Application of Micromechanics to Modeling Compressive Failure of Rock

Abstract

This article presents a review of the research work related to the micromechanical modeling of behavior of hard rock under compression. To this end, it initially provides observed macroscopic behavior of compressive rock for both time-independent and -dependent cases. It proceeds with a review of microscopic observations of rock failure including recent techniques in rock experiments. Crack growth laws in rock for both short- and long-term loading are next reviewed. Finally, micromechanical models employed in literatures and associated continuum theories based on micromechanics are introduced.