Abstract
<jats:p>This paper presents experimental research results on normal and shear stiffness of artificial fractures in core samples collected from deposits in the Khibiny massif. Tests were carried out using the automated ASIS testing system under the constant normal load procedure. The experiments revealed dependencies of the fracture stiffness on the applied load and the core sample geometry. It was established that increasing normal stress leads to redistribution of the mechanical contact characteristics due to changes in the surface roughness and partial damage of the fracture edges. The most stable and representative data were obtained during the initial stages of loading. The average stiffness values were determined, which can serve as the input parameters for numerical modeling of the fractured rock masses, including the finite elements methods. The findings have practical relevance for assessing rock mass stability and predicting rock behavior under mining conditions.</jats:p>