Study on rock energy evolution and constitutive model under water–rock interaction

Abstract

Abstract To explore the degradation in rock mechanical properties due to water–rock interactions and formulate a nonlinear damage constitutive model for the entire stress–strain curve of rocks, experiments involving saturated, dry-wet cycling, and uniaxial compression tests were conducted on granite and siltstone. Based on energy theory, the energy evolution of the rock throughout the testing process was scrutinized. The range of the compaction stage was identified through the analysis of the dissipation energy change curve. A nonlinear damage constitutive model for rocks subjected to water-rock interactions was then devised, drawing on concepts from statistical damage mechanics. The findings indicated a progressive reduction in uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus due to water–rock interactions, while the Poisson’s ratio was observed to increase. The energy density curve under these conditions delineated four distinct phases: compaction energy dissipation, linear energy accumulation, pre-peak gradient increase, and post-peak sudden change. The introduction of the unit elastic strain energy density metric underscored the deteriorating effects from an energy standpoint. A nonlinear damage constitutive model, incorporating the compaction stage based on a coupled damage variable, was formulated. The predictions of this model closely matched the empirical data, thereby affirming its validity. This model provides an enhanced depiction of rock deformation and failure mechanisms under the influence of water–rock interactions.