Abstract Fractured rock masses are ubiquitously distributed in deep underground excavations, slope engineering and mining operations. Their failure and instability triggered by impact loads including blasting, seismic events and rockbursts pose a critical hazard to engineering safety. In this study, sandstone specimens with prefabricated fissures at five representative dip angles (0° to 90°) are prepared and subjected to split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) impact tests.
