From CT scans to surface metrics: A novel workflow for rock fracture roughness evaluation at sample scale
October 2026
This study presents a robust deep learning-based workflow for fracture segmentation and subsequent Joint Roughness Coefficient computation from X-ray computed tomography data. The core of the approach...
Characteristics and identification of granite rockburst under true triaxial loading-unloading with different initial stresses based on a DEM two-stage structural model
October 2026
This study employed a two-stage structural model based on the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate granite rockbursts under true triaxial loading-unloading. By refining the determination method...
Mechanical properties and microstructure characteristics of vacuum sintered lunar simulant using nanoindentation
October 2026
To meet the requirements of lunar base construction and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), this study applies multiple characterization techniques to examine the microstructure, mineral composition,...
Study on phase-transition-like characteristics and volume expansion model of weakly consolidated sandstone under triaxial cyclic loading and unloading
October 2026
In order to study the phase transformation characteristics and dilatation-related changes of weakly consolidated sandstones with different cementation degrees, the cyclic loading and unloading experiments...
Research on fracture characteristics of key strata and prevention of mining-induced seismic disasters in kilometer-deep coal mining
October 2026
Understanding the fracture characteristics of overlying key strata in goaf during coal mining and the mechanisms by which they induce seismic disasters is crucial for seismic disaster prevention and...
Machine learning-based prediction of fracture toughness of ISRM-recommended CCNBD rock specimens using ANN and metaheuristic optimizations
October 2026
Accurate determination of rock Type-I fracture toughness (KIC) is crucial in geomechanics applications involving brittle or quasi-brittle rock fracturing. However, direct laboratory determination of...
Fracture morphology reconstruction and propagation behavior analysis of zipper fracturing in clustered well platforms based on microseismic monitoring
October 2026
Zipper fracturing is widely used in shale gas development to enhance stimulation efficiency, but it presents challenges in characterizing hydraulic fracture networks due to stress interference among...
3D characterization of fracture evolution and energy release in granite under static expansive loading using DIC, AE, and CT
October 2026
This study investigates the 3D fracture evolution and energy release in granite blocks containing single and dual holes under static expansive loads induced by soundless cracking demolition agents....
A sustained failure mitigation method for roadways in coal pillar recovery working faces of deep mines: excavated pressure-relieving roadways and combined support technology
October 2026
Roadways in deep mining are strongly affected by high in-situ stress and mining-induced stress, exhibiting characteristics of sustained large deformation failure in surrounding rock control. Mere strengthening...
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...
TBM penetration rate estimation using Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and machine specifications
July 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...
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....
Engineering challenges of deep-buried tunneling in the Alps and Himalayas
July 2026
The Himalayas and Alps, both shaped by Tethys Suture Zone evolution, manifest fundamentally different mechanical features throughout their geological development. Over the past century, the Alps have...
Thermal damage evolution and mechanical deterioration of granite under microwave irradiation-liquid nitrogen jet cycles
Available online 10 June 2026
Liquid nitrogen and microwave are emerging alternative methods for HDR reservoir fracturing, yet the combined application in rock fracture remains unclear. To investigate the combined effects, granite...
Kilometer-scale crustal stress inverted through diverse natural fractures - synthetic tests and real borehole applications
Available online 8 June 2026
Natural fractures in the Earth's crust provide important information on the stress field. However, stress inversion based on fracture characteristics remains challenging due to inherent data uncertainty...
Numerical study on the hydro-mechanical behaviour of swelling rocks in long-term floor stability
Available online 22 May 2026
Rock swelling induced by clay minerals causes volumetric expansion and triggers excessive floor heave, thereby compromising tunnel stability. Predicting long-term floor stability is challenging due...
Experimental and Systematic Prediction of Compaction Characteristics of Cement-Stabilized Mine Wastes
Available online 20 May 2026
This study investigates the reuse of mining waste tailings in geotechnical engineering as sustainable stabilizing materials when combined with cement. Two types of tailings—limestone and phosphate limestone—were...