ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: A high performance true-triaxial rock testing (TTT) apparatus which can reproduce a real stress environment of a rock mass can improve the understanding of the mechanical properties of rocks. The historical progress of true-triaxial rock testing techniques by examining different types of loading conditions is reviewed first and the Mogitype is considered to be the most popular in the field of rock mechanics in a comparison of the performance of various kinds of TTT apparatuses. Next, the research and development of TTT in China are reviewed through an analysis of eight TTT machines as well as published papers about the different application areas of the TTT of rocks. In addition, a newly designed and fabricated apparatus by the IRSM, CAS, Wuhan, is introduced. Finally, the key issues of the corner effect, end friction, loading eccentricity and loading capacity in the development process of TTT are summarized and future perspectives about loading material, loading type, knowledge sharing and database construction are also addressed.
