Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100274
Huu Nghia Bui , Suraparb Keawsawasvong , Hoang Nghi Le , Duy Tan Tran , Trong Nghia Le , Van Qui Lai
{"title":"Hybrid XGBoost - 3D FEA approach for predicitng bearing capacity of rectangular foundations on rock slopes","authors":"Huu Nghia Bui , Suraparb Keawsawasvong , Hoang Nghi Le , Duy Tan Tran , Trong Nghia Le , Van Qui Lai","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100274","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100274","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the bearing capacity of a sloping rock foundation beneath rectangular and, in particular, square footings. Additionally, the study proposes a novel hybrid machine learning approach, namely MPA-XGBoost, and develops a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that enables end-users to predict the bearing capacity of foundations without requiring any complex computations. Numerical simulations are conducted via PLAXIS 3D software, which incorporates the finite element method and the Hoek-Brown failure criterion. Through a series of design charts, the correlation between the bearing capacity factor and six input parameters is explored: slope angle (<em>β</em>), intact rock yield (<em>m</em><sub><em>i</em></sub>), geological strength index (<em>GSI</em>), compressive strength ratio (<em>γB/σ</em><sub><em>ci</em></sub>), dimension ratio (<em>L/B</em>), and setback ratio (<em>b/B</em>). Regarding the machine learning part, the study employs the XGBoost model integrated with the Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) as an optimization technique. The obtained results demonstrate that the design charts clearly illustrate the influence of various parameters on the bearing capacity. Furthermore, in the failure mechanism analysis when investigating the effect of the geological strength index (<em>GSI</em>) parameter, the incremental displacements show both decreasing and increasing trends, which can be attributed to the indirect influence of the parameters <em>E</em> and <em>ν</em>. Finally, the machine learning results indicate that the application of the Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) improved the model's accuracy to 99.93%, compared to 99.87% achieved by the default XGBoost model. In addition, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) was proposed to facilitate practical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 3","pages":"Article 100274"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2025-10-31DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100269
Min-Zhen Zhang , Yu Song , Chang-Hong Li , Yan-Lin Zhao , Jin-Zhou Tang , Ke-Sheng Li
{"title":"Experimental investigation on fatigue mechanical behavior and energy evolution characteristic of fine-grained marble under multilevel constant-amplitude cyclic loading","authors":"Min-Zhen Zhang , Yu Song , Chang-Hong Li , Yan-Lin Zhao , Jin-Zhou Tang , Ke-Sheng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100269","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study systematically investigates the mechanical behavior and energy evolution mechanisms of marble under multilevel constant-amplitude cyclic loading through triaxial tests conducted at various confining pressures (0–30 MPa). Using the MTS815 electro-hydraulic servo-controlled rock mechanics testing system, pure white calcite marble specimens were subjected to cyclic loading. The results demonstrate that the stress-strain curves of marble exhibit five distinct stages, with increasing confining pressure significantly prolonging fatigue life and enhancing plastic deformation characteristics. The evolution of peak strain and secant modulus reveals a transition from brittle to ductile behavior under higher confining pressures. Energy analysis indicates that both total input energy and elastic strain energy increase stepwise with rising stress levels, while cumulative energy density follows a parabolic relationship with the stress ratio (<em>φ</em>), and dissipated energy grows approximately linearly. The energy distribution ratios (elastic strain energy ratio <em>η</em><sub>e</sub>, dissipated energy ratio <em>η</em><sub>d</sub>, and energy consumption coefficient <em>η</em>) highlight the critical influence of confining pressure on energy conversion mechanisms, particularly showing a notable shift in energy partitioning behavior near 25 MPa. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for assessing the long-term stability of rocks in deep underground engineering applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 3","pages":"Article 100269"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2025-09-07DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100253
YuKai Fu , Yongzheng Wu , Sifeng He , Penghe Zhou , Junchen Li , Jie He
{"title":"Investigation of nanoindentation for evaluating the cyclic loading-unloading mechanical properties of heterogeneous coal","authors":"YuKai Fu , Yongzheng Wu , Sifeng He , Penghe Zhou , Junchen Li , Jie He","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exploring the meso-mechanical response of heterogeneous coal is crucial for understanding its macro mechanical behavior in coal mining, CO<sub>2</sub> storage, and coal bed methane production. However, a key gap remains in the insufficient elucidation of the precise linkage between heterogeneity-driven meso-response and macro-performance. In this investigation, nanoindentation tests were performed to compare the force-depth curves, reduced Young's modulus (<em>E</em><sub><em>r</em></sub>), hardness (<em>H</em><sub><em>IT</em></sub>), and the effect of holding time. Cyclic loading-unloading experiments were conducted at eight points of a polished coal sample, resulting in history cycles at five force levels (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mN). The mesoscopic mechanical properties were calculated at each cycle, and the time-dependent deformations at holding times of 5 s and 150 s were compared. Notably, the force-depth curves exhibited a \"pop-in\" phenomenon. The results indicate that the maximum depth increases with higher loads and cycles. Furthermore, the 150 s holding time resulted in larger deformations compared to the 5 s holding time. Both <em>E</em><sub><em>r</em></sub> and <em>H</em><sub><em>IT</em></sub> decrease with increasing cycles and load, and there exists a positive correlation between <em>H</em><sub><em>IT</em></sub> and <em>E</em><sub><em>r</em></sub>. The mean macro Young's modulus (<em>E</em> = 2.22 GPa) is smaller than the mean meso reduced Young's modulus (<em>E</em><sub><em>r</em></sub> = 12.28 GPa). The hardness ranges from 0.33 GPa to 0.89 GPa, with a mean value of 0.57 GPa. Due to the heterogeneity at both meso and macro scales, the test results vary across different positions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 3","pages":"Article 100253"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145982088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100299
Gaobo Zhao , Mindi Ruan
{"title":"Reconstruction of laminated shale specimens through advanced physics-informed image processing","authors":"Gaobo Zhao , Mindi Ruan","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100299","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100299","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shale is distinguished from other rocks by its laminated and fissile nature, as it consists of many thin layers and easily splits into thin pieces along the bedding planes. A common approach in a geomechanical simulation of shale is to simplify its complex structure by representing bedding planes as continuous, straight, and equidistant. This approach is acceptable for approximating the general behavior of shale and it is numerically efficient, but also limits our understanding of the true mechanical response of shale to mining-induced stress changes. This paper discussed the limitations of these assumptions and reconstructed laminated shale specimens through image processing to capture bedding planes and through numerical simulation to calibrate their micro-properties. Specifically, this paper used an advanced physics-informed image processing method to extract the coordinates, number, spacing, length, and frequency of the bedding planes, forming a comprehensive geometry database. Using this database, a laminated shale specimen modeling (S1) was developed using UDEC software. A systematic modeling calibration procedure is proposed and applied to calibrate the model by obtaining a final set of calibrated micro-properties, which are verified through comparative analyses of shale specimens with and without flaws, as well as specimens with extracted and parallel bedding planes, along with a reasonableness analysis of predicted bedding planes using a bedding plane geometry database. Furthermore, two more shale specimens (S2, S3) were reconstructed, which incorporate extracted bedding planes and calibrated micro-properties. The results show that the three reconstructed shale specimens achieve stress-strain behaviors and crack propagation that match those observed in the laboratory. This paper bridges the gap between the shale complex structure and geomechanical simulations by introducing an advanced physics-informed image processing approach for an accurate representation of bedding planes and micro-properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 3","pages":"Article 100299"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100277
Suifeng Wang , Tao Wang , Sheng Li , Defu Tong , Taiyi Chen
{"title":"Simultaneous propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures in crystalline rock: A numerical investigation based on coupled fluid-solid discrete element framework","authors":"Suifeng Wang , Tao Wang , Sheng Li , Defu Tong , Taiyi Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100277","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100277","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The simultaneous multiple hydraulic fracturing treatment has been extensively employed in Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) to increase the complexity and area of artificial fractures. However, the interaction between hydraulic fractures (stress shadowing effect) often occurs, leading to unpredictable fracture paths and unsatisfactory production outcomes. In order to investigate the mechanism behind the stress shadowing during simultaneous multiple hydraulic fracturing in crystalline rock, this study proposes a Hydro-Grain-Texture Model based on discrete element method that can consider the effects of mineral heterogeneity and pre-existing microcrack anisotropy. The results demonstrate that the simultaneous multiple hydraulic fracturing results in crystalline rock are influenced collectively by the confining stress, injection point spacing, mineral heterogeneity, and microcracks anisotropy. Due to the lower strength of grain boundaries, hydraulic fractures are more prone to deflect along these boundaries under the influence of the stress shadowing effect during their propagation. Conversely, when the orientation of pre-existing microcracks is approximately parallel to the direction of hydraulic fracture propagation, their capturing effect can facilitate the ability of hydraulic fractures to overcome the stress shadow effect.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 3","pages":"Article 100277"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100300
Shenjian Li , Mao Sheng , Chao Deng , Shizhong Cheng , Zhiwei Wang , Yiwen Xu , Peng Xu , Shouceng Tian , Gensheng Li
{"title":"Insights of microstructures and lithofacies on fracture process zone of organic-rich shale","authors":"Shenjian Li , Mao Sheng , Chao Deng , Shizhong Cheng , Zhiwei Wang , Yiwen Xu , Peng Xu , Shouceng Tian , Gensheng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The fracture process zone (FPZ) plays a critical role in determining the mechanical properties of shale,as a quasi-brittle material. In this study, the effects of microstructure on fracture process zones of Carbonate Dominated (CD) shale and Quartz-Feldspar Dominated (QFD) shale are revealed by semi-circular bend tests combined with digital image correlation. Results indicate that the FPZ shape of CD shale is a fat ellipse and the FPZ shape of QFD shale is a narrow and long ellipse. The average FPZ width and length of CD shales are 4.70 mm and 2.38 mm, while the average FPZ width and length of QFD shales are 3.84 mm and 2.93 mm. The main reason for this phenomenon is the difference of mechanical properties between bedding and rock matrix. The Young's modulus, stiffness, and fracture toughness of the (QFD) shale bedding planes are 42%, 70%, and 50% greater than rock matrix. While these differences are 25%, 35% and 29% respectively in CD shale. The interfacial mechanical contrast between bedding planes and the rock matrix affects the energy distribution during fracture, ultimately governing the elliptical morphology development of fracture process zones (FPZ). Energy dissipation during fracture propagation occurs more readily along the sides of the pre-crack tip in CD shale, leading to a wider and shorter elliptical FPZ. A numerical simulation model based on the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) was conducted under conditions consistent with the experimental setup. The simulation results confirm that a high fracture energy has a significant impact on the post-peak performance of the element, making its plastic stage longer and thus generating a larger FPZ. This study provides beneficial insights into the anisotropic behaviors of oil shale.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 3","pages":"Article 100300"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2025-11-15DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100275
Chongyuan Zhang , Manchao He , Yifan Wu , Zhigang Tao , Dongjue Fan
{"title":"Locked segment of fault as earthquake barrier: Laboratory and field evidence of preseismic stress drop","authors":"Chongyuan Zhang , Manchao He , Yifan Wu , Zhigang Tao , Dongjue Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100275","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100275","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural fault systems exhibit significant geometric heterogeneity, where locked segments act as strong, unbroken regions that impede fault slip and influence seismic nucleation. This study integrates laboratory triaxial shear experiments on granite samples with field observations from piezomagnetic stress monitoring stations to investigate the rupture dynamics, stress evolution, and precursory characteristics of locked patches. Experimental results reveal four distinct phases of fault slip: elastic deformation, microcrack propagation, stress accumulation, and stress drop/instability. Locked patches exhibit 3–5 times higher peak shear strength than continuous faults, with failure modes transitioning from tensile (low confining pressure) to shear-dominated (high confining pressure). Notably, precursory stress drops lasting tens to hundreds of seconds—significantly longer than smooth fault precursors were observed, offering extended early-warning windows. Field validation from the Qiaoqi station (Longmen Shan Fault Zone) captured 15% stress fluctuations 4 days before the 2013 Lushan earthquake, aligning with laboratory-derived stress-time signatures. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for interpreting crustal stress anomalies as precursors, bridging laboratory-scale physics with natural fault systems to advance earthquake forecasting strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 3","pages":"Article 100275"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145963186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100244
Shimin Liu , Mengke An , Wenhao Dai , Huiru Lei , Lei Zhang , Yongsheng Zhou , Zekang Yang
{"title":"The frictional sliding properties of antigorite gouge under hydrothermal conditions","authors":"Shimin Liu , Mengke An , Wenhao Dai , Huiru Lei , Lei Zhang , Yongsheng Zhou , Zekang Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a weak mineral overlying subduction-zone faults, the widespread presence of antigorite can markedly affect subduction-zone dynamics. To better understand the mechanical properties of antigorite-bearing faults, we conducted frictional sliding experiments on antigorite under hydrothermal conditions. The experimental setup involved a constant confining pressure of 100 MPa, a low pore fluid pressure of 30 MPa, and temperatures ranging from 100 °C to 500 °C. We varied the axial loading rate between 0.04, 0.2, and 1.0 μm/s to examine the velocity dependence of the friction coefficient. The results showed that the friction coefficient of antigorite exhibited a significant temperature dependence. Between 100 °C and 400 °C, the friction coefficient decreased from 0.66 to 0.54 as the temperature increased. Above 400 °C, the friction coefficient increased, reaching 0.7. The velocity dependence of antigorite exhibited velocity strengthening (<em>a – b</em> > 0) throughout the entire experimental temperature range (100 °C–500 °C). The impact of pore-fluid pressure on the frictional behavior of antigorite was also significant. Under low pore-fluid pressure (30 MPa), the frictional strength increases above 400 °C, associated with dehydration hardening. In contrast, at high pore fluid pressure, frictional weakening continues at elevated temperatures, indicating that pore fluid pressure plays a crucial role in regulating the frictional stability of antigorite. Our experimental results demonstrate that the pore fluid pressure plays a key role in regulating the temperature-dependent frictional behavior of antigorite, highlighting the need for further investigation under varying fluid pressure conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100244"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-08-22DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100237
Haizhi Zang, Shanyong Wang
{"title":"Recent advancements for cement grout diffusion mechanisms within rock fractures","authors":"Haizhi Zang, Shanyong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100237","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100237","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding cement grout diffusion in rock fractures is crucial for rock engineering, yet grouting faces significant challenges due to fracture network heterogeneity and grout's complex non-Newtonian rheology. This study critically reviews recent theoretical, experimental, and numerical advancements to comprehensively understand cement grout diffusion mechanisms within rock fractures. It begins by discussing theoretical foundations, encompassing both continuum and particulate views in single fractures, while also highlighting limitations in extending these simplified concepts to fracture networks and defining robust stop criteria. Subsequently, the article details developments in experiments, including novel apparatus and advanced monitoring techniques. These enable controlled observation of grout diffusion in artificial or simulated fractures, providing crucial insights into the impact of fracture complexities (e.g., fracture roughness, two-phase flow) on grout patterns and sealing efficiency. These laboratory tests also inform the development of practical stop criteria by revealing actual grout behaviour under various conditions. Complementary numerical methods offer a distinct advantage by providing dynamic, continuous solutions for complex fracture networks that are otherwise intractable. Collectively, these diverse approaches bridge critical knowledge gaps, from fundamental principles to real-world complexities, and facilitate cross-scale validation. The review concludes by identifying persistent challenges, such as integrating multi-scale descriptions and simulating true field complexities, and outlines future research directions to understand grout diffusion mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100237"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145160258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rock Mechanics BulletinPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100244
Shimin Liu , Mengke An , Wenhao Dai , Huiru Lei , Lei Zhang , Yongsheng Zhou , Zekang Yang
{"title":"The frictional sliding properties of antigorite gouge under hydrothermal conditions","authors":"Shimin Liu , Mengke An , Wenhao Dai , Huiru Lei , Lei Zhang , Yongsheng Zhou , Zekang Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rockmb.2025.100244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a weak mineral overlying subduction-zone faults, the widespread presence of antigorite can markedly affect subduction-zone dynamics. To better understand the mechanical properties of antigorite-bearing faults, we conducted frictional sliding experiments on antigorite under hydrothermal conditions. The experimental setup involved a constant confining pressure of 100 MPa, a low pore fluid pressure of 30 MPa, and temperatures ranging from 100 °C to 500 °C. We varied the axial loading rate between 0.04, 0.2, and 1.0 μm/s to examine the velocity dependence of the friction coefficient. The results showed that the friction coefficient of antigorite exhibited a significant temperature dependence. Between 100 °C and 400 °C, the friction coefficient decreased from 0.66 to 0.54 as the temperature increased. Above 400 °C, the friction coefficient increased, reaching 0.7. The velocity dependence of antigorite exhibited velocity strengthening (<em>a – b</em> > 0) throughout the entire experimental temperature range (100 °C–500 °C). The impact of pore-fluid pressure on the frictional behavior of antigorite was also significant. Under low pore-fluid pressure (30 MPa), the frictional strength increases above 400 °C, associated with dehydration hardening. In contrast, at high pore fluid pressure, frictional weakening continues at elevated temperatures, indicating that pore fluid pressure plays a crucial role in regulating the frictional stability of antigorite. Our experimental results demonstrate that the pore fluid pressure plays a key role in regulating the temperature-dependent frictional behavior of antigorite, highlighting the need for further investigation under varying fluid pressure conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101137,"journal":{"name":"Rock Mechanics Bulletin","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100244"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}