Meso-damage quantification of rocks under coupled chemical-mechanical conditions

Understanding rock damage evolution under coupled chemical–mechanical (C-M) conditions is crucial for analyzing the stability of underground constructions exposed to chemically corrosive environments. Incorporating multiscale experimental investigations, statistical mechanics, thermodynamic principles, and novel concepts of “Random Energy Release Rate” and “Effective Chemical Damage,” this study proposes a coupled C-M damage model for rocks. The model is then validated with experimental data, showing its ability to fully express the damage evolution process of chemically corroded rocks under various loading conditions. The results also show that the evolution of the C-M damage is characterized by four stages, with chemical corrosion accelerating and confinement restraining the damage development. The C-M damage model offers a novel means of analyzing rock damage and assessing the stability of underground constructions.