Frictional sliding in layered rock: Preliminary experiments on stacked Lexan plates

摘要

Understanding the mechanical behavior of jointed-rock masses is of critical importance to designing and predicting the performance of a potential nuclear waste repository. To this end, we have studied the frictional sliding between simulated rock joints using phase shifting moire interferometry. Preliminary calibration models were made from stacks of Lexan plates that were sand-blasted to provide a uniform frictional interface. Load was applied monotonically and phase shifted moire fringe patterns were recorded at three different load states. Plots of slip along the interfaces for the model are presented to demonstrate the ability of the photomechanics technique to provide precise measurements of in-plane displacement, and ultimately the slip between the plates.