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Open research questions in Rock Mechanics and Modeling

189 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 672 Rock Mechanics and Modeling papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Optimizing the hyperparameters of the IDBO model - Applying the proposed model to other geological resource extraction scenarios - Further research on the application of ML in ROP research

    Rate of Penetration Prediction in Steeply Dipping Coal Seams Using Data-Driven Modeling and Feature Engineering · 2026 · DOI

  • Traditional ROP prediction methods have high fitting difficulty and low accuracy in steeply inclined coal seams. The need for new technologies to enhance ROP prediction accuracy. The limitation of traditional methods in handling complex downhole conditions.

    Rate of Penetration Prediction in Steeply Dipping Coal Seams Using Data-Driven Modeling and Feature Engineering · 2026 · DOI

  • Further research is needed to improve the understanding of KCC formation mechanisms and morphological characteristics, - The application of advanced regional control technologies for water hazards in coal mines needs to be further studied

    Safety Management and Risk Evaluation for Coal Mine Operations Threatened by Karst Collapse Column Water Inrushes · 2026 · DOI

  • The limited observation data during the stope period cannot fully describe the dynamic change trend of the karst aquifer throughout the drainage process. The need for comprehensive detection, treatment, and safety evaluation of KCCs is of great practical importance.

    Safety Management and Risk Evaluation for Coal Mine Operations Threatened by Karst Collapse Column Water Inrushes · 2026 · DOI

  • Limited duration of tests (~300 h per test), - Uncertainty caused by loose packing, particle bridging, and unstable initial contacts, - The experimental standardization procedure may not be a direct analogue of natural fracture evolution

    Compaction and Pressure Solution of Mixed Mineral Assemblages: Implications for Granite Fracture Sealing in the Near-Field of High-Level Radioactive Waste Repository · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigating the long-term sealing of granite fractures in the near-field of deep geological repositories, - Studying the effects of varying mineral proportions and clay content on fracture sealing, - Examining the role of other pore fluids on the compaction and pressure solution of mixed mineral assemblages

    Compaction and Pressure Solution of Mixed Mineral Assemblages: Implications for Granite Fracture Sealing in the Near-Field of High-Level Radioactive Waste Repository · 2026 · DOI

  • The limitation of the size of the model experiment, which could not simulate all the top and bottom coal and rock layers. The need to ensure the high-precision capture and validity of the spatiotemporal deformation data. The complexity of the non-linear cumulative damage process governed by the mechanical transition of the interlayer rock.

    Evolution of Overlying Strata and Fracture Networks in Close-Distance Coal Seam Groups Based on DIC and Fractal Theory · 2026 · DOI

  • The size of the model experiment was limited, and similar simulation experiments could not simulate all the top and bottom coal and rock layers. The physical similarity simulation was two-dimensional. The geometric similarity ratio of the model was 1:150.

    Evolution of Overlying Strata and Fracture Networks in Close-Distance Coal Seam Groups Based on DIC and Fractal Theory · 2026 · DOI

  • further analysis of the post-peak behavior of mortar by a damage model, - investigation of the effect of different loading conditions on the behavior of the mortar sample, - development of more advanced damage models to better capture the behavior of the mortar sample

    Three-point bend test analysis using digital image correlation: from elasticity to damage · 2026 · DOI

  • The identification of constitutive parameters is an inverse problem that requires the development of new methodologies. Prior work on continuum damage mechanics has limitations in describing damage-induced anisotropy. The paper identifies a gap in the use of digital image correlation for analyzing three-point bend tests.

    Three-point bend test analysis using digital image correlation: from elasticity to damage · 2026 · DOI

  • High in-situ stress and intense mining disturbances in deep mines. The complexity of the overburden structure in extra-thick coal seam mining. The need for a new method to regulate the overburden structure for rockburst control.

    Multi‑strata hydraulic fracturing via surface vertical wells for rockburst mitigation in an extra‑thick coal seam under a protective layer: a case study · 2026 · DOI

  • Further research is needed to validate the SVMSHF method in other coal mines, - The effects of other factors on rockburst occurrences should be investigated, - The optimization of the SVMSHF method for different mining conditions should be studied

    Multi‑strata hydraulic fracturing via surface vertical wells for rockburst mitigation in an extra‑thick coal seam under a protective layer: a case study · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies the challenge of understanding the mechanism of coalburst triggered by thrust fault slipping. It also mentions the challenge of considering the mechanical properties of gouge and the seepage effect of groundwater in future studies. The authors note the challenge of improving the models and mechanism for other types of faults, such as normal fault, general reverse fault, and strike-slip fault.

    Mechanism of coalburst triggered by thrust fault slipping based on field monitoring, indoor experiments and numerical simulation · 2026 · DOI

  • Subsequent physical model tests and numerical simulations will fully consider the mechanical properties of gouge and seepage effect of groundwater, - The models and mechanism should be well improved for other types of fault such as normal fault, general reverse fault, strike-slip fault, etc.

    Mechanism of coalburst triggered by thrust fault slipping based on field monitoring, indoor experiments and numerical simulation · 2026 · DOI

  • Due to limitations in experimental conditions, the insufficient number of replicate samples in the triaxial compression tests currently lacks the statistical power to provide a rigorous significance test. The influence of external noise on the acoustic emission activity was tried to be minimized but not eliminated. The study only considered the effect of temperature and confining pressure on the mechanical properties of rock.

    Mechanical characteristic and damage evolution mechanism of rock subject to high-temperature conditions: an experimental and theoretical investigations · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of understanding of the mechanical behavior of rocks under high temperature and high confining pressure. The need for a comprehensive investigation of the strength and deformation characteristics of rock under the coupled effects of temperature and confining pressure.

    Mechanical characteristic and damage evolution mechanism of rock subject to high-temperature conditions: an experimental and theoretical investigations · 2026 · DOI

  • Further study on the effects of different joint inclinations and burial depths on the fracture behavior of jointed rock, - Investigation of the relationship between the unloading rate and the failure mode of the rock, - Analysis of the crack evolution and failure pattern of jointed rock under different loading conditions

    Fracture behavior of jointed rock under excavation unloading: laboratory testing · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of knowledge on the fracture behavior of jointed rock under excavation unloading. The need for understanding the effects of joint inclination and burial depth on the mechanical response of surrounding rock. The gap in understanding rockburst mechanisms and improving rock engineering designs.

    Fracture behavior of jointed rock under excavation unloading: laboratory testing · 2026 · DOI

  • The parallel bond model has limitations when simulating the mechanical response of hard rocks. The study aims to address the gap in understanding the failure mechanism of flawed granite specimens under variable-angle shear tests.

    Failure mechanism of flawed granite specimens under variable-angle shear test: a discrete element method study · 2026 · DOI

  • Long-term research is needed to further understand the crack evolution of rocks, - Further study on the sensitivity of different parameters to cracks

    Study on damage prediction of weathered granite under different stress conditions based on acoustic emission information · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of a method to predict the damage of weathered rocks under different stress conditions. The need to understand the damage evolution of weathered rocks using acoustic emission information.

    Study on damage prediction of weathered granite under different stress conditions based on acoustic emission information · 2026 · DOI

  • Further investigation of the effects of hole distance and free distance on the expansion force, - Study of the crack propagation behavior in different rock-like materials, - Investigation of the applicability of the borehole splitting method in various projects

    Static expansion characteristics of three-holes considering empty hole effects in the borehole splitting method: experimental investigation and numerical simulation methods · 2026 · DOI

  • The low utilization of the borehole and efficiency of rock breaking in the borehole splitting method. The lack of understanding of the influence of the empty hole effect on the expansion force and crack propagation. The need for further research on the limitations of the borehole splitting method.

    Static expansion characteristics of three-holes considering empty hole effects in the borehole splitting method: experimental investigation and numerical simulation methods · 2026 · DOI

  • The specific mix designs and aggregate properties are unknown for some specimens, - Relative humidity was not actively controlled during storage or testing, - The study used a limited number of specimens, - The study did not investigate the effect of other variables on slow dynamics

    Slow Dynamics in Concrete: Effects of Temperature, Strength Variation, and Microcracking Damage · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigating the effect of other variables on slow dynamics, - Studying the slow dynamics of concrete with different types of damage, - Developing a model to describe the modulus evolution during conditioning, ringdown, and recovery, - Investigating the relationship between slow dynamics and other nondestructive testing methods

    Slow Dynamics in Concrete: Effects of Temperature, Strength Variation, and Microcracking Damage · 2026 · DOI

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189 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 672 Rock Mechanics and Modeling papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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