Complex Rock Mechanics Problems and Solutions, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic is a continuation of the previous successful Topic “Complex Rock Mechanics Problems and Solutions (https://www.mdpi.com/topics/rock_mechanics)”.

The purpose behind the birth of rock mechanics was to solve rock engineering stability problems and study rock crushing conditions. The research medium is very complex, and there are many unstable or uncertain factors associated with mechanical properties, which make it difficult to establish an independent, complete and systematic theoretical basis for this discipline. The development of rock mechanics has always used the basic theories and research results of solid mechanics, soil mechanics, engineering geology and other disciplines to solve the problems of geotechnical engineering. Therefore, rock mechanics that emphasize different industries often have different definitions.

Due to the extensiveness of the service objects of rock mechanics and the complexity of the research objects, it has been concluded that the research content of rock mechanics must also be extensive and complex. We, therefore, invite papers on innovative technical developments, in addition to reviews, case studies and analytical and assessment papers from different disciplines that are relevant to the topic of rock mechanics. The main topics of the section include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Simulation, mechanical expression and mechanical mechanism of rock mass structure and structural plane;
• The strength, failure mechanism and failure criterion of fractured rock mass;
• Interaction and stability evaluation of rock mass and engineering structure;
• Mechanical properties of soft rock and its rock mass mechanics;
• Water–rock–stress coupling effect and rock mass engineering stability;
• High in situ stress rock mass mechanics;
• The overall comprehensive simulation feedback system and optimization technology of rock mass structure;
• Rock mass dynamics, thermodynamics and hydraulic problems;
• Rock mass rheology and long-term strength;
• Computer-aided design of rock mass engineering and automatic image generation processing.

Prof. Dr. Chun Zhu
Prof. Dr. Shibin Tang
Prof. Dr. Shengyuan Song
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	18.4 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Energies energies	3.0	7.3	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Geosciences geosciences	2.4	5.1	2011	23.5 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Minerals minerals	2.2	4.4	2011	18 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Processes processes	2.8	5.5	2013	14.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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35 pages, 22649 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Self-Organized Criticality and Fracture Predictability of Sandstone via Real-Time CT Scanning and AE Monitoring

by Huimin Yang, Yongjun Song, Jianxi Ren and Yiqian Chen

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 6205; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15116205 - 31 May 2025

Viewed by 268

Abstract

Progressive damage evolution in rock masses serves as the fundamental mechanism driving geological hazards by controlling deformation patterns and failure predictability. To address the critical challenge of predicting fracture behaviors in heterogeneous geological media, this study pioneers the integration of real-time computed tomography [...] Read more.

Progressive damage evolution in rock masses serves as the fundamental mechanism driving geological hazards by controlling deformation patterns and failure predictability. To address the critical challenge of predicting fracture behaviors in heterogeneous geological media, this study pioneers the integration of real-time computed tomography (CT) scanning and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring to investigate self-organized criticality and fracture predictability in Cretaceous sandstone under uniaxial compression. By systematically analyzing internal structural evolution and damage parameters, this established a multiparameter framework to characterize self-organized processes and critical phase transitions during progressive fracturing. Key findings include the following: (1) Distinct critical thresholds emerge during yield-stage self-organization, marked by abrupt transitions in AE signals and crack metrics—from microdamage coalescence initiating volumetric expansion (first critical point) to macrocrack nucleation preceding peak strength (second critical point). (2) AE-crack evolution follows power–law statistics, where elevated scaling exponents (r > 0.85) correlate with intensified nonlinear damage, accelerated localization, and progressive rate enhancement. Yield-stage power–law acceleration provides quantifiable failure precursors. (3) Yield-stage damage patterns exhibit 85% similarity with terminal failure configurations, confirming yield-stage as the definitive precursor with critical temporal signatures for failure prediction. A conceptual framework integrating multiparameter responses (AE signals, crack metrics) was developed to decipher self-organized critical phase transitions during deformation-failure processes. This work establishes methodological foundations for investigating damage mechanisms and predictive strategies in heterogeneous rock systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Complex Rock Mechanics Problems and Solutions, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 5070 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Modeling Study of Core-Scale Three-Dimensional Rough Fracture Acidic Wastewater Reaction with Carbonate Rocks

by Weiping Yu, Guangfu Duan, Chenyu Zong, Min Jin and Zhou Chen

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 5944; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15115944 - 25 May 2025

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Abstract

Phosphogypsum leachate significantly accelerates carbonate rock dissolution in karst regions. The dissolution mechanism of phosphogypsum leachate associated with carbonate rock interaction and the corresponding numerical simulation need further study. In this study, 3D digital core imaging was used to scan undisturbed carbonate rock [...] Read more.

Phosphogypsum leachate significantly accelerates carbonate rock dissolution in karst regions. The dissolution mechanism of phosphogypsum leachate associated with carbonate rock interaction and the corresponding numerical simulation need further study. In this study, 3D digital core imaging was used to scan undisturbed carbonate rock specimens from phosphogypsum landfill sites, and corresponding 3D structural models were constructed. We carried out indoor dissolution experiments in which we used Scanning Electron Microscopy as well as Energy Dispersive Spectrometer to observe changes in the surface micromorphology and elemental content of the rock specimens under different dissolution conditions. A reactive numerical model was developed based on the 3D structural model obtained from 3D digital core imaging, and numerical simulation studies were conducted. The dissolution reaction between phosphogypsum leachate and carbonate rocks exhibited an initial rapid phase followed by gradual stabilization. The pH of the leachate showed an exponential negative correlation with the dissolution amount per unit area of the rock specimens, while a power-law negative correlation was observed between pH and chemical dissolution rates. The numerical model effectively reproduced the reactant concentration states observed in experiments, confirming its capability to simulate reaction processes within rock specimens. Simulation results demonstrated that preferential flow through fracture channels led to higher reactant concentrations near fractures due to incomplete reactions, whereas lower concentrations occurred in sub-fracture regions. As the fracture aperture increased, the concentration disparity between these regions became more pronounced, with higher concentration of reactants at the outlet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Complex Rock Mechanics Problems and Solutions, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 3617 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Presented Strength Criteria of Anisotropic Rocks Based on Triaxial Experiments

by Yongfeng Liu, Zhengxing Yu, Yongming Yin and Jinglin Wen

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5308; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105308 - 9 May 2025

Viewed by 313

Abstract

The inherent mineralogical alignment in stratified rock formations engenders pronounced mechanical anisotropy, presenting persistent challenges across geological, geotechnical, and petroleum engineering disciplines. While substantial progress has been made in modeling transversely isotropic media, current methodologies exhibit limitations in reconciling theoretical predictions with complex [...] Read more.

The inherent mineralogical alignment in stratified rock formations engenders pronounced mechanical anisotropy, presenting persistent challenges across geological, geotechnical, and petroleum engineering disciplines. While substantial progress has been made in modeling transversely isotropic media, current methodologies exhibit limitations in reconciling theoretical predictions with complex failure mechanisms. This investigation examines the anisotropic response of diverse lithologies through triaxial testing across bedding orientations (0–90°) and confinement levels (0–60 MPa), revealing a pressure-dependent attenuation of directional strength variations. Experimental evidence identifies three dominant failure modes: cross-bedding shear fracturing, bedding-parallel sliding, and hybrid mechanisms combining both, with transition thresholds governed by confinement intensity and bedding angle. Analytical comparisons demonstrate that conventional single weakness plane models produce characteristic shoulder-shaped strength curves with overpredictions, particularly in hybrid failure regimes. Conversely, the modified patchy weakness plane formulation achieves superior predictive accuracy through parametric representation of anisotropy gradation, effectively capturing strength transitions between end-member failure modes. The Pariseau criterion, though marginally less precise in absolute terms, provides critical insights into directional strength contrasts through its explicit differentiation of vertical versus parallel bedding responses. These findings advance the fundamental understanding of anisotropic rock behavior while establishing practical frameworks for optimizing stability assessments in bedded formations, particularly in high-confinement environments characteristic of deep reservoirs and engineered underground structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Complex Rock Mechanics Problems and Solutions, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 16719 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Plugging of Micro-Leakage Interlayer (MLI) in Underground Salt Cavern Gas Storage (Jintan, China)

by Hongwu Yin and Xinbo Ge

Processes 2025, 13(4), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041188 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 300

Abstract

The permeability of a certain mudstone interlayer in underground salt cavern gas storage (Jintan, China) is slightly high, as indicated by pressure tests (leakage rate of approximately 1~2 L/d). This layer is referred to as the “Micro-Leakage Interlayer (MLI)”. The MLI significantly impacts [...] Read more.

The permeability of a certain mudstone interlayer in underground salt cavern gas storage (Jintan, China) is slightly high, as indicated by pressure tests (leakage rate of approximately 1~2 L/d). This layer is referred to as the “Micro-Leakage Interlayer (MLI)”. The MLI significantly impacts the tightness of gas storage, potentially leading to substantial losses. To address this problem, an experimental study was conducted. Initially, a method utilizing brine crystallization to plug the micro-leakage interlayer (MLI) was proposed. After crystallization, the porosity of the MLI cores exhibited a notable increase, and the permeability of the MLI cores increased significantly, further exacerbating the risk of gas leakage. These results indicate that the plugging solution requires further exploration. Finally, a combined plugging solution utilizing brine crystallization and ultrafine cement was proposed. Using saturated brine and waterproof coatings, an ultrafine cement slurry was prepared, and specimens were created for testing. The results indicate that the specimens exhibited a porosity of approximately 3%, a permeability below 10⁻¹⁹ m², and a uniaxial compressive strength of about 40 MPa. The ultrafine cement particles had an average particle size of 3 µm, and the ultrafine cement slurry exhibited extremely low porosity and permeability, as well as high strength. The results indicate that this solution is highly feasible and can be applied to field engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Complex Rock Mechanics Problems and Solutions, 2nd Edition)

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