ROCK FRACTURE RESEARCH

The results of flexural tests on granite, marble, gneiss, and schist beams are presented in terms of the maximum stress and the work expended to cause failure. The extent of side cracking is measured by quantitative microscopy and is used to calculate a corrected fracture surface work. Thermal cycling of unnotched beams to 540C, 1280C, and 1800C is found to cause extensive cracking, and the resulting decrease of strength can be measured. The use of surface-active agents to reduce the work necessary to cause failure is found effective. A one percent water solution of aluminum chloride at 90C produces a fifty percent reduction in the fracture surface work value of granite, compared to the room temperature dry condition. A mechanism of stress-activated corrosion may be the principal cause of this reduction in strength.

• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Department of Civil Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Moavenzadeh, F
  • Williamson, R B
  • Wissa, AEZ
• Publication Date: 1966-11-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 94 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Excavating equipment; Intelligent transportation systems; Mining; Tunnels
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039090
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: RR-R66-56 Res Rpt
• Contract Numbers: C-85-65t
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 1973 12:00AM