Study on the Influence of Temperature and Water Content on the Static Mechanical Properties of Sandstone

• Published in: Materials
• Main Authors: Xiaojun Zhang, Maolin He, Zhuo Li, Yongsheng Jia, Wenxue Gao
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2024
• Subjects: uniaxial compressive strength; moisture content; low temperature; elastic modulus; Technology; T; Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering; TK1-9971; Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); TA1-2040; Microscopy; QH201-278.5; Descriptive and experimental mechanics; QC120-168.85; permafrost
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143399; https://doaj.org/article/f72670441f3b48739b23c9860cac31d8

The area of permafrost worldwide accounts for approximately 20% to 25% of land area. In cold-climate regions of China, which are garnering international attention, the study of low-temperature and moisture effects on rock mass mechanical properties is of significant importance. China has a wide area of cold regions. This research can provide a foundation for China’s exploration activities in such extreme environments. This paper examines the mechanical behavior of rock specimens subjected to various low temperatures and water contents through uniaxial compression tests. The analysis encompasses failure modes, stress–strain relationships, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and elastic modulus (EM) of these specimens. Findings reveal that at lower temperatures, the rock specimens’ fracture patterns transition from compressive shear failure to cleavage failure, reflecting a shift from a plastic–elastic–plastic to a plastic–elastic response. Specifically, saturated rocks exhibit a 40.8% decrease in UCS and an 11.4% reduction in EM compared to their dry counterparts. Additionally, in cold conditions, an increased water content in rocks primarily leads to vertical cracking. Under such conditions, saturated rocks show a 52.3% decline in UCS and a 15.2% reduction in EM, relative to their dry state.