Symmetry/Asymmetry in Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Engineering and Materials".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 274
Special Issue Editors
Interests: rock joint roughness characterization and scale effects; shear strength of rock joints: constitutive modeling, heterogeneity, and uncertainty quantification; rock slope stability and failure mechanisms; numerical simulation on mechanical properties of rock joints; measurement of the geometric properties of rock joints; open-pit mining engineering geology; heterogeneity of rock mechanical properties
Interests: rock mass characterization; rock mechanics in underground engineering; geological uncertainty quantification and modeling
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering fundamentally deal with complex geological materials characterized by inherent heterogeneity, anisotropy, and discontinuities. In this context, the concepts of symmetry and asymmetry are crucial for understanding and predicting the mechanical behavior of rock masses. While classical theoretical models and analytical methods often rely on symmetrical assumptions—such as isotropy and homogeneous stress states—real-world geological environments frequently exhibit pronounced asymmetry. For instance, the asymmetrical morphological roughness of rock joints significantly governs their scale-dependent shear strength and deformation behavior. Furthermore, complex geological settings in open-pit mining and underground engineering often lead to asymmetrical stress redistributions, driving complex instability issues. The asymmetrical nature of geological structures is also a primary controlling factor in the initiation and kinematics of slope failures. Therefore, understanding the asymmetrical mechanisms underlying rock slope instability and landslide mechanics is essential for developing effective early-warning monitoring systems and reliable mitigation strategies.
This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted roles of symmetry and asymmetry in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering. We welcome original research articles and comprehensive reviews addressing theoretical, experimental, and numerical advances. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, rock joint characterization, rock mass heterogeneity, geological uncertainty quantification, coupled multi-physical processes, underground engineering, and the stability, monitoring, and mitigation of rock slopes and landslides. By bridging symmetrical idealized models with asymmetrical geological realities, this Special Issue seeks to advance fundamental knowledge and improve engineering practices.
Dr. Changshuo Wang
Dr. Hui Lu
Dr. Pengju An
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- symmetry/asymmetry in rock mechanics
- rock joint roughness, shear strength, and scale effects
- measurement, constitutive modeling, and numerical simulation of rock joints
- heterogeneity and anisotropy of rock mechanical properties
- rock mass characterization and geological uncertainty quantification
- rock slope stability and asymmetrical failure mechanisms
- landslide mechanics, monitoring, and mitigation strategies
- open-pit mining engineering geology
- rock mechanics in underground engineering
- coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THMC) processes in fractured rocks
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