Mixed mode crack propagation of homogenized cracks by the two-dimensional DDM analysis

The crack propagation process in rock mass is numerically estimated by two-dimensional stress analysis. Rock mass typically contains numerous cracks within, with varying extent and orientation. In order to analyze the mechanical interaction of cracks, the homogenization method is introduced too in this study. In the analysis, SC-DDM (stress compensation-displacement discontinuity method) and DDCM (displacement discontinuity comparison method) are applied to the crack homogenization model, and the stress intensity factors are calculated. Then the crack propagation of the model is analyzed, using the maximum circumferential stress criterion. The influences of the mechanical interaction between cracks to the crack propagation is discussed. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.