Use of Rock Similutors for Rock Mechanics Studies

The use of rock simulators in rock mechanics research greatly expands the scope of the problems that can be investigated with physical models. However, the exact reproduction of full scale conditions, or absolute simulitude, is not obtainable on a small scale model. For this to be possible, the scales of length, time, and pressure (or mass) must be changed without altering the theoretical equations that describe the behavior of materials concerned. In using rock simulants for physical modeling of structures designed in rock, the geometry of full scale structure is reduced to a size suitable for the available testing machine. This will require the strength related properties to be scaled down. Simulation should be representative of the in situ conditions. Complete simulation will require that friction parameters and the stress ratios be matched exactly between prototype and model. The procedure involved in application of physical modeling for rock mechanics research is discussed in the following pages. Background, theoretical approach, and anticipated benefits to the research community are also elaborated.