International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Transmission of ultrasonic wave across moisture rocks: Effects of moisture sorption on velocity variation and attenuation","authors":"Ang Liu ,&nbsp;Guijie Sang ,&nbsp;Shimin Liu ,&nbsp;Xing Li ,&nbsp;Gang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106188","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106188","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study focused on investigating the impact of moisture-induced mechanical degradation on three types of rocks. Dynamic moisture sorption experiments were conducted to understand water vapor sorption across different relative humidity (RH) conditions. Ultrasonic tests, performed at various RH levels, revealed the sensitivity of wave velocities and attenuations to changes in moisture content. Subsequent measurements of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) demonstrated how moisture-induced degradation affects the mechanical properties of rocks. This study evaluated the effects of RH on ultrasonic P-/S-wave velocities in three rocks, revealing distinct moisture effects on wave velocity variations. Gray shale and sandstone exhibited similar P-wave behaviors, while black shale differed significantly, showcasing early stiffening effects at lower RH. Saturation heterogeneities at the pore-scale and patchy effects at the large scale highlighted complex interactions between rock, moisture, and wave characteristics. Furthermore, the research assessed the impact of relative humidity on ultrasonic wave attenuations in partially saturated rocks. As RH increased, P-wave attenuation generally rose, influenced by dynamic water saturation and fabric heterogeneity. S-wave attenuation exhibited a similar trend, with noticeable variations among rock types. UCS tests indicated that higher moisture content led to decreased UCS values across various rock specimens. The P- and S-wave velocities during loading further emphasized moisture sensitivity, with S-wave velocity being more responsive to moisture content variations. Dynamic Young's moduli exhibited distinct changes during UCS measurements, highlighting the influence of moisture content on mechanical degradations. These findings underscore the importance of considering moisture effects in understanding and predicting the mechanical behavior of rocks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106188"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144365799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modeling supercritical CO2 injection induced rupture of a minor fault embedded in a poroelastic layered reservoir-caprock system","authors":"Meng Cao,&nbsp;Jonny Rutqvist,&nbsp;Yves Guglielmi,&nbsp;Abdullah Cihan,&nbsp;Stanislav Glubokovskikh,&nbsp;Preston Jordan,&nbsp;Matthew Reagan,&nbsp;Jens Birkholzer","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106185","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106185","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>CO₂ injection for geologic carbon sequestration involves hydromechanical processes that lead to changes in fluid pressure and stresses that can activate existing faults. This paper presents a new method and workflow of modeling fault activation considering more complex three-dimensional geometry of natural faults using the TOUGH-FLAC multiphase fluid flow and geomechanical simulator. In this method and workflow, FLAC3D mechanical interfaces and TOUGH3 finite volume elements are discretized using computer aided design and gridding software along with a tailored mesh translation routine. The method and workflow are demonstrated with a model of a curved minor fault embedded in a poro-elastic layered reservoir-caprock system. The model is used for a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of fault responses to fault length, injection mass rate, injection schedule, well-fault distance, and well locations versus fault location. Four metrics (CO₂ plume, shear state of fault, pressure and stress path at fault monitoring points) are selected to assess CO₂ migration, pressure change, and the reactivation of faults. The results reveal that CO₂ can bypass around the tip of the minor impermeable fault, building up pressure and poro-elastic stress on both sides that tends to impede fault rupture. Our study shows the benefit of carefully designing the injection to achieve the targeted final storage volume, starting at a relatively low rate for considerable time, and then ramping up the injection rate to the full rate of injection. The initial low injection has two distinct benefits: (1) it allows for the formation of an extensive CO₂ plume with a much higher mobility through a low viscosity that will result in a lower pressure for a given injection rate, and (2) it allows for gradual build-up of horizontal poro-elastic stress within the reservoir that will tend to impede activation of steeply dipping faults. The injection scenario starting at a low injection rate, denoted here as conservative injection, can significantly reduce the risk of fault activation as high fluid mobility and reservoir strengthening poro-elastic stress has been established long before reaching the peak injection rates. Moreover, simultaneous injection in two injection wells on both sides of fault can provide further reservoir strengthening through poro-elastic stress buildup acting on a fault under normal faulting stress regime. The findings presented in the paper can provide practical and effective guidance on long-term, safe, and reliable geological CO₂ storage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106185"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144338741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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 self-initiated catastrophe mechanism of strain rockburst: A laboratory experiment","authors":"Yuan Qian ,&nbsp;Cheng Zhao ,&nbsp;Zhihong Dong ,&nbsp;Jinquan Xing ,&nbsp;Jialun Niu ,&nbsp;Boyi Zhang ,&nbsp;Sheng Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106184","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106184","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Throughout the full evolution process of rockburst, the instantaneous self-initiated static-dynamic transition behavior represents a pivotal inflection point that propels rocks from static deformation to dynamic instability. Nevertheless, the transient dynamic process of this point and its role in triggering rockburst remain incompletely understood. Addressing the scientific issue, this study proposes a physical simulation methodology to reproduce self-initiated rockburst based on the theoretical framework of rock mechanics systems. Concurrently, a millisecond-resolution multi-source information monitoring system was developed to capture the transient dynamic behavior. Based on such method, controlled experiments were conducted to decode the instantaneous static-dynamic transition process, investigating the self-initiated catastrophe mechanism from mechanical and energy perspectives. Under the work, some new insights into rockburst mechanism are acquired. The results show that: during the transition instant, the surrounding rock within the rockburst system exhibits self-initiated elastic rebound dynamic behaviour that is the key to triggering rockburst. Mechanically, this behaviour directly generates immediate impact loading on the burst rock, performing as the direct cause of rockburst; Energetically, elastic rebound compels the surrounding rock to perform transient work on the burst rock, forming energy convergence and shortening the time required for instability, causing a sufficient large energy release rate within the burst rock, functioning as the inherent cause of rockburst.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106184"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144330700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pore-scale damage evolution in sandstone induced by fluid infiltration under various stress conditions","authors":"Yongfa Zhang ,&nbsp;Anfa Long ,&nbsp;Arno Zang ,&nbsp;Yu Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While stress-dependent fluid infiltration plays a critical role in the initiation and propagation of hydraulic fractures, limited attention has been paid to the dynamics of fluid infiltration and the pore-scale damage mechanisms resulting from fluid infiltration during hydraulic fracturing. To address these research gaps, this study conducts hydraulic fracturing experiments on tight sandstone under various stress levels, employing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to monitor real-time fluid infiltration behavior. Results reveal that continuous fluid injection alters pore compressibility by regulating effective stress distribution and anisotropic fluid infiltration, causing macropore evolution shifting from compression to expansion under increasing in situ stresses. Interestingly, elevating the differential stress lowers the rock breakdown strength by promoting fluid infiltration and macropore modification, though excessive high stress differences can cause water blocking. Anisotropic fluid infiltration is confined to a finite damage volume surrounding the fracture, while higher differential stresses promote fracture propagation along preferential infiltration paths. A refined damage length model is developed to characterize varying infiltration lengths across different stress levels. We recommend implementing stress relief measures to reduce formation breakdown strength, utilizing anisotropic infiltration to enhance fracture complexity and employing a primary fluid infiltration path to predict hydraulic fracture initiation. These findings offer new insights into hydraulic fracture nucleation mechanisms and can help improving field hydraulic fracturing operations in tight gas reservoirs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106181"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144322759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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 parameterized model reconstruction method for multi-mineral porous rocks","authors":"Yuliang Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiangyu Xing ,&nbsp;Guowei Ma ,&nbsp;Qiang Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rocks, composed of various minerals and defects, exhibit complex deformation and failure processes. Traditional analytical methods and homogenized medium-based models struggle to address such complexity. Developing a numerical model that closely mimics the structure of real rocks rather than only a replication of rock structure is a critical challenge. To address this, this work proposes a parameterized model reconstruction method for generating multi-mineral porous rock models based on rock images. The basic principle of the method is as follows: first, rock minerals and pores are differentiated through grayscale image analysis; then, the optimal ellipse for each pore or mineral grain is fitted based on its boundary; the relationship between the grains and their optimal ellipses is analyzed, and the boundary features are quantified using ellipse parameters; finally, non-regular pores or grains are generated through inversion, ultimately rebuilding a multi-mineral porous rock model that has same mineral content and structural characteristics to the real rock. The proposed method offers several key advantages: realistic replication of pore and mineral shapes, precise control over porosity and mineral content, support for parametric studies, scalability for large models, directional alignment of mineral grains, and broad applicability. To validate the method, various materials were used, including the generation of models with regular and irregular pores, contacting and non-contacting pores, multi-mineral rocks, and directionally arranged mineral grains. The results demonstrate that the proposed method has unique advantages in generating these materials. Finally, the method was applied to preliminary studies in rock wave propagation, uniaxial compression, and ultra-low temperature damage by using a distinct lattice spring model, highlighting its significant potential for both scientific research and engineering applications. The program code can be made available to researchers with reasonable request.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106162"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144263949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simulation of real tunnel convergences in soft rock using Discrete Element Method with Rate Process Theory","authors":"Weixing Qiu ,&nbsp;J.G. Gutiérrez-Ch ,&nbsp;S. Senent ,&nbsp;Lianheng Zhao ,&nbsp;R. Jimenez","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106172","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106172","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Creep deformation of soft rock caused by tunnel excavation can produce significant safety and construction challenges. In this study, a Discrete Element Method (DEM) numerical model combining the Rate Process Theory (RPT) is developed, in conjunction with the Support Characteristic Curve (SCC) approach, to simulate creep-induced convergences of a tunnel excavated in soft rock. To achieve this, two-dimensional (2D) DEM tunnel models are constructed using particles, and their interactions are simulated by a hybrid combination of the linear and flat-joint contact models. The RPT is integrated into such models through a user-defined Visual C++ script, which adjusts their friction coefficients during the DEM simulation based on the relative velocity between particles. The micromechanical parameters of completely weathered granite were calibrated by uniaxial compression multi-stage creep tests (UCMCTs) and applied to the tunnel excavation simulation. The support forces, as computed using the SCC approach, are applied to the tunnel particles using a used-defined FISH function. The displacements of the tunnel linear particles change over time, the time-dependent behavior of the simulated support system is accounted for in the analysis. Numerical results obtained with the developed model were validated using field monitoring data collected from a tunnel case study. Results indicate that computed convergences align well with the monitoring data, both in terms of values and of deformation trends.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106172"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144223154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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 dynamic seepage analysis method for engineering-disturbed rock mass considering microseismic-derived fractures: a case study","authors":"Zexu Ning ,&nbsp;Ke Ma ,&nbsp;Duanyang Zhuang ,&nbsp;Yingtao Hu ,&nbsp;Jiahao Bai ,&nbsp;Wenjie Xu ,&nbsp;Jinlong Li ,&nbsp;Yunmin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106168","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106168","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The evolution of fractures in rock masses induced by engineering disturbance is fundamental to the development of seepage pathways and changes in the seepage field, playing a critical role in the assessment of seepage-related disasters. This study proposes a dynamic seepage analysis method for engineering-disturbed rock mass considering microseismic(MS)-derived fractures. A three-dimensional random pre-existing fracture network model is established, with its connectivity determined through numerical water injection tests, and the preferential seepage channels are characterized using a graph structure. The coupling fracture models are constructed by integrating MS-derived fractures with the pre-existing fracture network, and the evolution of seepage field is tracked. The results show that among the size, number, dip direction and dip angle of MS-derived fractures, the connectivity is most influenced by the size. Increasing the MS-derived fracture radius from 0.5 m to 1 m enhances the model's water-holding rate by 47.87 % and connectivity rate by 11.46 %. The proposed method is applied to Jinzhou underground water-sealed storage cavern with seepage disasters. It is found that MS-derived fractures affect the seepage of the pre-existing fracture network in two ways: by directly connecting pre-existing fractures that were originally impermeable and non-interconnected to enhance the connectivity, and by indirectly changing the water pressure distribution in the surrounding rock mass. In addition, the locations of the preferential seepage channels during construction are identified, with seepage points exhibiting velocities of 1.93 × 10⁻⁵ m/s and 1.14 × 10⁻⁵ m/s. The results provide a new idea for identifying seepage channels and optimizing grouting schemes in engineering-disturbed rock mass.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106168"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144204664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inference of the preferred direction of fractures in the universal elliptical disc model based on multiple borehole information","authors":"Jichao Guo ,&nbsp;Jun Zheng ,&nbsp;Jingwen Feng ,&nbsp;Jiongchao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106171","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106171","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obtaining the preferred direction of fractures is helpful for reconstructing the stress state of rock mass and assessing its engineering geological properties. However, most fractures are buried within the rock mass, and we could not directly obtain the preferred direction. Instead, we can infer it based on fracture information related to the preferred direction that is exposed on rock outcrops or within boreholes. To describe the preferred direction of fractures, the universal elliptical disc (UED) model is introduced, characterized by its orientation and rotation angle. In this study, we infer the preferred direction of fractures in the UED model based on the fracture information intersecting with the borehole. Among them, the inference of the orientation is relatively mature and can be interpreted through the trace formed by intersecting with the borehole wall, while the inference of the rotation angle is the focus of this paper. To infer the rotation angle, the mathematical relationship between the geometric parameters of the UED model and the number of borehole intersections is first established. Subsequently, an optimization function is constructed using Monte Carlo simulation integration, and a genetic algorithm-based method for inferring the mean rotation angle is proposed. A hypothetical case is designed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed method is applied to determine the preferred direction of the mining-induced fractures in the Ji14-31050 mining face of Pingdingshan Coal Mine No. 10 in China. Moreover, the successful inference of rotation angle based on borehole information also provides a reference for inferring other parameters of the UED model and further summarizes the combination of borehole and outcrop numbers required to infer all geometric parameters of the UED model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106171"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144189746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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 nonlinear flow model and criterion for 3D natural fracture intersections: Effects of surface roughness and mechanical aperture","authors":"Xiao-Yu Wang ,&nbsp;Zhen Zhong ,&nbsp;Xinghua Xie ,&nbsp;Yunjin Hu ,&nbsp;Changhai Han ,&nbsp;Bin Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Characterization of hydraulic behavior of intersected fractures is of great importance for evaluating flow properties within fractured rock masses. Nevertheless, existing flow models that correlate fracture geometries with nonlinear flow behaviors remain limited in predictive accuracy. To develop a nonlinear flow model and criterion based on fracture geometries that accurately represent real-world conditions, a series of three-dimensional (3D) intersected fracture models were created using surface morphology extracted from split granite blocks. Then, water flow-through simulations were performed on the generated fracture intersections subjected to varying hydraulic gradient conditions. The results demonstrate complex streamline patterns and significant nonlinear flow processes at fracture intersections with complex geometries. With increased roughness coefficient (<em>JRC</em>), decreased mechanical aperture (<em>e</em>_m) and reduced aperture ratio (<em>e</em>^’), the nonlinearity of flow increases, and the intrinsicpermeability (<em>k</em>) decreases. The critical hydraulic gradient (<em>J</em>_c) associated with the onset of nonlinear flow decreases with increasing <em>JRC</em>, <em>e</em>_m, and <em>e</em>^’. Furthermore, a notable coupling effect of surface roughness and mechanical aperture on the nonlinear flow behaviors of fracture intersections has been revealed. Based on the established relationships between hydraulic properties (<em>J</em>_c and inertial permeability <em>k</em>_i) and geometric parameters (<em>JRC</em> and <em>e</em>_m), a nonlinear flow model and a criterion were proposed to quantitatively determine the fracture permeability under nonlinear flow regimes. This study provides insights into the nonlinear flow behaviors within 3D natural fracture intersections, allowing quantitative identifications of flow regimes and evaluations on the nonlinear permeability. These findings contribute to a more accurate characterization of the hydraulic properties in fractured rock masses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106169"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144189745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An analytical drained solution based on graphical method for wellbore drilling problem in dilatant Mohr-Coulomb rock formations","authors":"Xu Wang ,&nbsp;Yan-Hui Han ,&nbsp;Sheng-Li Chen ,&nbsp;Younane Abousleiman","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106170","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106170","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper develops a rigorous analytical solution for the drained wellbore drilling problem in a non-associated Mohr-Coulomb rock formation subjected to hydrostatic initial stress field, on the basis of an efficient graphical method recently proposed in Chen (2024) for the cylindrical cavity expansion problem. Similar to the expansion case, during contraction the deviatoric stress path that is essential for the solution development is found to be composed of a set of piecewise straight lines; it nevertheless always tends to move towards the projection on the deviatoric plane of the negative radial stress axis regardless of the relative magnitude of Poisson's ratio and the friction angle of rock. With the gradual reduction of the internal support pressure during the borehole drilling process, the developed deviatoric stress path will eventually end in a major sextant with Lode angle <span><math><mrow><mi>θ</mi></mrow></math></span> in between <span><math><mrow><mfrac><mrow><mn>2</mn><mi>π</mi></mrow><mn>3</mn></mfrac></mrow></math></span> and <span><math><mrow><mfrac><mrow><mn>5</mn><mi>π</mi></mrow><mn>6</mn></mfrac></mrow></math></span> or on the specific line of <span><math><mrow><mi>θ</mi><mo>=</mo><mfrac><mrow><mn>5</mn><mi>π</mi></mrow><mn>6</mn></mfrac></mrow></math></span> (i.e., the edge of Mohr-Coulomb yield surface). The proposed graphical analysis-based analytical approach effectively removes the stringent yet unnecessary intermediacy assumption for the vertical stress that is commonly adopted in the existing wellbore drilling analysis. Furthermore, it circumvents the use of the traditional cumbersome zoning method that demands the separation of the Mohr-Coulomb plastic zones around the wellbore into multiple distinct ones according to the ordering of the radial, tangential, and vertical principal stresses. Some typical numerical results are presented for the desired wellbore drilling curves and the impacts of the key rock mechanical parameters on the calculated curves are also investigated. The analytical solution obtained by utilizing the present graphical approach is a rigorous and complete one of its kind for the borehole drilling problem involving the classic Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model. It may contribute to better and more accurate prediction and design of mud weight required to maintain the wellbore stability, when compared with the conventional methods for wellbore stability analysis used in the current drilling and operation practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54941,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 106170"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144189737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}