Artículo
A novel adaptable analog material for simulating transversely isotropic rocks: mechanical properties and applications
Giro, João Paulo; Zanella, Alain; Mourgues, Regis; Galland, Olivier; Martin Ramirez, Mariano Esteban

Fecha de publicación:
08/2025
Editorial:
Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd
Revista:
International Journal Of Rock Mechanics And Mining Sciences
ISSN:
1365-1609
Idioma:
Inglés
Tipo de recurso:
Artículo publicado
Clasificación temática:
Resumen
Transversely isotropic rocks (TIRs) are widespread in geological formations, and understanding their mechanical behavior is crucial for geotechnical and geoengineering applications. This study presents the development of a novel analog material that reproduces the directional mechanical properties of TIRs. The material is composed of quartz sand, mica flakes, and gelatin in adjustable proportions, allowing control over strength and stiffness anisotropy. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and direct shear tests were conducted to evaluate mechanical responses across different anisotropy angles. Results show that the analog material replicates key features of natural TIRs, including directional variations in strength and fracture modes. In UCS tests, the anisotropy angle (β) governs the transition between tensile and shear failure. In direct shear tests, the orientation angle (α) significantly affects shear strength. Higher gelatin concentrations increase cohesion and Young´s modulus without changing the internal friction angle, while mica content reduces overall strength and stiffness. Comparisons with published data on sedimentary and metamorphic rocks confirm the mechanical representativeness of the material. Its simplicity, tunability, and reproducibility make it a useful tool for scaled physical modeling of anisotropic rock behavior in the laboratory. This approach supports the experimental investigation of deformation and failure mechanisms in layered rock masses under controlled conditions.
Palabras clave:
Anisotropy
,
Rocks Analogs Materials
,
Physical Modelling
,
Laboratory Tests
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Identificadores
Colecciones
Articulos(SEDE CENTRAL)
Articulos de SEDE CENTRAL
Articulos de SEDE CENTRAL
Citación
Giro, João Paulo; Zanella, Alain; Mourgues, Regis; Galland, Olivier; Martin Ramirez, Mariano Esteban; A novel adaptable analog material for simulating transversely isotropic rocks: mechanical properties and applications; Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd; International Journal Of Rock Mechanics And Mining Sciences; 192; 8-2025; 1-17
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