This paper presents experimental results on the anisotropy of the fracture toughness,
Brazilian tensile strength, and the fracture process zone (FPZ) in granodiorite samples. The …

Multi-stage fracturing of horizontal wells to recover shale gas has attracted substantial
renewed interest in the physical and mechanical characteristics of shale. The mechanical …

Mode-I fracture toughness (K IC) and tensile strength (σ t) are significant parameters in
hydraulic fracturing. Owing to the unique mineral composition and sedimentary environment …

This paper presents the results of 124 pure Mode I fracture toughness tests on two types of
anisotropic rocks, the metamorphic Grimsel Granite and the sedimentary Mont Terri …

The mechanical properties of rocks are greatly affected by thermal treatment, as this
treatment can either improve or worsen these properties depending on the mineralogical …

To investigate the anisotropic fracture characteristics of coal, physical tests are carried out
on semi-circular bend specimens with different pre-crack inclinations and bedding …

An understanding of the fracture behavior and subcritical crack propagation of hard rock
under different temperatures is necessary for the design and stability of nuclear waste …

The conventional semi-circular bend (SCB) test of anisotropic rocks, with symmetric loading,
generates a Mixed-Mode I/II crack tip loading when the crack is not aligned with one of the …

Rock fracture toughness is a critical parameter for optimizing reservoir stimulation during
deep resource extraction. This index characterizes the in situ resistance of rocks to fracture …

Shale can be a potential buffer for high-level radioactive nuclear wastes. To be an effective
buffer while subject to waste heat, shale's mechanical response at elevated temperature …