Numerical investigation on rock fracture induced by a new directional rock-breaking technology

•IESF is a new type of nonexplosive directional rock-breaking technology.•IESF is much safer and produces lower vibration than directional fracture blasting.•IESF produces concentrated tensile stress in presplit direction to break rock.•IESF can create superimposed stress between two holes.•IESF has a good ability of directional rock breaking by a roof cutting test.