From CT scans to surface metrics: a novel workflow for rock fracture roughness evaluation at sample scale
Available online 28 February 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...
A DEM-enhanced mesoscale modeling framework for bimrocks with high rock block proportion and spatial variability
Available online 28 February 2026
Block-in-matrix rocks, often referred to as bimrocks, constitute geological formations characterized by their heterogeneous structure, combining rock blocks with a weak matrix. Many significant engineering...
Mutual prediction mechanism between disc cutter cutting forces and rock strength parameters: Experimental study and field application
Available online 26 February 2026
Proposing an accurate, reliable, convenient and low-cost method to accurately predict the disc cutter cutting forces for different cutting conditions and real-timely obtain the rock strength parameters...
METHODS FOR ENHANCING OPEN-HOLE MULTISTAGE FRACTURING TREATMENT
Available online 26 February 2026
In deep and tight reservoirs, horizontal wells are commonly drilled and fractured to increase reservoir contact. As an alternative method, open-hole multistage fracturing (MSF) employs packers to isolate...
Research on Damage Characteristics and Mechanisms of High-Temperature Water-Immersed Rocks Based on CT Scans
Available online 16 February 2026
To address the deterioration and instability of surrounding rock in deep coal mines under the long-term coupling effect of high-temperature water and mining stress, sandstone with three temperature...
Shear failure behaviors and fracturing mechanisms of rockmass bedding under true triaxial static-disturbance
Available online 14 February 2026
Mechanical and blasting excavation of mining, transportation and hydropower engineering tunnels or caverns under three-dimensional geostress frequently impose dynamic waves on layered surrounding rock,...
A generalization-oriented fusion model for real-time TBM load prediction
Available online 12 February 2026
The accurate real-time prediction of load parameters is crucial for the design and operation of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). However, the limited quantity and diversity of training data often result...
Variable elastic anisotropy controls stress in shallow crown pillars
January 2026
As easily accessible natural resources become depleted, it is necessary to extract material from deeper levels and so mines may opt to develop a process of transition from open-pit to underground mining...
Research on the effect of surface retaining elements on the dynamic load resistance of bolted rock
January 2026
The failure of support systems in deep coal mine roadways is a critical issue that hinders the development of deep coal resources. As a critical support element, the surface retaining element (SRE)...
An improved dual-strength reduction method of slope stability analysis using Hill Climbing Algorithm
January 2026
How to determine reduction strategy between cohesion (c) and internal friction angle (ϕ) is crucial for slope stability evaluation using the dual-strength reduction method (DSRM). Given that the slope...
Tensile failure and ductile-to-brittle transition of sandstone under three-dimensional seepage pressure
January 2026
After reservoir impoundment, fractures and pores in the rock mass serve as important pathways for seepage, and the resulting fluid pressure can easily trigger engineering issues such as slope instability...
A novel damage model on the acoustic emission characteristics of weakly cemented soft rock under alkaline water-enriched environment
January 2026
Mechanical properties of weakly cemented soft rock (WCSR) under alkaline water-enriched environment are vital to the stability of surrounding rock. The specimens were soaked in various chemical solutions,...
Computational large deformation geomechanics with a focus on the periporomechanics paradigm
January 2026
This article presents a state-of-the-art review of computational large deformation geomechanics, focusing on the recently developed periporomechanics (PPM) paradigm. PPM is a nonlocal reformulation...
Influence of bedding orientation on shale damage evolution: A combined in-situ micro-CT and digital volume correlation investigation
January 2026
The bedding structure of shale significantly influences its mechanical anisotropy. However, the meso-scale anisotropic control mechanism of bedding on shale damage evolution remains insufficiently understood....
Development characteristics and prediction methods of the “three zones” in overlying strata under the 110 mining method
January 2026
The 110 mining method is a novel coal mining approach that is environmentally friendly. To investigate the movement laws of the overburden strata under the mining conditions of this method, this study...
A multi-frequency ultrasonic amplitude attenuation method for identifying damage of rock
January 2026
High-temperature damage in rocks significantly affects ultrasonic amplitude attenuation. Inverting rock damage through amplitude attenuation offers a rapid, non-destructive, and convenient detection...
Control of rock burst during deep tunnel blasting excavation based on energy release process optimizing
January 2026
Blasting is widely used in hard rock tunnel excavation but often deteriorates the mechanical properties of the rock mass, forming a disturbance zone associated with energy evolution in the surrounding...
Failure Behavior and Energy Evolution of Coal-Gangue Composite Structures under Uniaxial Compression
Available online 29 January 2026
Parting layers, common in coal seams, induce stress redistribution and localized energy accumulation under mining-induced disturbances, significantly affecting the structural stability and fracture...
Development of a regional support spacing linear model for shallow room-and-pillar mines using large-scale numerical simulations
Available online 29 January 2026
The room-and-pillar mining method is an effective technique used to extract ore from shallow tabular orebodies underground. Many hard rock room-and-pillar mines that operate in these orebodies face...
Characteristics and identification of granite rockburst under true triaxial loading-unloading with different initial stresses based on a DEM two-stage structural model
Available online 6 January 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...
Study on the influence of joint roughness on time-dependent shear properties
Available online 3 January 2026
Experimental evidence confirms that initial damage significantly influences rock creep behavior; however, existing creep models rarely account for instantaneous shear damage induced during shear loading....
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Fracture Toughness of ISRM-Recommended CCNBD Rock Specimens Using ANN and Metaheuristic Optimizations
Available online 31 December 2025
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...
Experimental study on nonlinear seepage characteristics of porous–fracture composite sandstone
Available online 31 December 2025
Accurate characterization of non-Darcy flow in pore-fractured rock mass is essential for geothermal mining, hydraulic fracturing, and tunnel engineering. Currently, most studies focus on the characteristics...
A Unified Constitutive Model for the Static Tensile Behavior of Constant-Resistance Anchor Bolts in Deep Underground Roadways
Available online 29 December 2025
Constant-resistance and large-deformation (CRLD) anchor bolts have evolved into two generations comprising six structural models (1G and 2G CRLD), and have been widely used in underground engineering...
Role of Pre-existing Microcracks and Spatial Characteristics in Controlling Rock Fracture under Indentation: A Grain-Based DEM Study
Available online 27 December 2025
Achieving efficient and controlled rock fracture remains a core challenge in deep energy development, critical mineral extraction, and next-generation underground infrastructure. In brittle rocks, macroscopic...