Anisotropic rock permeability evolution model based on wing crack propagation after dynamic load testing

Abstract The permeability evolution of rock is essential in geotechnical engineering, which is related to seepage. A permeability evolution model, which is based on the wing crack propagation model and Darcy’s law, is created for rock after dynamic load testing with confining pressures. It is assumed that permeability has two types: isotropic initial permeability and anisotropic microcrack-induced permeability. In this model, the wing crack length is associated with the absorption energy per unit volume of the rock specimen under dynamic loads, in accordance with the surface energy theory. Assuming that the initial crack families are evenly distributed, the contribution of each crack family to permeability in different directions is investigated. In this study, an expression of permeability, which is related to axial stress, confining pressure, and absorbed energy per unit volume, is obtained. Two groups of dynamic load testing with confining pressures of sandstone are conducted using a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar technique. In group A, the incident energy is a variable, whereas in group B, the confining pressure is a variable. After the dynamic load testing, the permeability of the sandstone specimens is measured using the pulse decay method on MTS 815. Owing to the limitations on the test equipment, only the permeability in the direction of the dynamic load is measured. The permeability obtained from the dynamic load testing is in good agreement with the permeability calculated by the model. In this model, the anisotropy of rock permeability is theoretically studied. The minimum microcrack-induced permeability in all directions is about 0.65 of the maximum permeability value. In summary, the model discussed here enables the prediction of the permeability of the rocks under dynamic impact and establishes the relationship between macro-mechanical parameters and micro-mechanical parameters. In addition, it provides a new idea for the research on the anisotropy of rock permeability.