Review of the Validity of the Use of Artificial Specimens for Characterizing the Mechanical Properties of Rocks

The field of rock mechanics is concerned with the response of rocks to the forces acting on them, characterizing this behaviour in specific environments and under varying loading conditions. This review discusses the suitability of current mechanical testing methods for inhomogeneous rock bodies, with a specific focus on the use of artificial samples in place of real rocks in these tests. The use of artificial materials such as cement, resins,...