Deformation characteristics and damage model of T-shaped fractured rock mass with different inclination angles

Constructing damage constitutive model for cracked rock masses can reveal the mechanisms by which cracks influence the mechanical behavior of rock masses, providing a more scientific theoretical basis for engineering design. Damage constitutive equations for T-shaped cracked rocks were constructed based on different models in this study. Uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were conducted on rock specimens with T-shaped cracks at different angles. The applicability of the constructed constitutive model to T-shaped cracked rock and the relationship between model parameters and the angles of T-shaped cracks were investigated. The experimental data were compared and verified with the theoretical value of the power function distribution model. The results indicate that the peak strength of the specimens increases with rising confining pressure when the crack angle was identical. When the primary crack angle was 0°, parameter m decreases as the angle between the primary and secondary cracks increases, while parameter ε₀ increases with the same angle. When the primary crack angle was 45° or 90°, the trend was opposite to that observed at 0°. The power function distribution model was more suitable for T-shaped cracked rock. The verification results prove the rationality and correctness of the power function distribution model.