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...
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...
Parameterized three-dimensional unified strength criterion for rocks within brittle-ductile domain
Available online 7 March 2026
A parameterized three-dimensional strength criterion within brittle-ductile domain is proposed in this study. The criterion employs a power function to capture the positive correlation and an elliptic...
TBM Penetration Rate Estimation using Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Machine Specifications
Available online 7 March 2026
Rock mass classification systems, such as the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), are widely used to estimate tunnel boring machine (TBM) performance because RMR is relatively easy to apply and the system accounts...
A TabPFN-Based Framework for Slope Stability Analysis Using Geometric Features and Shear Strength Parameters
Available online 4 March 2026
Achieving efficient and accurate assessment of slope stability at a regional scale remains a significant research challenge. This is largely due to the complexity of geological conditions and the limited...
A fractal relative permeability model based on tortuous capillary network of unsaturated porous rock media
Available online 4 March 2026
Accurate prediction of relative permeability in porous rock media remains a persistent challenge, primarily due to the oversimplified representation of fluid distribution and the neglected residual...
A Hybrid Machine Learning Approach for Accurate Horizontal in-situ Stress Prediction in Complex Hydrocarbon Reservoirs Using Core and Well Log Data
Available online 3 March 2026
Accurate estimation of horizontal in-situ stress, minimum (Shmin) and maximum (SHmax), is crucial for subsurface planning, wellbore stability, and hydraulic fracturing in hydrocarbon and geothermal...
Explainable Ensemble Learning with Adaptive Optimization for Intelligent Prediction and Control of Ground Surface Settlement in Shield Tunneling
Available online 2 March 2026
Ground surface settlement caused by shield tunneling is influenced by various factors, complicating predictive efforts. While machine learning models can forecast settlement, their lack of interpretability...
Shear Characteristics and Failure Mechanism of Rock Joint Subjected to Dynamic Normal Load: Experimental and DEM Analysis
Available online 2 March 2026
The deformation and stability of jointed rock masses are significantly influenced by dynamic loads. To investigate the shear properties of rock joint subjected to dynamic load, a series of laboratory...