Mode-I Fracture Toughness and Fracturing Damage Model for Sandstone Subjected to Cryogenic Treatment to − 160 °C.

Fracturing of rocks subjected to cryogenic treatment significantly impacts the stability and permeability of underground storage facilities for liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, existing fracturing damage models lack coverage across the entire spectrum of practical engineering conditions, spanning potential temperature ranges from room temperature to − 160 °C and saturation levels from 0 to 100%. Addressing this gap, this study utilizes cracked sandstone disks to investigate the fracture toughness of sandstone following cryogenic treatment to − 160 °C using the Brazilian splitting test. In the experimental setup, treatment temperatures are specified at 15, − 40, − 80, − 120, and − 160 °C, while saturations range from 0 to 100%. The experimental findings reveal that ultralow temperatures reduce the fracture toughness of saturated sandstone by approximately 30%, whereas for dry sandstone, this reduction is approximately 7.4%. This suggests a significant influence of different pore saturations on fracture toughness. A damage model, based on the Boltzmann function, is established to incorporate the effects of both temperature and saturation. This model accurately predicts the damage variable concerning treatment temperature and saturation. Generally, as temperature decreases, the damage variable also decreases, exhibiting two stages: rapid decrease followed by gradual decrease. The transition temperature, marking the division between these stages, tends to be lower in sandstone with higher saturation levels. The experimental results are further discussed within the context of the mineral compositions present in the sandstone, elucidating the thermal–mechanical mechanisms at play. Although the current damage model is specific to sandstone, the methodological approach is generalizable to generic rock types. The damage model's adaptability allows for testing fitting parameters for specific rock types or adjusting the relevant thermal coefficients. These findings and the developed model offer valuable insights for the reliable analysis of stability and permeability in LNG storage facilities or similar geologic engineering projects. Highlights: The Mode-I fracture toughness of sandstone under variable saturation conditions subjected to cryogenic temperatures of − 160 °C is investigated. Saturated sandstone experiences more than four times the amount of damage compared to dry sandstone under ultralow temperatures. A damage model is developed to incorporate the influences of both temperature and saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]