Deformation mechanisms of Dazu Rock Carvings ceiling based on negative Poisson’s ratio anchor support

Negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) anchors effectively stabilize the ceiling of Yuanjue Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Chongqing, by limiting settlement to under 0.3 mm and mitigating deformation caused by intersecting cracks (C1, C2, C3). The study reveals that NPR supports are particularly effective at crack intersections and cave entrances, where structural unloading and interlayer cracks facilitate water infiltration. While the north rock mass exhibited cantilevered settlement along C1, NPR anchors successfully counteracted rainfall-induced deformation. This research provides a technical foundation for preserving stone cultural relics, demonstrating that NPR anchoring can significantly enhance stability in weathered heritage sites.

Yang, P.-x., Li, Y.-c., Yang, X.-j., & Li, X.-d. (2025). Deformation mechanisms of Dazu Rock Carvings ceiling based on negative Poisson’s ratio anchor support. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 62, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2025-0277