Predicting the Mechanical Properties of Bimrocks with High Rock Block Proportions Based on Resonance Testing Technology and Damage Theory

Block-in-matrix-rocks (bimrocks) are very complicated geological masses that cause many challenging problems during the design and construction of engineering projects, such as parameter determination and landsliding. Successful engineering design and construction depends on a suitable constitutive model and reliable design parameters for geological masses. In this paper, the vibration attenuation signal of welded bimrocks was obtained and studied using resonance test technology. Combined with a uniaxial compression test, a constitutive model was proposed to describe the mechanical behavior of welded bimrocks. On this basis, the relations between the dynamic elastic modulus and the physical parameters of bimrocks were established, which included macroscopic mechanical parameters and damage constitutive parameters. Consequently, a new technological process was proposed to provide quick identification of the mechanical properties of welded bimrocks. The results indicate that the dynamic elastic modulus is highly correlated with the rock block proportion (RBP) and uniaxial compression strength (UCS). It is an effective parameter to predict the strength of the bimrocks with high RBPs. Additionally, the proposed constitutive model, which is based on damage theory, can accurately simulate the strain softening behavior of the bimrocks. Combining the resonant frequency technology and the proposed constitutive model, the complete stress strain curve can be obtained in a rapid and accurate manner, which provides a further guarantee of the stability and safety of underground engineering.