Author(s)

R. Freij-Ayoub, A.V. Dyskin & A.N. Galybin

Abstract

A model is developed to simulate the post-peak behaviour of materials in shear box tests. It is based on modelling the fracture process in the shear zone as the accumulation of (micro) cracks normal to the direction of the local principal stresses in the intact material. Depending on the ratio of the material strength (which can be zero) to the applied pressure, the cracks would be initiated either steeply for the weaker material or less steep for the stronger material. The steep cracks create additional compressive stresses at the intact material between them, hence increasing shear load should be applied to keep the crack accumulation, this exhibits itself as hardening. On the other hand, less steep cracks create additional tensile stress

Keywords