Abstract

compression tests have been frequently conducted to evaluate the in situ properties of rock masses and the mechanical behaviors of rock strata through the model tests. Without the proper boundary condition for the model tests, the mechanical behavior of rock mass would deviate, as can be expected, from the in situ conditions. The boundary condition will affect the internal stress distribution of the specimens and cause some distortion on the measurement. In this study, a design process regarding the steel brush, which has been employed for multi-axial compression test to reduce the frictional restraint along the specimen/loading platen interface, is introduced. The individual brushes are regarded as a simple column and beam to calculate the cross-sectional size and length of the brushes in consideration of the buckling capacity and the allowable deflection.