Remote sensing rock mechanics (RSRM) and associated experimental studies

The development of remote sensing rock mechanics (RSRM) was stimulated by m eteorological satellite observations using infrared (IR) thermal images dur ing earthquakes, The experimental methods, instruments, and some typical re sults concerning the relations between the IR radiation and rock stress are introduced. This paper explains that: (1) the IR radiation energy includin g IR radiation temperature and IR spectral radiation intensity increases wi th loading; (2) the IR radiation temperature increases with depth inside th e rock specimen surface, (3) the IR radiation temperature increases with ro ck strength and; (4) the IR thermal image can anticipate the stress transfe r process and rock fracturing location. Thus, the study and application of RSRM includes detection of material behaviour resulting from heterogeneity and/or stress application as well as mechanical failure and collapse as a t ime-space forecast. The experiment results have been supported by successfu l earthquake forecasts. The key issues and future research directions for R SRM are suggested. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.