Hybrid XGBoost - 3D FEA approach for predicitng bearing capacity of rectangular foundations on rock slopes
July 2026
This study investigates the bearing capacity of a sloping rock foundation beneath rectangular and, in particular, square footings. Additionally, the study proposes a novel hybrid machine learning approach,...
Locked segment of fault as earthquake barrier: Laboratory and field evidence of preseismic stress drop
July 2026
Natural fault systems exhibit significant geometric heterogeneity, where locked segments act as strong, unbroken regions that impede fault slip and influence seismic nucleation. This study integrates...
Simultaneous propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures in crystalline rock: A numerical investigation based on coupled fluid-solid discrete element framework
July 2026
The simultaneous multiple hydraulic fracturing treatment has been extensively employed in Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) to increase the complexity and area of artificial fractures. However, the...
Insights of microstructures and lithofacies on fracture process zone of organic-rich shale
July 2026
The fracture process zone (FPZ) plays a critical role in determining the mechanical properties of shale,as a quasi-brittle material. In this study, the effects of microstructure on fracture process...
Reconstruction of laminated shale specimens through advanced physics-informed image processing
July 2026
Shale is distinguished from other rocks by its laminated and fissile nature, as it consists of many thin layers and easily splits into thin pieces along the bedding planes. A common approach in a geomechanical...
Investigation of nanoindentation for evaluating the cyclic loading-unloading mechanical properties of heterogeneous coal
July 2026
Exploring the meso-mechanical response of heterogeneous coal is crucial for understanding its macro mechanical behavior in coal mining, CO2 storage, and coal bed methane production. However, a key gap...
Experimental investigation on fatigue mechanical behavior and energy evolution characteristic of fine-grained marble under multilevel constant-amplitude cyclic loading
July 2026
This study systematically investigates the mechanical behavior and energy evolution mechanisms of marble under multilevel constant-amplitude cyclic loading through triaxial tests conducted at various...
Three-dimensional coupled simulation study on the reactivation mechanism and stability of faults under different fluid injection rate schemes
July 2026
The injection rate of fluid is a key engineering factor affecting the stability and reactivation potential of faults; however, the mechanism of injection-induced fault reactivation under the effect...
Cross-scale friction analysis of rocks: Influences of mineral properties and interactions
July 2026
Macroscale instability of frictional behavior of rock arises from the heterogeneous distribution and dynamic accumulation effects of friction force between the soft- and hard- phase mineral grains....
Study on true triaxial stress-seepage law of sandstone under high temperature
July 2026
The environments of high temperature and high ground stress in the process of underground coal gasification and geothermal energy development will affect the seepage characteristics of rock strata....
Effects of loading rates and mine water immersion on the mechanical characteristics of coal under Brazilian test conditions
April 2026
The mechanical properties of coal pillars are crucial for evaluating the stability of underground water reservoirs in coal mines. This article examines the fracture mechanical behavior of coal in response...
Integration of image and dipole sonic logs for identification of natural fractures and stress-induced anisotropy in Asmari reservoir (A case study, SW Iran)
April 2026
Borehole sonic dispersion analysis is a technique that provides valuable insights into the realm of borehole sonic interpretation. This research involves an analysis of shear-wave anisotropy and ultrasonic...
Recent advancements for cement grout diffusion mechanisms within rock fractures
April 2026
Understanding cement grout diffusion in rock fractures is crucial for rock engineering, yet grouting faces significant challenges due to fracture network heterogeneity and grout's complex non-Newtonian...
Integrative solution of stress evolution in overburden roof strata during the coal seam mining by application of complex variable functions methodology
April 2026
Large-scale roof collapse is a major dynamic hazard threatening the safe coal mine operations. Understanding the deformation and failure characteristics of overburden rock strata, as well as deciphering...
Fast marching method-based bent-ray tracing for three-dimensional velocity imaging in mines
April 2026
Three-dimensional (3D) seismic velocity imaging is crucial for understanding rock mass stress and structures in mining. Conventional straight-ray tomography suffers from ray-path mismatches with true...
Thermo-mechanical coupling in cracked granite: Influence of crack inclination on fracture behavior and temperature evolution
April 2026
Crack inclination angle (α) plays a critical role in the dynamic failure and thermo-mechanical coupling of granite, which is vital for rockburst monitoring and prevention. In this study, granite specimens...
A method for evaluating the stability of roadway surrounding rock based on a modified damage evolution characteristic model considering rock mass residual strength and 3D DEM
April 2026
Repetitive mining in multi-seam conditions induces cumulative damage to surrounding rock, significantly increasing the risk of roadway instability. Taking the roadway in the extra-thick coal seam fully...
From lab forces to field lifespans: How rock and operating parameters govern TBM disc cutter wear
April 2026
Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are considered a reliable and fast method for boring long tunnels. However, the wear and failure of disc cutters in hard rock influences the efficiency of equipment, ultimate...
The frictional sliding properties of antigorite gouge under hydrothermal conditions
April 2026
As a weak mineral overlying subduction-zone faults, the widespread presence of antigorite can markedly affect subduction-zone dynamics. To better understand the mechanical properties of antigorite-bearing...
Investigation of shale fracture behavior with different bedding properties based on discrete element method
April 2026
The interaction between cemented laminae and induced fractures plays a critical role in hydraulic fracture propagation within laminated shale reservoirs. By combining mode-I fracture mechanics experiment...
Mechanical behavior and strength model of anchored mortar-rock composite under triaxial compression
April 2026
Anchor-shotcrete support has been widely applied in underground rock mass engineering globally, where the anchoring of bolts plays a crucial role in stabilizing the mortar-rock interface. In this study,...
Quantitative Assessment of Structural Controls on Drill-and-Blast Overbreak: Sector-Based Prediction of Over-Excavation Depth and Volume via the Universal Discontinuity Index
Available online 4 April 2026
Accurate overbreak prediction is critical for cost control, stability, and support optimization in drill-and-blast tunnels. Traditional empirical models, typically applied during early design, rely...
Laboratory Assessment of Microstructural and Strength Evolution in Stylolite and Burrow Limestones Under Cyclic Wetting-Drying Conditions
Available online 4 April 2026
Understanding the degradation behavior of carbonate rocks under cyclic climatic conditions is essential for predicting their long-term durability, particularly in coastal and arid environments. This...
Combined effects of fault orientation and surface roughness on fluid-induced reactivation: Experimental insights and implications for induced seismicity
Available online 3 April 2026
Fluid injection can induce fault slip and seismicity, but the joint influence of fault orientation and surface roughness on the hydromechanical reactivation of mechanically unfavourable faults has not...
A new equivalent constitutive relationship of rock mass containing complex random fractures: Insights from anisotropy analysis
Available online 1 April 2026
A variety of natural fractures with different scales, orientations, and shapes have evolved within the rock mass, which reflect the initial damage characteristics of the rock mass and exert a significant...