Experimental Investigation on Microstructure Evolution and Creep Behaviour of Red Sandstone at Elevated Temperature

The changes in the physical and mechanical properties of rocks under high temperatures can impact the construction safety and stability of underground geotechnical engineering. This study focuses on red sandstone treated at different temperatures, employing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to reveal alterations in the internal pore distribution due to elevated temperatures. The results indicate that high temperatures lead to the formation of micro- to meso scale pores and macro-scale pores and cracks. Additionally, high temperatures cause a significant reduction in load-bearing capacity, accompanied by changes in creep behaviour, including a shortened steady-state creep time and an increased strain threshold for rock failure. To more accurately describe the creep behaviour of red sandstone under different temperatures and stress conditions, a novel non-constant creep model is proposed, combining a generalised Kelvin body and a fractional viscoplastic body to demonstrate its versatility in elastic, viscoelastic, and viscoplastic deformation. The model parameters are determined through numerical optimisation, and the model’s reliability is confirmed by comparing theoretical curves with experimental data. Sensitivity analysis highlights the critical roles of parameters such as shear modulus, viscosity coefficient, fractional order, and characteristic parameters in capturing various creep patterns, emphasising the model’s wide applicability. This research provides profound insights into the physical and mechanical responses of red sandstone to high temperatures and offers valuable information for engineering and geological applications in relevant fields.