Effects of intermediate stress on deep rock strainbursts under true triaxial stresses

The effect of intermediate stress (in situ tunnel axial) on a strainburst is studied with a three-dimensional (3D) bonded block distinct element method (DEM). A series of simulations of strainbursts under true triaxial in situ stress conditions (i.e. high tangential stress, moderate intermediate stress and low radial stress) of near-boundary rock masses are performed. Compared with the experimental results, the DEM model is able to capture the stress-strain response, failure pattern and energy balance of strainbursts. The fracturing processes of strainbursts are also numerically reproduced. Numerical results show that, as the intermediate stress increases: (1) The peak strain of strainbursts increases, the yield stress increases, the rock strength increases linearly, and the ratio of yield stress to rock strength decreases, indicating that the precursory information on strainbursts is enhanced; (2) Tensile and shear cracks increase significantly, and slabbing and bending of rock plates are more pronounced; and (3) The stored elastic strain energy and dissipated energy increase linearly, whereas the kinetic energy of the ejected rock fragments increases approximately exponentially, implying an increase in strainburst intensity. By comparing the experimental and numerical results, the effect of intermediate stress on the rock strength of strainbursts is discussed in order to address three key issues. Then, the Mogi criterion is applied to construct new strength criteria for strainbursts by converting the one-face free true triaxial stress state of a strainburst to its equivalent true triaxial stress state. In summary, the effect of intermediate stress on strainbursts is a double-edged sword that can enhance the rock strength and the precursory information of a strainburst, but also increase its intensity.