Mechanical behaviour of rock subjected to uniaxial compression at intermediate strain rate

ABSTRACT This paper presents a study of the mechanical behaviour of rock under dynamic compression loading at intermediate strain rate (ISR). A series of laboratory tests were carried out to obtain dynamic uniaxial compressive strength by using a non-explosive powder reaction loading apparatus that was able to generate loading in the ISR range. It was found that the strength of granite and sandstone specimens increases at the ISR range. The results were discussed with a comparison with other findings from multiple references. In general, strength increases linearly at the lower rates and rises significantly at higher rates. Within the ISR range, the tendency is not consistent. Further understanding of rock behaviour within the ISR range needs to be extensively explored. This paper might be useful to understand phenomena involving a dynamic process such as mechanical excavation in which rock experiences a loading lower than high strain rate, i.e., explosive blasting, and higher than static loading.