The role of joint orientation and filling materials on the mechanical strength of rock-like materials

This paper investigates the influence of joint orientation and filling materials on the mechanical strength of rock-like materials, utilizing concrete as a controlled laboratory analog for natural rock. The main objectives are to systematically evaluate how varying joint angles (0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°) and the presence or absence of filling material affect rock strength. Employing concrete as a rock-like material is particularly novel, as it allows precise control of joint orientation, number, and filling conditions, enabling robust and reproducible laboratory simulations that closely approximate natural rock behaviors. Through comprehensive laboratory testing, this research identifies significant correlations between joint properties and mechanical strength, generalizable to natural rock settings. The results demonstrate that increased joint orientation consistently results in reduced mechanical strength. Furthermore, the presence of filling material within joints further diminishes rock strength compared to unfilled joints. A strong linear correlation between joint orientation and the measured rock properties was observed, and it was noted that filling material significantly alters how these properties vary with changing joint angles. These insights contribute valuable knowledge for advancing engineering practices in fields such as tunnel design, slope stability, and foundation engineering, enhancing the prediction and management of structural integrity in geological environments.