Research Progress on the Geomechanical Properties of Block-in-Matrix Rocks
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Definition and Classification of Bimrock
2.1. Definition of Bimrock
2.2. Classification of Bimrock
3. Research on the Measurement Method and Uncertainty of Geometric Features of Blocks in Bimrock
3.1. One-Dimensional Measurement
3.2. Two-Dimensional Measurement
4. Bimrock Failure Modes and Influencing Factors
4.1. Deformation and Failure Modes of Bimrock under Axial Compression
- Failure path around rock blocks. This type of failure occurs where the matrix is weaker than the rock blocks, and the block proportion is small, allowing enough relative space for the failure path to pass through. Examples include conglomerates with highly filled matrix, non-bonded, coarse-grained alluvial and colluvial deposits, mélanges [2,31], and agglomerates formed under high temperature and pressure conditions [52];
- Branching along both sides of the block before merging. This situation also occurs where the matrix is weaker than the blocks but the block proportion is high and the relative positions or contacts between the blocks are small [36];
- Penetration through rock blocks and matrix. This occurs when the mechanical contrast between the blocks and the matrix is small, or the blocks are weaker than the matrix [6].
- Below the particle damage limit Fpm, cracks bypass the particles and propagate through the matrix, pores, or along the block–matrix contact surface due to high bulk content and weak cementation (Figure 10a);
- If this limit is exceeded and , cracks will also penetrate from the solid bridge part into the block, thus concentrating stress strongly and causing surface wear of the block (Figure 10b);
- Above this limit and where , cracks spread through the matrix and inside the block due to the uniform stress of the matrix, resulting in block rupture, and the proportion of damaged blocks increases with the increase in and (Figure 10c).
4.2. Deformation and Failure Characteristics of Bimrock under Shear Action
5. Analysis of Factors Influencing the Mechanical Properties of Bimrock
5.1. Block Proportion
5.2. Block Quantity Parameters
5.3. Block–Matrix Strength Ratio
6. Impact of Bimrock on Geological Engineering
6.1. Slope Engineering
6.2. Tunnel Engineering
7. Conclusions and Outlook
Author Contributions
Funding
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Specification | Formula Expression | Reference |
---|---|---|
The ratio of block to matrix stiffness (E, Young’s modulus) | Lindquist [31] | |
The ratio of internal friction angle between block and matrix | Medley [2] Lindquist and Goodman [32] | |
The ratio of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) between block and matrix | Medley and Zekkos [30] |
Name | Block | Matrix | Welded or Unwelded | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hong Kong Colluvium | Coarse Gravel | Soil | No | [84] |
Franciscan Mélange | Limestone, Volcanic Rock, Serpentinite, Flint, and Rare Limestone and Exotic Metamorphic Rocks | Shale, Mudstone, Siltstone, Serpentinite, or Sandstone | No | [2,61,63] |
Model Experiment | Sand-Silicate Cement–Fly Ash Mixture | Bentonite–Silicate Cement Mixture | No | [31] |
Ankara Agglomerates | Pink and Black Andesite Blocks | Tuff | Yes | [52,53,54,57] |
Model Experiment | Tuff and Andesite | Calcined Gypsum, Bentonite, Cement, and Water | No | [85] |
Ahauser Dam Breccia | Shale | Recrystallized Limestone | Yes | [5,6] |
Misis Fault Breccia | Chalky Limestone | Fine-Grained Red Clay Rock with Iron-Rich Clay | Yes | [33,34] |
Model Experiment | Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) Beads | Sealant for Building Material Joints | Yes | [35] |
The Shale–Limestone Chaotic Complex | Angular Limestone | Dark Gray Clay | No | [7,8,9,10,11] |
Calaveras Dam Franciscan Mélange | Gray Sandstone, Serpentinite, Siliceous Schist, Greenstone (Altered Basalt), and Blueschist (Blueschist and Hornblende Schist) | Clay Shale | No | [86,87] |
Model Experiment | River Aggregates | Portland Cement and Water Mixture | No | [36,37,38] |
Model Experiment | Dolomite | Portland Cement, Silica Sand, and Water Mixture | Yes | [36,37,38] |
Sille Agglomerate | Andesite | Tuff | Yes | [12,13] |
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Guo, S.; Wei, Q.; Qi, S.; Xue, L.; Zheng, B.; Wang, H.; Li, J.; Song, S.; Liang, N.; Zou, Y.; et al. Research Progress on the Geomechanical Properties of Block-in-Matrix Rocks. Materials 2024, 17, 1167. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051167
Guo S, Wei Q, Qi S, Xue L, Zheng B, Wang H, Li J, Song S, Liang N, Zou Y, et al. Research Progress on the Geomechanical Properties of Block-in-Matrix Rocks. Materials. 2024; 17(5):1167. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051167
Chicago/Turabian StyleGuo, Songfeng, Qianhui Wei, Shengwen Qi, Lei Xue, Bowen Zheng, Hongjian Wang, **xuan Li, Shuaihua Song, Ning Liang, Yu Zou, and et al. 2024. "Research Progress on the Geomechanical Properties of Block-in-Matrix Rocks" Materials 17, no. 5: 1167. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051167