Long-term creep and microscopic deformation mechanisms of sandstone using rock rheology creep equipment and scanning through high-resolution 3D XRM

Abstract Since rock is heterogeneous, hence its behavior always variable. The governing parameters in deformations are time, applied load, composition, water content, temperature and loading conditions including confinement rate. Time-dependent deformation study extremely important for the prevention of hazards such as rockburst, roof fall collapse. In current study, sandstone samples from Kouzidong Mine China analyzed using long-term rheological creep tests advanced microscopic scanning 3D X-ray microscopy (XRM). Time main factor study. focuses on selected analysis. Rock behaves differently under different loads; therefore, two loads samples. Two scanned before after testing. uniaxial constant load first sample 40% compressive strength (σ1 = 40%σc) one month. shows an instantaneous stable creep. maximum strain 0.0307. results show evidence microfractures 1 at a lower load. There grain movement boundary alteration. depends bonding between grains. second loaded 50% 50%σc). 2 0.0408. Creep same enhanced with increasing