The theoretical and engineering significance for studying the rheological properties of rock (or rock mass)are briefly dealt with .The preliminary study of the rheological properties of the sandstone of an engineering project is made and the experimental results of rheological deformation are shown .The ultimate loading capacities and long-term strength indices at different deformation stages are primarily determined .It is pointed out that due to the obvious relationship between the flow rate and the load

which is (?u (t) )/?r≠0 along the radial direction of the sample

as shown by this test

additional flow shear stress may be developed within the material .Although this shear stress may be very small in magnitude

it can still be regarded as a simple example of stress redistribution caused by the flow in the material