Crack propagation process in double-flawed granite under compression using digital image correlation method and numerical simulation

Abstract The existence of flaws seriously weakens the rock strength, directly affects the crack expansion morphology, and indirectly affects the slope stability. In this study, uniaxial compression tests were carried out on double-flawed granite to investigate the effects of flaw angle on its compressive strength and crack coalescence based on DIC technology and PFC2D numerical simulation. The result indicates that the UCS values of flawed specimens at angles of 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° are approximately 25.5–51.7% lower than that of the intact specimen. The failure strength of the double-flawed sample increases with the increase of flaw inclination angle, and the fracture morphology shifts from no expansion to split expansion. When the flaw tip strain of each flaw sample exceeded 0.6%, the stress concentration was generated at the flaw tip, and the sample began to appear macroscopic large cracks. DIC technique can well observe the crack initiation and propagation process, recording inclined shear strain bands at flaw tips, tensile strain bands in the middle of flaws, and tensile shear O-shaped strain ring in rock bridge areas. Numerical simulations using PFC2D software were carried out and showed a good agreement with the physical results. In addition, the effect of structural inclination on specimen failure strength is clearly explained by the theory of compressive damage based on the projected size of flaws. The deformation of rock mass is not a simple material deformation but is composed of material deformation and structural deformation. These experimental and numerical results enhance our understanding of crack initiation and coalescence characteristics, aiding in the analysis of rock structure stability in scenarios such as excavated underground openings, slopes, and tunneling construction, where pre-existing cracks or step-path fractures are pivotal to structural integrity.