In this study, three-dimensional non-uniform strain fields and cracking patterns of a clay-rich rock are investigated. Uniaxial compression creep tests are performed on samples drilled in five different orientations with respect to bedding planes. A digital volume correlation method is applied to X-ray micro-tomographic images taken during the creep tests to calculate both full local strain fields and average global strains. Both instantaneous and time-dependent strains, respectively, induced by applied stress and creep mechanism are analysed. Strain heterogeneity inside samples is quantified by calculating strain concentration zones, which are correlated with the presence of stiff inclusions. Cracking patterns of samples are characterized through reconstructed X-ray micro-tomographic images. Correlations between major cracking patterns and strain concentration zones are investigated.

在这项研究中，研究了富含粘土的岩石的三维非均匀应变场和开裂模式。对相对于层理面在五个不同方向上钻孔的样品执行单轴压缩蠕变测试。将数字体积相关方法应用于蠕变测试期间拍摄的X射线显微断层图像，以计算完整的局部应变场和平均整体应变。分析了分别由施加应力和蠕变机制引起的瞬时应变和时间应变。通过计算应变集中区来量化样品内部的应变异质性，该区域与刚性夹杂物的存在相关。样品的破裂模式通过重建的X射线显微断层图像进行表征。