Cavity expansion analysis with non-linear failure criterion

The conventional calculation of an expanding cavity is formulated in terms of a linear failure criterion. However, experiments show that failure criteria are non-linear for most geomaterials. This paper investigates the cavity expansion problem in an isotropic and homogeneous medium using a non-linear failure criterion. A procedure for analysing the expansion of cylindrical and spherical cavities is described, with effects of dilatancy considered. The solutions for stress and displacement around the cavity are presented in the elastic and plastic zones. A study is carried out to illustrate the effects of various parameters on the behaviour of the expanding cavity.