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Rock Mechanics Letters

Open Access
www.journal-rml.com

Rock Mechanics Letters


E-ISSN: 3049-8996

Rock Mechanics Letters is a peer-reviewed journal published by Vance Press (UK), dedicated to the rapid communication of significant advances in rock mechanics and its applications. Serving researchers, engineers, and practitioners in geotechnical engineering, mining, civil engineering, engineering geology, and geosciences, the journal covers a wide range of topics including experimental and theoretical rock mechanics, computational methods, underground excavation, rock slope stability, and AI technology in rock masses. Specific topics also include but are not restricted to energy related rock mechanics, petroleum engineering, geothermal systems, and planetary science. With its rapid peer review process, concise letter-format articles, and interdisciplinary approach, Rock Mechanics Letters aims to accelerate the exchange of ideas and innovations, fostering collaboration and advancing the field of rock mechanics research and applications.

Latest Articles More >>
Open Access Research Article
by Mostafa Asadizadeh , Saeed Khosravi , Nasrin Abbasssalimi , Nima Babanouri , Mohammad Rezaei , Aref Alipour , Veljko Lapčević , Ahmadreza Hedayat  and  Taghi Sherizadeh
RML  2025 2(3):23; 10.70425/rml.202503.23 - 25 August 2025
Abstract
Tensile strength is one of the most important characteristics of rock masses that could govern the stability of rock structures. Due to difficulties in its direct measurements, indirect methods such as the Brazilian test have been developed to assess the tensile strength of laboratory-scale rock material. This study considers the effect of loading contact angle on the indirect [...] Read more
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Open Access Research Article
by Dimitrios Papadomarkakis
RML  2025 2(3):22; 10.70425/rml.202503.22 - 09 August 2025
Abstract
In part II of this study, a second method for the prediction of the crack initiation stress was sug-gested. The new technique is based on an elementary mathematical calculus theory. Particularly, the one that supports that the points where the second derivative of a function is equal to zero can be considered as possible inflection points of the function. The proposed Second De [...] Read more
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Open Access Review Article
by Rafaela Oliveira Lapa  and  Gyula Bögöly
RML  2025 2(3):21; 10.70425/rml.202503.21 - 07 August 2025
Abstract
The Vajont Landslide, one of the most catastrophic events in history, has been extensively studied for over 60 years. Navigating the extensive Vajont literature presents challenges due to the volume of information, persistent questions, ongoing controversies, and even unreliable information. This review offers a novel synthesis by identifying the most influential hypotheses thr [...] Read more

Open Access Research Article
by Dimitrios Papadomarkakis
RML  2025 2(3):20; 10.70425/rml.202503.20 - 03 August 2025
Abstract
In part I of this study, the great practical importance of the onset of stable crack growth was out-lined, since several researchers have supported that it can serve as a more realistic estimation of the in-situ spalling strength of the rock mass, in comparison with the more frequently used uniaxi-al compressive strength. Moreover, a short review was also provided regarding the [...] Read more
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Open Access Research Article
by Yunhong Wang
RML  2025 2(3):19; 10.70425/rml.202503.19 - 30 July 2025
Abstract
In this paper, the geometry of borehole forced by two-dimensional stress was studied based on classical rock mechanics. The relation between horizontal principal stress and geometrical parameters of deformed circular borehole was established. The new prediction model of horizontal stress was deduced based on the above quantitative relation. Additionally, the stress computation [...] Read more
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Open Access Research Article
by Blessing Olamide Taiwo , Abduljeleel Ibidapo Ajibona , Angesom Gebrestsadik , Oluwaseun Victor F amobuwa , Ojo Augustine Thomas  and  Akinwale O Omosebi
RML  2025 2(2):18; 10.70425/rml.202502.18 - 29 June 2025
Abstract
Abstract The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into blasting operations has demonstrated significant improvements in precision, safety, and operational efficiency. By leveraging AI algorithms to optimize blast design, monitor field conditions, and analyze fragmentation data, more informed decision-making is achieved. In small-scale mining, safe and efficient blasting [...] Read more
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Open Access Research Article
by Muhammad Zubair , Sami Ullah  and  Muhammad Zaka Emad
RML  2025 2(2):17; 10.70425/rml.202502.17 - 25 June 2025
Abstract
Creep is a time-dependent plastic deformation that occurs in materials subjected to sustained underground stresses. This phenomenon is particularly significant in rocksalt, where understanding its behavior is critical due to its direct impact on mining operations and the long-term stability of underground structures. This study investigates the creep behavior of rocksalt from t [...] Read more
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Open Access Letter
by Xinxing Liu
RML  2025 2(2):16; 10.70425/rml.202502.16 - 22 June 2025
Abstract
Heterogeneity of natural rock mass differs from most other engineering materials. Although the heterogeneity, such as macroscopic fracture, potentially contributes to the deformability of rock mass, evidence for macroscopic heterogeneity from field studies has been circumstantial. We present the results of field drilling energy experiment on the rock mass of tuff, limestone and [...] Read more
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Open Access Research Article
by Zhipeng Hong , Wei Hao , Liang He , Yinuo Zhang  and  Zhaoyu Wen
RML  2025 2(2):15; 10.70425/rml.202502.15 - 19 June 2025
Abstract
Friction coefficient, as a parameter of mechanical state, plays a crucial role in the shear failure of rocks in the field of Earth sciences. This paper investigates the frictional characteristics and anisotropy of rock by analyzing the coefficient of variation of the friction coefficient (f) and the anisotropy index of rock friction coefficients Af. Rotational friction tests we [...] Read more
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Open Access Research Article
by Blessing Olamide Taiwo , Yewuhalashet Fissha , Esma Kahraman , Hawraa H. Abbas , Victor Afolabi Jebutu , Adams Abiodun Akinlabi , Shahab Hosseini  and  Ahsan Rabbani
RML  2025 2(2):14; 10.70425/rml.202502.14 - 17 June 2025
Abstract
The utilization of blasting has been prevalent in mining and civil engineering domains due to its cost-effectiveness and affordability as a method for fracturing rock. The achievement of an ideal blast results in the most effective fragmentation while ensuring safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. In developing blast efficiency model, this study consider [...] Read more
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