Large Scale Tests on Jointed and Bedded Rocks Under Multi-Stage Triaxial Compression and Direct Shear

The mechanical behavior of bedded and jointed rock was examined in the context of the design of slopes, tunnels and tunnel portals along a planned new rail line. To obtain representative properties for describing the mechanical behavior of this material, large scale triaxial tests were performed. Specimens with a size of 60 cm diameter and 120 cm height composed of sandstone and claystone beds were tested in triaxial compression using a multi-stage technique. The specimens showed a ductile behavior for the stress regime tested. The strength parameters were calculated according to the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. The axial and volumetric deformations were measured and the viscosity of the composite rock material was assessed by deformation rate alterations. For some specimens, direct shear tests were conducted in samples containing joints. The results of the tests show that the failure of the bedded specimens was given by the combined failure of both materials. This was confirmed by a numerical model including rock discontinuities.