Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment最新文献

{"title":"Swelling characteristics of red-bed mudstones from Southwest China at variable heat treatment conditions","authors":"Zhuowu Xie,&nbsp;Xin Liao,&nbsp;Inna Safonova,&nbsp;Wei Wei,&nbsp;Sixiang Ling,&nbsp;Sergei Krivonogov,&nbsp;Xiyong Wu","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04276-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04276-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Mudstone swelling capacity is an important factor that determines the quality of engineering constructions, in particular, roads, tunnels, dams, etc. The most important parameter is the content of water that determines the stability/behavior of mudstone under different conditions, e.g., under variable temperature and humidity. Laboratory thermal treatment is a widely used method to measure the content of water in mudstone, which controls its swelling capacity. Exploring the swelling properties of samples treated at different temperatures will help to further understand the impact of water content on swelling properties. In this paper, we present new results on the heat treatment of red-bed mudstones of the Shaximiao Formation exposed in the eastern Sichuan Province of SW China in order to trace variations of mass, pore content, microstructural patterns and swelling characteristics. The swelling was traced by scanning electron microscopy and pore tester. The heat treatment changes the microstructure and pore characteristics of the mudstone and its swelling properties. The mudstones yielded three types of water loss patterns caused by the presence of free, absorbed and constitutional waters. The swelling properties appeared to depend on the pattern of the loss of three water types at different temperatures. The increasing temperature resulted in faster dehydration of clay minerals, stronger damage of original textures and microstructures (pore pattern) and stronger swelling. Our results provide a new guideline for selecting a temperature of heat treatment and controlling the content of water during red-bed swelling experiments.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144084963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A new nonlinear viscoelastic–plastic constitutive model of sandstone subjected to freeze‒thaw cycles under cyclic loading","authors":"Jiabing Zhang,&nbsp;Xianglian Zhao,&nbsp;Ronghuan Du,&nbsp;Yiming Pan","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04292-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04292-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To study the mechanical characteristics and patterns of damage of sandstone subjected to freeze‒thaw (F–T) cycles, a damage constitutive model describing the mechanical behavior of rock subjected to F–T cycles under uniaxial/triaxial cyclic loads was proposed. Initially, on the basis of fractional calculus and viscoelastic mechanics theory, cyclic loads were decomposed into a static load and a time-varying load with a zero equilibrium stress value. Second, to incorporate the impacts of F‒T cycles and stress on sandstone damage, F‒T damage was considered throughout the entire cyclic loading process. When the stress state of a rock sample reached the yield limit, the synergistic effect of damage due to stress was considered. On the basis of the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to analyze the characteristics of porosity distribution of rock samples exposed to varying numbers of F‒T cycles, a compliance reduction term representing F‒T damage progression was introduced to adjust the time-varying load. Consequently, a fractional damage constitutive model of a rock mass under coupled F–T and stress was formulated. The theoretical fitting outcomes of this model were compared with experimental and simulated results, validating the patterns of influence of F–T damage and stress on rock performance. This comparison reflects the entire stress‒strain process of rocks subjected to F‒T cycles under cyclic loads and proves the rationality of the established model.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long-term dynamics of sediment and their potential indication for debris flow initiation in Wenchuan seismic area","authors":"Wen Zhang,&nbsp;Wankun Li,&nbsp;Chen Cao,&nbsp;Shengyuan Song,&nbsp;Junqi Chen,&nbsp;Han Yin,&nbsp;Zongshuo Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04310-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04310-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The occurrence of debris flows depends on the combined effects of the distribution and volume of loose source materials and rainfall intensity, especially in seismic regions where sediment undergoes prolonged evolution and migration. Conventional monitoring and warning methods often overlook the influence of long-term sediment dynamics on debris flow initiation due to limitations in capturing sustained sediment changes across entire catchments. This study proposes the innovative utilization of small baseline interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SBAS-InSAR) technology to investigate sediment evolution before debris flows. SBAS-InSAR enables long-term and periodic monitoring at the catchment scale, offering insights beyond short-term observations during triggering rainfall events. By analyzing erosion and deposition processes in a seismic catchment, this study reveals the gradual transition of bank sediment into channel sediment over several years after an earthquake and identifies sustained channel sediment erosion preceding debris flow initiation. Using time-series analysis and physical model experiments, the study establishes a connection between long-term sediment dynamics and debris flow generation. The findings demonstrate that SBAS-InSAR provides an effective means for all-weather monitoring of sediment evolution over large spatiotemporal scales, enhancing the understanding of debris flow generation processes in seismic regions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144084930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of mineral crystal particle shape characteristics on rock mechanical properties","authors":"Kunmeng Li,&nbsp;Yongjiang Wang,&nbsp;Yuanhui Li,&nbsp;Qi Guan,&nbsp;Zhengchun Fu,&nbsp;Hongdi Jing","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04308-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04308-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The shape characteristics of mineral crystal particles dictate their mechanical behavior and fracture patterns. This study systematically classifies mineral crystal particle shape characteristics in rocks, focusing on roundness, aspect ratio, and non-circular particle proportion. Using theoretical, numerical, and experimental methods, it reveals how these characteristics influence rock mechanical properties. As particle roundness decreases or the proportion of non-circular particles increases, contact points and eccentric moments between particles rise, reducing rolling capacity. This results in higher uniaxial compressive strengths (UCSs), elastic modulus (E), and crack initiation strains, along with increased accumulated friction energy. As the aspect ratio of mineral crystal particles increases, their rolling capacity decreases due to higher eccentric moments, while sliding capacity increases due to greater contact distances. When the aspect ratio deviates from 1.2:1 to 1.4:1, UCSs, E, and crack initiation strains rise, and accumulated friction energy increases. The final main fracture surface of the rocks becomes more parallel to the loading axis. As the roundness of mineral crystal particles increases, or as the aspect ratio of these particles deviates from 1.25:1, the mode of rock failure shifts from shear fracture to tensile fracture. Additionally, the final damage zone of the rocks becomes more fragmented with an increase in the proportion of non-circular mineral crystal particles. These findings lay the groundwork for understanding how microstructure influences the macroscopic mechanical behavior of rocks, thereby revealing rock fragmentation mechanisms that can optimize mining design and support parameters.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144084962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Drilling-based measuring method of rock strength through the IDE intelligent system","authors":"Qi Wang,&nbsp;Fenglin Ma,&nbsp;Hongke Gao,&nbsp;Bei Jiang,&nbsp;Zhenguo Bian","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04358-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04358-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Compressive strength is a fundamental parameter characterizing the mechanical properties of rock. Its accurate determination serves as a prerequisite for stability analysis of surrounding rock and rational design of support systems in underground engineering. Digital drilling technology provides an innovative approach to in situ assessment of rock compressive strength. To implement this methodology, a quantitative relationship model between compressive strength and drilling parameters must be established, supported by the development of a dedicated field digital drilling test system. In this study, a mechanical analysis of rock rotary drilling is conducted and the relationship between drilling parameters and unit cutting energy is established. Using the newly developed rotary cutting test system for rock mass (RCT system), a series of rock drilling tests are conducted, the response of drilling parameters to the rock compressive strength is analyzed, and the drilling-based rock compressive strength inversion model (DP-<i>σ</i>_c model) is established. Experimental results demonstrate an average deviation of 7.27% between the DP-<i>σ</i>_c model predictions and laboratory uniaxial compression test results. Additionally, the intelligent drilling explore system of geology (IDE system) for field applications is developed. Stratified rock drilling tests conducted with the IDE system reveal its capability to effectively identify lithological interfaces, with an average discrepancy of 9.40% between predicted compressive strength values and laboratory measurements. These results validate both the accuracy of the DP-<i>σ</i>_c model and the reliability of the IDE system. The study establishes a theoretical basis and technical support for in-situ rock strength assessment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144074027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the division method of the excavation disturbed zone in tunnels based on continuous-discontinuous theory","authors":"Jixu Zhang,&nbsp;Xiaodong Fu,&nbsp;Chao Tan,&nbsp;Yongqiang Zhou,&nbsp;Qian Sheng,&nbsp;Chen Xu,&nbsp;Jiaming Wu","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04349-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04349-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Tunnel excavation can induce stress redistribution in the surrounding rock, causing cracks to continuously propagate and form an Excavation Disturbed Zone (EDZ). Accurately identifying the EDZ is crucial for assessing the stability of the surrounding rock. Based on the continuous-discontinuous theory, the extent of the EDZ is directly determined from the perspective of crack propagation. Initially, based on the constitutive model of the joint element, a quantitative indicator termed the Crack Propagation Index (CPI) was proposed to represent the degree of crack propagation. The calculation formulas for CPI and Yield CPI were derived, and a standard for dividing the EDZ based on the CPI was established. Furthermore, a precise method for identifying and dividing the EDZ was proposed using the Finite-Discrete Element Method (FDEM). The results indicated that the excavation failure zone in the Mine-by Experiment test tunnel computed using FDEM is in close agreement with the V-shaped failure zone measured from this tunnel in terms of maximum depth, angle and shape. Finally, the model tests were conducted based on actual engineering projects, and the EDZ division method established in this paper was applied to the model tests. The results show that the failure modes of the surrounding rock obtained by the two methods are largely consistent, and the depths of the arch-shaped failure zones are similar. Therefore, the EDZ division method established in this paper can provide a reference for selecting support schemes during excavation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144074028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contributions of rock structure and terrain to rockslide/rockfall-induced air blast: insights from 3D CFD-DEM analyses","authors":"Zhiyuan Zhu,&nbsp;Yihan Wu,&nbsp;Yuzhang Bi,&nbsp;Lu Zheng","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04301-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04301-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Evidence of rockslide-induced air blasts has been documented in numerous investigation records, showing similar terrain features. Terrains and rock structures combine to influence rock runout, yet their effects on the generation and propagation of air blasts remain poorly understood. We proposed a generalized model to account for the influence of rock structure and terrain. The generation and propagation of air blasts under different conditions are quantitatively analyzed using the discrete element method (DEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The results show that (1) The precondition for inducing air blasts is that rockslides maintain high runout speed with large front-cross sections, impacting mountains and causing significant fragmentations. (2) Representing the source rock mass as unbonded particles underestimates the influence range of air blasts; Structural planes parallel to the sliding surface enhance rockslide spreading and facilitate the further propagation of air blasts. (3) Steep slopes and scarps significantly increase the energy released during rock impact, leading to a peak air blast pressure increase of 603.3% and 79.8%, respectively, compared to gentle slopes. Winding and narrow valley terrain restricts the escape of air, making it easier for high-speed air blasts to form.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144074026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multiscale investigation on the cement-lime modified red mudstone as fill material for high-speed railway","authors":"Jiahang Xu,&nbsp;Xianfeng Liu,&nbsp;Shengyang Yuan,&nbsp;Jie Ma,&nbsp;Dariusz Wanatowski,&nbsp;Ana Heitor,&nbsp;Ren Hu,&nbsp;Feng Chen","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04337-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04337-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The construction of high-speed railway in Southwest China must traverse extensive regions of red mudstone. However, due to the humid subtropical monsoon climate in Southwest region, the red mudstone is often exposed to a high-water content or saturated state for extended time, and the poor mechanical properties under such condition cannot satisfy the requirements of high-speed railway subgrade. This paper proposes the use of lime and cement to improve the saturated unconfined compression strength (UCS) of the red mudstone fill material. Comprehensive tests, including UCS tests and scanning electron microscopy, were conducted on cement-lime modified red mudstone. Results show that lime stabilisation can significantly enhance the UCS and elastic modulus with the increase of dry density and modifier content. For the specimens with 4% lime and 6% cement, both peak strength and elastic modulus of the modified samples are more than 10 times higher than those of the untreated ones. The modulus exhibits nonlinear degradation with the development of shear stress, but the degradation can be improved with the increase of dry density and modifier content. At 60% of initial tangent modulus, the corresponding stress for untreated soil, lime stabilised and cement-lime modified filler are 0.74, 0.92 and 0.99. As for the energy evolution, the increasing dry density can enhance elastic and dissipated energies through denser particle arrangements, while a higher modifier content raises total energy. When the cement content is 6%, the total energy is more than 8 times higher than that of the untreated material, reflecting increased brittleness to a sudden fracture. The improvements are attributed to the formation of acicular and platy hydration products, which can tighten the pore structure. The study underscores the importance of lime and cement in ensuring subgrade stability for high-speed railways in Southwest China’s red bed regions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144073889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the effect of water retaining agent content on the shear characteristics of soil-rock interface","authors":"Fengzhan Hou,&nbsp;Zhenqiang Ni,&nbsp;Shihao Wang,&nbsp;Wenlan Li,&nbsp;Long Bing","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04288-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04288-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In order to study the effect of water retaining agent content on the shear characteristics of soil-rock structural interface, the water retaining agent contents were set to be 0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and the water contents were set to be 4%, 7%, 10%, 13%, 16%, and 19%, and the interfacial direct shear experiments were carried out under the normal stresses of 50 kPa, 100 kPa, 150 kPa, and 200 kPa. The results show that: when the water retaining agent content is 0.3%, the shear strength of soil-rock interface is the highest, and the value is close to that without water retaining agent when the water content is 4%-13%; with further increase in water content, the shear strength of soil-rock interface with 0.3% water retaining agent content is higher than that without water retaining agent; the internal friction angle at the soil-rock interface with the water retaining agent content of 0.3% is close to that without water retaining agent, and higher than that with other contents; the soil-rock interfacial cohesion at 0.1% and 0.3% water retaining agent is higher than that without water retaining agent; the residual strength ratio at the soil-rock interface without water retaining agent is less than that at the soil-rock interface with the water retaining agent content of 0.3%. The nonlinear constitutive. model of soil-rock interface shear is found by using a hyperbolic model combined with experimental parameters in this paper. Comparing the model data with the experimental data, it is found that the model fits well.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144073868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanism of failure and control measures for deep excavation and unloading rock mass","authors":"Sen Yang,&nbsp;Liqiang Ma,&nbsp;Juan Xu,&nbsp;Peng Yang","doi":"10.1007/s10064-025-04293-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10064-025-04293-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In order to study the mechanism of rock mass fracture and instability during deep excavation unloading and support problems, a comprehensive approach was adopted, including on-site investigation, laboratory tests, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation. True triaxial tests were conducted under different support stresses, including \"single-sided lateral unloading—three-way five sided stress—single-sided lateral support—vertical continuous loading\". The mechanical behavior, failure mode, AE, and energy evolution characteristics of rocks under excavation unloading and support stress paths were studied, and targeted control measures were proposed. The research results indicate that: (1) As the support stress increases, the peak strength of the unloaded rock during failure increases, the maximum principal strain decreases, and the failure mode changes from tensile shear composite failure to shear failure; (2) As the support stress increases, the total energy U, elastic energy U^e, and dissipated energy U^d at the time of rock failure increase, and the strain energy conversion rate u before the peak increases linearly with the support stress; (3) The anchoring support function of bolts and anchor cables were studied, and a coupled support strategy of \"beam arch\" load-bearing structure with prestressed anchor rods and anchor cables as the main support was proposed. It was applied on site in the 1211 (1) transportation roadway of Guqiao Mine and achieved good application results.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":500,"journal":{"name":"Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment","volume":"84 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144073867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}