Effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructure of quartz schist
To address the durability issues of quartz schist (QS) on the slopes of open-pit mines under complex environmental conditions in high-cold regions, this study investigates the effects of freeze–thaw (F–T), dry–wet (D–W), and alternating (D–W–F–T) cycles on the macro and micro characteristics of QS u...
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Elsevier
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Results in Engineering |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025018419 |
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| author | Jiajian Jin Daguo Wang Jianguo Lu Li Yin Huan Xiao Jinhe Li |
| author_facet | Jiajian Jin Daguo Wang Jianguo Lu Li Yin Huan Xiao Jinhe Li |
| author_sort | Jiajian Jin |
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| description | To address the durability issues of quartz schist (QS) on the slopes of open-pit mines under complex environmental conditions in high-cold regions, this study investigates the effects of freeze–thaw (F–T), dry–wet (D–W), and alternating (D–W–F–T) cycles on the macro and micro characteristics of QS using a multiscale test design. Changes in mechanical strength, mineral composition, and pore distribution were analyzed using triaxial compressive strength (TCS) tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A study of pore structure was conducted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with quantitative analysis of pore roundness, orientation, and fractal dimension. Statistical correlations between macro- and micro-scale parameters were established. The results showed that, at the macro scale, the compressive strength of QS decreased from 115.78 MPa to 54.77 MPa, 41.68 MPa, and 43.91 MPa following F–T, D–W, and D–W-F–T cycles, respectively. At the micro scale, F–T cycles disrupted the cementation between mineral particles, enlarged pore sizes, and formed large pores and cracks. D–W cycles altered the internal mineral structure of the QS, affecting its physicochemical properties. The porosity of the F–T, D–W, and D–W–F–T group specimens increased from 0.22 % to 0.53 %, 0.43 %, and 0.54 %, respectively. Combining macro and micro analyses revealed that during the early stages of F–T and D–W cycles, continuous water-rock interactions dissolved hydrophilic minerals and disintegrated clay minerals, increasing weak points in the QS. Prolonged cycles led to pore structure deterioration due to ice extrusion and water-absorbing expansion of mineral components, ultimately reducing the macroscopic strength of the QS. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-63ba22dded1e4c2689efd99957cd5ea6 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2590-1230 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-09-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Results in Engineering |
| spelling | doaj-art-63ba22dded1e4c2689efd99957cd5ea62025-08-20T03:33:08ZengElsevierResults in Engineering2590-12302025-09-012710577010.1016/j.rineng.2025.105770Effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructure of quartz schistJiajian Jin0Daguo Wang1Jianguo Lu2Li Yin3Huan Xiao4Jinhe Li5School of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China; Corresponding author.School of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, ChinaGanzi Rongda Lithium Co., Ltd., Kangding 626000, ChinaTo address the durability issues of quartz schist (QS) on the slopes of open-pit mines under complex environmental conditions in high-cold regions, this study investigates the effects of freeze–thaw (F–T), dry–wet (D–W), and alternating (D–W–F–T) cycles on the macro and micro characteristics of QS using a multiscale test design. Changes in mechanical strength, mineral composition, and pore distribution were analyzed using triaxial compressive strength (TCS) tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A study of pore structure was conducted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with quantitative analysis of pore roundness, orientation, and fractal dimension. Statistical correlations between macro- and micro-scale parameters were established. The results showed that, at the macro scale, the compressive strength of QS decreased from 115.78 MPa to 54.77 MPa, 41.68 MPa, and 43.91 MPa following F–T, D–W, and D–W-F–T cycles, respectively. At the micro scale, F–T cycles disrupted the cementation between mineral particles, enlarged pore sizes, and formed large pores and cracks. D–W cycles altered the internal mineral structure of the QS, affecting its physicochemical properties. The porosity of the F–T, D–W, and D–W–F–T group specimens increased from 0.22 % to 0.53 %, 0.43 %, and 0.54 %, respectively. Combining macro and micro analyses revealed that during the early stages of F–T and D–W cycles, continuous water-rock interactions dissolved hydrophilic minerals and disintegrated clay minerals, increasing weak points in the QS. Prolonged cycles led to pore structure deterioration due to ice extrusion and water-absorbing expansion of mineral components, ultimately reducing the macroscopic strength of the QS.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025018419Dry–wet–freeze–thaw cycleQuartz schistMechanical propertyMicroscopic characteristicDeterioration mechanism |
| spellingShingle | Jiajian Jin Daguo Wang Jianguo Lu Li Yin Huan Xiao Jinhe Li Effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructure of quartz schist Results in Engineering Dry–wet–freeze–thaw cycle Quartz schist Mechanical property Microscopic characteristic Deterioration mechanism |
| title | Effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructure of quartz schist |
| title_full | Effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructure of quartz schist |
| title_fullStr | Effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructure of quartz schist |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructure of quartz schist |
| title_short | Effects of dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructure of quartz schist |
| title_sort | effects of dry wet and freeze thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructure of quartz schist |
| topic | Dry–wet–freeze–thaw cycle Quartz schist Mechanical property Microscopic characteristic Deterioration mechanism |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025018419 |
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