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Rock Mechanics.pdf - Mining and Blasting

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Figure 4.6 Spring analogy illustrating<br />

machine–specimen interaction.<br />

Figure 4.7 Post-peak unloading using<br />

machines that are (a) soft, <strong>and</strong> (b)<br />

stiff, with respect to the specimen.<br />

BEHAVIOUR OF ISOTROPIC ROCK MATERIAL IN UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION<br />

in Figure 4.6, the specimen continues to compress, but the load that it can carry<br />

progressively reduces. Accordingly, the machine unloads <strong>and</strong> its extension reduces.<br />

Figure 4.7 shows what will happen if the machine is (a) soft, <strong>and</strong> (b) stiff, with respect<br />

to the specimen. Imagine that the specimen is at peak strength <strong>and</strong> is compressed<br />

by a small amount, s. In order to accommodate this displacement, the load on the<br />

specimen must reduce from PA to PB, so that an amount of energy Ws, given by<br />

the area ABED in Figures 4.7 a <strong>and</strong> b, is absorbed. However, in displacing by s<br />

from point A, the ‘soft’ machine only unloads to F <strong>and</strong> releases stored strain energy<br />

Wm, given by the area AFED. In this case Wm >Ws, <strong>and</strong> catastrophic failure<br />

occurs at, or shortly after, the peak because the energy released by the machine during<br />

unloading is greater than that which can be absorbed by the specimen in following<br />

the post-peak curve from A to B.<br />

If the machine is stiff with respect to the specimen in the post-peak region, the<br />

post-peak curve can be followed. In Figure 4.7b, Wm

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