Thermo-mechanical ratcheting in jointed rock masses

Pasten, C.; García, M.; Santamarina, Carlos

Thermo-mechanical ratcheting in jointed rock masses

Files

geolett2E142E00118.pdf (555.29 KB)

Type

Article

Authors

Pasten, C.
García, M.
Santamarina, Carlos

KAUST Department

Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC)
Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division

Online Publication Date

2015-07-16

Print Publication Date

2015-02

Date

2015-07-16

Abstract

Thermo-mechanical coupling takes place in jointed rock masses subjected to large thermal oscillations. Examples range from exposed surfaces under daily and seasonal thermal fluctuations to subsurface rock masses affected by engineered systems such as geothermal operations. Experimental, numerical and analytical results show that thermo-mechanical coupling can lead to wedging and ratcheting mechanisms that result in deformation accumulation when the rock mass is subjected to a biased static-force condition. Analytical and numerical models help in identifying the parameter domain where thermo-mechanical ratcheting can take place.

Citation

Thermo-mechanical ratcheting in jointed rock masses 2015, 5 (April–June):86 Géotechnique Letters