Comparative Numerical Analysis of Indirect Tensile Strength Assessment Methods in Rock Engineering

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Dept. of Geomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Geoscience Engineering, Arak University of Technology, Arak, Iran

2 Dept. of Geomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Geoscience Engineering, Arak University of Technology, Arak, Iran.

Abstract

This study presents an in-depth comparative numerical analysis of three distinct methods employed to evaluate the indirect tensile strength of rock materials: the Brazilian Tensile Test (BT), the Three-Point Bending Test (TPBT), and the Four-Point Bending Test (FPBT). Utilizing advanced simulation capabilities provided by the three-dimensional Particle Flow Code (PFC3D) software, the tensile behavior of rock samples was modeled and assessed under the unique loading conditions associated with each testing approach. The novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive comparison of these three methods using PFC3D simulations, which has not been extensively explored in previous research. Our findings reveal significant discrepancies in tensile strength values obtained from each method, with the FPBT consistently yielding the highest tensile strength measurements due to its superior stress distribution. The BT method, despite its widespread use and simplicity, revealed several limitations, including significant stress concentration around the loading points and a non-homogeneous distribution of stress across the sample. In contrast, both the TPBT and FPBT methods demonstrated advantages in terms of loading control and stress distribution. The comparative analysis revealed notable discrepancies in the tensile strength values obtained from each method, underscoring the critical role that test method selection plays in accurately characterizing the tensile strength of rock. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanical behavior of rocks under different testing conditions and offers recommendations for selecting appropriate tensile strength methods based on specific engineering applications. The use of PFC3D simulations to uncover these discrepancies represents a significant advancement in the field, offering a more accurate and reliable approach for evaluating rock tensile strength in various engineering and geological contexts.

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Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 21 January 2025

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