https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index en-au 5 https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:52035 Wed 27 Sep 2023 10:00:59 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:54390 circular-holed sample > elliptical-holed sample > inverted-U holed sample > square-holed sample. Irrespective of the hole shape, the primary tensile crack initiates at the top and bottom of the hole, but its development is trapped. The growth and coalescence of shear cracks near the sidewalls eventually give rise to the sample failure. Stress analysis around the holes reveals a positive dependence of the reduction in load capacity on the maximum compressive stress concentration which is controlled by the shape of the hole. This indicates that the amplification of compressive stress induced by the hole governs the rock collapse. These findings offer valuable insights for the design and construction of underground engineering projects.]]> Wed 21 Feb 2024 11:42:37 AEDT ]]>