In order to reveal the deformation and failure characteristics of salt rock with tilted unsalted interlayer

uniaxial and triaxial compression experiments are carried out. With failure mechanism analysis of stratified rock mass

the variation and impact factors of bonding stresses are investigated; and the failure characteristics and mechanisms of tilted layered salt rock are revealed. The research indicates that tilted interlayer obviously affects the deformation and failure characteristics of rock samples. The failure patterns are related to the position of interlayer. Cracks initiate near interface firstly and then expand to interlayer and salt rock. Trans-granular fracture is observed and its mechanism is revealed. The overall performance of salt rock and characteristics of cracks are influenced by the thickness of interlayer; comparing with thin interlayer salt rock

macro crack tends to appear in the middle thick interlayer more easily. Confining pressure reduces the morphological difference of cracks in different positions of interlayer and the difference of bonding stresses on interface. The analytical result provides an important reference for the study of the cavern construction optimization and stability and tightness research of the salt caverns in the salt rock mineral area with stratum inclination. What’s more

optimizing the geological section to meet the demand of stability and tightness simultaneously is recommended before cavern construction.