and petroleum extraction, where understanding the post-peak behavior of rocks may be crucial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Technologies in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering)
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