Simulation on Crack Propagation Characteristics of Corroded Sandstone Under Freeze-Thaw Cycles by Discrete Element Method
With the escalation of climate change,the influences of freeze-thaw cycles and chemical erosion on geotechnical engineering in cold regions has become increasingly significant.Therefore,it is crucial to investigate the crack expansion pattern of corroded fractured sandstone under freeze-thaw conditions in order to ensure the safety of geotechnical engineering projects.The crack propagation characteristics of fractured sandstone subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and different chemical environments were explored using the discrete element method.The results demonstrate that the porosity of fractured sandstone gradually increases with changes in the chemical environment and the number of freeze-thaw cycles,rendering it more susceptible to crack propagation.Notably,crack propagation is the most severe under acidic etching conditions,while it is less pronounced under alkaline etching conditions,indicating that an acidic environment is more likely to cause deterioration of the sandstone.Furthermore,the simulation results reveal that crack propagation in fractured sandstones occurs at a faster rate and with a significantly higher number of cracks when chemical erosion is involved as compared to a single freeze-thaw cycle.The research conclusion can provide theoretical reference for a comprehensive understanding of the crack propagation mechanism under the combined effects of freeze-thaw cycles and chemical corrosion in sandstone.
Discrete element softwareNumber of freeze-thaw cyclesCorroded fractured sandstoneBiaxial compression testCrack propagation