Abstract:
A real-time and dynamic investigation of the meso-fracture behavior and
strength characteristics of marble samples is carried out under a scanning electric
microscope (SEM) instrumented with axial tensile/compression loading device of high
precision. The influences of marble initial meso-fabric, the influences of stresses to the
initial meso-fabric and magnitude of stress of the marble on the fracture creating and its
pattern of extending are discussed. Also discussed is the relationship between the
mechanical behavior of meso-fracture and the macro-mechanical performances. The
method of preparing the rock samples used for the axial compression loading test under
the SEM is also introduced.