Investigating Influence of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on the Degradation of Sandstone through Discrete Method Modeling

TY - GEN

T1 - Investigating Influence of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on the Degradation of Sandstone through Discrete Method Modeling

AU - Huang, C.

AU - Zhu, C.

AU - Aluthgun Hewage, S.

AU - Ma, Y.

AU - Shi, X.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2022 ARMA, American Rock Mechanics Association.

PY - 2022

Y1 - 2022

N2 - In this study, the discrete element modeling (DEM) method is adopted to evaluate the influence of freeze-thaw cycles (FTC) action on the mechanical properties of sandstone. A water-rich rock model is built, with rock and water compositions represented by particles of different sizes. To overcome the intrinsic porosity limitation of DEM model and better represent the saturated rock sample, we develop an algorithm to include particles of smaller and varying sizes into rock pores. The ice-water phase change and the resulting accumulation of residual strain are considered by developing a modified elastoplastic model. The rationality of this model is first validated by comparing numerical results with published experimental data. Numerical results highlight the FTC deterioration of the uniaxial compressive strength and Young's modulus of rock specimens. We establish exponential correlations between the freeze-thaw cycle number and the rock's mechanical properties such as the uniaxial compressive strength, Young's modulus and strain energy, showing consistent trends with experimental observations. Inter-particle contact damage also reflects the formation and distribution of micro-fractures in rock specimens under freeze-thaw cyclic treatments. This study provides new insights into the rock degradation process under changing climate and could contribute to the future design and assessment of climate-resilient infrastructure.

AB - In this study, the discrete element modeling (DEM) method is adopted to evaluate the influence of freeze-thaw cycles (FTC) action on the mechanical properties of sandstone. A water-rich rock model is built, with rock and water compositions represented by particles of different sizes. To overcome the intrinsic porosity limitation of DEM model and better represent the saturated rock sample, we develop an algorithm to include particles of smaller and varying sizes into rock pores. The ice-water phase change and the resulting accumulation of residual strain are considered by developing a modified elastoplastic model. The rationality of this model is first validated by comparing numerical results with published experimental data. Numerical results highlight the FTC deterioration of the uniaxial compressive strength and Young's modulus of rock specimens. We establish exponential correlations between the freeze-thaw cycle number and the rock's mechanical properties such as the uniaxial compressive strength, Young's modulus and strain energy, showing consistent trends with experimental observations. Inter-particle contact damage also reflects the formation and distribution of micro-fractures in rock specimens under freeze-thaw cyclic treatments. This study provides new insights into the rock degradation process under changing climate and could contribute to the future design and assessment of climate-resilient infrastructure.

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M3 - Conference contribution

T3 - 56th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium

BT - 56th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium

PB - American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)

T2 - 56th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium

Y2 - 26 June 2022 through 29 June 2022

ER -