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\"This book is intended as a reference book for advanced graduate students and research engineers in block-in-matrix rocks (bimrocks) or soil and rock mixtures (SRMs) or rock and soil aggregate (RSA). Bimrocks are complex formations characterized by competent rock inclusions floating in a weaker matrix. Typical types of bimrocks include a series of mixed geological or engineering masses such as mélanges, fault rocks, coarse pyroclastic rocks, breccias, sheared serpentines and waste dump mixture. Bimrock is especially different from the general soil and rock material, and the detection of the damage and fracture is still wide open to innovative research. Globally, there is widespread interest in investigating the geomechanical behaviors of bimrocks, such as deformation and strength characteristics, damage and fracture evolution and stability prediction of bimrock construction. However, the meso-structure factors control the whole mechanical properties of bimrocks, the source of the macroscopic deformation phenomenon is the meso-structural changes. Therefore, evaluation of the mesoscopic physical and mechanical properties, together with advanced testing technique, are attractive research topics in rock mechanics. As a result, comprehensive macroscopic and mesoscopic experimental investigations should be conducted to reveal the damage and fracturing mechanical behaviors of bimrock. The readers of this work can gain new insights into the meso-structural changes of bimrocks subjected to different stress paths. The book is expected to improve the understanding of the mesoscopic damage and fracturing mechanisms of bimrocks and can be helpful to predict the stability of rock structures where rock mass is subjected to complex loading conditions\"-- Provided by publisher.

Large deformation has always been a focus and difficult issue in the construction of deep-buried tunnels in squeezing rock. Previous studies mainly focused on the large deformation of medium and small span railway/highway tunnels in soft ground. However, there are limited researches on the large deformation control methods for large-span (three-lane) highway tunnels constructed in unfavorable geological environment. Based on the Lianchengshan Tunnel of the Baoji-Hanzhong expressway in Shaanxi Province, China, this paper studied the deformation behaviors and mechanical mechanisms of a large-span tunnel excavated in chlorite schist formation with single primary lining method and double primary lining method by in-situ test and numerical simulation. The achieved results indicate that the double primary lining method is much more effective than that of the single primary lining method in restraining the deformation of surrounding rock, and the maximum vertical displacement and horizontal convergence are reduced by 67% and 66%, respectively. The support method of double HK200b-type steel sets combined with large-diameter foot reinforcement bolt (FRB) and deep invert could effectively control the large deformation of the case tunnel, which effectively avoided the supporting structure failure, repeated clearance invasion and multiple reshaping work caused by the single primary lining method and conformed to the energy-saving construction concept of “no clearance interfering, no support reshaping” of tunnels in squeezing ground. Simulation analysis of surrounding rock deformation, supporting structure stress and plastic zone distribution was performed to evaluate the support effect of the two deformation-controlled methods. Finally, the deformation and stress characteristic curves of rock-support of the two deformation-controlled methods were established, which revealed the supporting mechanism of double primary linings for large-span tunnels in chlorite schist. The research results can provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the large-deformation control of similar large-span tunnels in squeezing rock.

Subduction zones are critical sites for recycling of Li and B into the mantle. The way of redistribution of Li and B and their isotopes in subduction settings is debated, and there is a lack of detailed studies on Li and B partitioning between minerals of different types of eclogites and the host rocks of the eclogites. We present Li and B concentration data of minerals and Li and B whole-rock isotope data for low- T and high- T eclogites and their phengite schist host rocks from the Changning–Menglian suture zone, SW China. Omphacite controls the Li budget in both the low- T and high- T eclogites. Low- T eclogites have Li and δ 7 Li values (8.4–27.0 ppm, – 5.5 to + 3.2 ‰) similar to the phengite schists (8.7–27.0 ppm, – 3.8 to + 3.0 ‰), suggesting that Li was added to low- T eclogites from the phengite schists. In contrast, high- T eclogites have much lower δ 7 Li values (– 13.2 to – 5.8 ‰) than the phengite schists, reflecting prograde loss of Li or exchange with wall rocks characterized by low δ 7 Li values. Phengite and retrograde amphibole/muscovite are the major B hosts for low- T and high- T eclogites, respectively. The budgets and isotopic compositions of B in eclogites are affected by the infiltration of fluids derived from phengite schists, as indicated by eclogite δ 11 B values (– 15.1 to – 8.1 ‰) overlapping with the values of the phengite schists (– 22.8 to – 9.5 ‰). Lithium and B in eclogites are hosted in different mineral phases that may have formed at different stages of metamorphism, implying that the contents and isotopic compositions of Li and B may become decoupled during subduction-related fluid-mediated redistribution. We suggest a mineralogical control on the redistribution of Li and B in eclogites during subduction and the exchange of Li and B with the immediate wall rocks. The observed contrasting Li and B isotopic signatures in eclogites are likely caused by a fluid-mediated exchange with different types of wall rocks during both prograde metamorphism and exhumation.

Acoustic emission (AE) location technique and moment tensor analysis were used to evaluate the temporal–spatial evolution and damage of micro-cracks of schist during true triaxial compression and strain burst tests. The results show that the AE locations coincide with the macroscopic cracks for true triaxial compression while they are scattered during unloading strain burst tests. A shearing concentration occurs at the bottom of ejection position, but a tensile zone is located in the fracture plane of the ejection block. The ratios of shear and mixed-mode micro-cracks to total micro-cracks for true triaxial compression are both larger than those for strain burst. However, the strain burst has more tensile micro-cracks. Additionally, the damage caused by tensile micro-cracks for a strain burst is larger than that for a true triaxial compression. Moreover, for strain burst, the difference of damage between shear and tensile micro-cracks is in direct proportion to the loading rates after unloading.

Cuddapah Basin (CB) is an intracontinental, Proterozoic basin flanked by Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) in the west, Nellore Schist Belt (NSB) and Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt (EGMB) in the east, represents second largest Proterozoic basin of India. Gravity and magnetic surveys were carried out at the interface of Cuddapah Basin (CB) and Nellore Schist Belt (NSB) covering ~2880 km 2 area. Gravity map has brought out some distinct zones. The thrusted contact of NSB and Cuddapah sediments has been well delineated from the gravity map by NE–SW trending steep gradient of contours. Relatively high gravity values are observed over NSB in the southeastern part, moderately high values are observed over Cumbum Formation, but distinct low is observed over Baironkonda Formation. These gravity highs and lows are mainly the manifestation of basement characteristics and intrusives. The magnetic map shows two distinct domains, viz., moderate to low zone in the southern part, and moderate to high zone in the northern part. Regional gravity map suggests a change in basement characteristics from felsic to mafic from NW to SE. Presence of mafic basement may be representing EGMB group of rocks underneath the Cuddapah sediments at the eastern part of the study area. The joint gravity and magnetic modelling reveal varied nature of sedimentary units in terms of density and susceptibility and change in basement characteristic.

The Krishna region of south India comprises Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB), Nellore Schist Belt (NSB) of Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) margin and Nallamalai Fold Belt (NFB) including Cuddapah Basin (CB) from east to west. The gravity surveys are carried out across it, so as to delineate the different litho-tectonic belts and salient structural features. The gravity data is processed to generate regional, residual and derivative maps along with three 2D gravity models. Two major gravity highs over the EGMB and NSB and a wide gravity low across the NFB, along with a linear gravity low representing as Transitional Zone (TZ) between these two highs are delineated. Two curvilinear steep gravity gradients between the NFB-NSB and NSB-EGMB are differentiated as Cuddapah Eastern Margin Thrust and Eastern Ghats Boundary Thrust along with a low angle Malakondasatram Thrust in the central part. The NSB comprises Eastern (EA) and Western (WA) arms of coeval different environmental facies of foreland and back-arc setups. The EA with intense gravity high due to a high-density layer at a depth of ~10 km is evidenced from 2D gravity model. The thickness of high-density layer (EA) gradually decreases towards westerly and wedges out below the WA suggesting the entire NSB as a single Late Archaean segment. The major linear gravity high of covered eastern part in Kavali–Nellore–Gudur region indicates the southern continuation of EGMB. The occurrence of thin unconformable high-grade schists in two doubly plunging structures and as tectonic lenses, including a major E–W folded erosional remnants in the low-medium grade late Archaean NSB domain are found as eastern continuation of Mesoproterozoic upper Cuddapah extensions at the EGMB front. These erosional remnants are reflected as isolated residual gravity lows in the west and as residual highs in overall EA of NSB in the east. The isolated relative highs and lows within the major low zone of NFB are linked to differential basement configuration due to superposed effects with the N–S non-cylindrical fold.

On the contemporary Earth, distinct plate tectonic settings are characterized by differences in heat flow that are recorded in metamorphic rocks as differences in apparent thermal gradients. In this study we compile thermal gradients [defined as temperature/pressure (T/P) at the metamorphic peak] and ages of metamorphism (defined as the timing of the metamorphic peak) for 456 localities from the Eoarchean to Cenozoic Eras to test the null hypothesis that thermal gradients of metamorphism through time did not vary outside of the range expected for each of these distinct plate tectonic settings. Based on thermal gradients, metamorphic rocks are classified into three natural groups: high dT/dP [>775°C/GPa, mean ∼1110°C/GPa (n = 199) rates], intermediate dT/dP [775-375°C/GPa, mean ∼575°C/GPa (n = 127)], and low dT/dP [<375°C/GPa, mean ∼255°C/GPa (n = 130)] metamorphism. Plots of T, P, and T/P against age demonstrate the widespread occurrence of two contrasting types of metamorphism-high dT/dP and intermediate dT/dP-in the rock record by the Neoarchean, the widespread occurrence of low dT/dP metamorphism in the rock record by the end of the Neoproterozoic, and a maximum in the thermal gradients for high dT/dP metamorphism during the period 2.3 to 0.85 Ga. These observations falsify the null hypothesis and support the alternative hypothesis that changes in thermal gradients evident in the metamorphic rock record were related to changes in geodynamic regime. Based on the observed secular changes, we postulate that the Earth has evolved through three geodynamic cycles since the Mesoarchean and has just entered a fourth. Cycle I began with the widespread appearance of paired metamorphism in the rock record, which was coeval with the amalgamation of widely dispersed blocks of protocontinental lithosphere into supercratons, and was terminated by the progressive fragmentation of the supercratons into protocontinents during the Siderian-Rhyacian (2.5 to 2.05 Ga). Cycle II commenced with the progressive reamalgamation of these protocontinents into the supercontinent Columbia and extended until the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia in the Tonian (1.0 to 0.72 Ga). Thermal gradients of high dT/dP metamorphism rose around 2.3 Ga leading to a thermal maximum in the mid-Mesoproterozoic, reflecting insulation of the mantle beneath the quasi-integral continental lithosphere of Columbia, prior to the geographical reorganization of Columbia into Rodinia. This cycle coincides with the age span of most anorogenic magmatism on Earth and a scarcity of passive margins in the geological record. Intriguingly, the volume of preserved continental crust of Mesoproterozoic age is low relative to the Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic Eras. These features are consistent with a relatively stable association of continental lithosphere between the assembly of Columbia and the breakup of Rodinia. The transition to Cycle III during the Tonian is marked by a steep decline in the thermal gradients of high dT/dP metamorphism to their lowest value and the appearance of low dT/dP metamorphism in the rock record. Again, thermal gradients for high dT/dP metamorphism show a rise to a peak at the end of the Variscides during the formation of Pangea, before another steep decline associated with the breakup of Pangea and the start of a fourth cycle at ca. 0.175 Ga. Although the mechanism by which subduction started and plate boundaries evolved remains uncertain, based on the widespread record of paired metamorphism in the Neoarchean we posit that plate tectonics was established globally during the late Mesoarchean. During the Neoproterozoic there was a change to deep subduction and colder thermal gradients, features characteristic of the modern plate tectonic regime.

The Juomasuo (Co-Au) and Hangaslampi (Au-Co) deposits are located in the Kuusamo Schist Belt, part of the 1.9–1.8 Ga Svecokarelian Orogenic Belt, central Finland. The deposits are hosted by metasedimentary and mafic rocks, and structurally controlled by the F2 Kayla-Konttiaho Antiform. Hydrothermal alteration is spatially zoned, from early albite through biotite and then chlorite and late muscovite alteration. Pipe-like chlorite-quartz-pyrrhotite bodies plunge parallel to the F2 fold axis and are cut by tabular quartz-muscovite-pyrite gold lodes in the S2 axial plane orientation. The chlorite alteration zone contains 10–40 vol.% pyrrhotite containing approximately 0.25 wt% Co but whole-rock Co grades are enhanced by the late-stage and heterogeneous enrichment of minor pyrite (up to 3% Co) and introduction of cobaltian pyrite and cobalt pentlandite. Cobaltite formed where muscovite replaces chlorite within metres of the gold lodes. Cobaltite and Co-enriched pyrite formed because Co and S were mobilized from pyrrhotite in relatively S-poor gold lodes by an As-rich gold ore fluid, during late-D2. Potassium, cobalt, sulfur and arsenic were transported into the mainly chlorite-rich wallrocks, via veinlets and fractures, by the now depleted gold ore fluid. Approximately 5 vol.% pyrite in the gold lodes displays extremely variable cobalt contents, which is interpreted to reflect mobility of Co during formation of the gold lodes. The origin of the gold ore fluid is enigmatic but is most plausibly an orogenic gold fluid, despite the paucity of carbonate minerals in the gold lodes.

In order to study the fractal characteristics of the pomegranate biotite schist under the effect of blasting loads, a one-dimensional SHPB impact test was carried out to test the dynamic compressive strength, damage morphology, fracture energy dissipation density, and other parameters of the rocks under different strain rates; besides, sieve tests were conducted to count the mass fractal characteristics of the crushed masses under different strain rates to calculate the fractal dimension of the crushed rock D. Finally, the relationships between fractal dimension and dynamic compressive strength, crushing characteristics, and energy dissipation characteristics were analysed. The results show that under different impact loads, the strain rate effect of the rock is significant and the dynamic compressive strength increases with the increasing strain rate, and they show a multiplicative power relationship. The higher the strain rate of the rock, the deeper the fragmentation and the higher the fractal dimension, and the fractal dimension and rock crushing energy density are multiplied by a power relationship. By performing the comparative analysis of the pomegranate biotite schist, a reasonable strain rate range of 78.75 s-1~82.51 s-1 and a reasonable crushing energy consumption density range of 0.78 J·cm-3~0.92 J·cm-3 were determined. This research provides a great reference for the analysis of dynamic crushing mechanism, crushing block size distribution, and crushing energy consumption of the roadway surrounding rock.