ABSTRACT
Dynamic loads are usually associated with high amplitude and short duration. A proper understanding of the effect of strain/loading rate on the mechanical properties of rock is important in the analysis of rock behavior or the design of rock structures subjected to dynamic loads. For example, in rock blasting, a blast stress wave is generated and propagates through the rock mass; the rock mass and rock structure are subjected to blast shock loads at different strain/loading rates. Mechanical responses of a rock mass and a rock structure to various strain/loading rates are different (Serdengecti and Boozer, 1961; Price and Knill, 1966; Stowe and Ainsworth, 1968; Birkimer, 1971; Mellor and Hawkes, 1971; Shockey et al., 1973; Vutukuri, Lama and Saluja, 1974; Janach, 1976).
