Time-dependent deformation and failure of granite based on the virtual crack incorporated numerical manifold method

Micro-cracks are known to greatly affect the mechanical properties of granite and subcritical crack growth (SCG) is considered be main mechanism brittle creep in rocks, including granite. Here, we provide new uniaxial compressive strength experiments for Lanhélin granite, a multi-crack numerical model explain experimental observations. We first thermally-stressed our samples create thermal micro-cracks. Uniaxial were then used find compression thermally-cracked pre-requisite experiments. introduced that combines SCG theory manifold method (NMM) link local damage caused by micro-crack propagation macroscopic deformation observed samples. also investigated influence virtual length, confining pressure, differential stress on behavior. According model, can numerically simulate entire process, from small micro-cracks large displacement characteristic creep. The fact simulations good agreement with results shows NMM combined suitable modeling behavior rocks.