Effect of water on sandstone's fracture toughness and frictional parameters: Brittle strength constraints

Water presence causes a dramatic reduction of sandstone strength. Under compressive stress conditions, the strength rock sample is controlled by frictional parameters and fracture toughness material. Here, we report toughness, uniaxial compression tests performed on five sandstones under dry water-saturated that provide new insight into mechanical influence water The data show saturation i) energy ranging from 6 to 35% 21–52%, respectively; ii) static friction coefficient 0 19%. results suggest weakening in (with 30%) due materials. measured are then introduced two micro-mechanical models (a pore-emanating cracks model wing crack model) predict weakening. It shown relatively well with general slight overestimation (10–20%). Finally, parametric analysis revealed sandstone's absolute can be estimated means combined physical parameter measurements.