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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 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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Open Access Research Article
by Jincheng Jia  and  Peng Su
RML  2025 2(2):13; 10.70425/rml.202502.13 - 15 June 2025
Abstract
To study the variations in the damping ratio of rock at different frequencies, an external excitation test and a cyclic loading test were designed, and the relationship between the damping ratio of rock and the frequency under conditions of low and high frequency was determined. The damping mechanism was analyzed from the viewpoints of structure and lithology. The results show [...] Read more
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Open Access Research Article
by Ignacio Pérez-Rey , Hossein Masoumi , Diego Mas Ivars , Johannes Suikkanen  and  Leandro R. Alejano
RML  2025 2(2):12; 10.70425/rml.202502.12 - 16 April 2025
Abstract
In this paper, 114 uniaxial compressive strength tests were carried out on specimens of veined gneiss with diameters ranging from 14 mm to 100 mm. The main objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the specimen size on the strength behavior of this metamorphic, heterogeneous rock. This size effect results in an increase in strength from small 14-mm diameter spe [...] Read more
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Open Access Review Article
by Wadslin Frenelus  and  Hui Peng
RML  2025 2(1):11; 10.70425/rml.202501.11 - 18 March 2025
Abstract
As multifunctional structures, deep rock underground structures are built all over the world. Their lifespan is generally expected to exceed a hundred years. However, they are inexorable to rock creep which controls their lasting safety and stability. This article describes the strong factors affecting rock creep and the lasting stability of deep rock engineering, based on pert [...] Read more
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Open Access Research Article
by Tinashe Dembure , Richard Masethe  and  Tawanda Zvarivadza
RML  2025 2(1):9; 10.70425/rml.202501.9 - 13 March 2025
Abstract
This research aims to optimize ground support systems for underground tunnels in geologically challenging environments, specifically addressing the reduction of Fall of Ground (FOG) incidents in a gold mine in Mashava, Zimbabwe. The study integrates advanced detection and classification methodologies to enhance tunnel stability and safety. Tunnel Reflection Tomography (TRT) was [...] Read more
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Open Access Communication
by Seyed Morteza Davarpanah , Samad Narimani , Mohammad Sharghi  and  Balázs Vásárhelyi
RML  2025 2(1):10; 10.70425/rml.202501.10 - 12 March 2025
Abstract
This paper proposes a novel approach to rock mass characterization by adapting the coefficient of uniformity (Cu) and coefficient of curvature (Cc) from soil mechanics, redefining their mathematical formulations to align with RQD-based block size measurements. Specifically, Cu and Cc are calculated using D10, D30, and D60, derived from cumulative RQD data, while accounting for [...] Read more
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