On the Fracture Evolution and Instability of Pyrite-Filled Marble Exposed to Freeze-Thaw-Compression Loads

Abstract

The preexistence of the geological discontinuities in cold regions is susceptible to freeze-thaw weathering and rock instability, and even the occurrence of geological hazards is strongly impacted by the discontinuities. Knowledge of how natural fracture affects the rock field deformation is crucial to rock stability prediction. This work is aimed at revealing the influences of freeze-thaw on failure process for pyrite-filled marble obtained from an open pit slope. All the tested marbles were selected to roughly have the same initial pyrite band; the full-field displacement and the progressive failure behaviors under uniaxial compression were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using 3D digital image correlation (3D DIC) technique. The testing results show that the previous freeze-thaw action weakens the cementation between the rock matrix and pyrite band; the peak stress and strain are obviously impacted by the freeze-thaw treatment. In addition, the stimulation of pyrite bands influences the displacement development and high strain concentration pattern. The stimulation of pyrite band results in the formation of strain concentration zone, and shear sliding occurs until rock failure. Moreover, it is found that the stimulation of pyrite band and its localized strain takes place progressively and develops fast for marble exposed to higher freeze-thaw treatment. It is suggested that the field deformation development depends on the stimulation of the pyrite bands.