Application of Fracture Mechanics to Cracking Problems in Soils

This paper analyzes the problem of fracture in soils using the linear elastic fracture mechanics theory. Six cases of practical interest are investigated where the soil is subjected to different critical conditions that may produce cracks. To model the phenomenon of crack propagation, a two-dimensional fracture mechanics finite element program is used. In all cases, the properties of clays in the Valley of Mexico was used. The self-weight of the soil is considered as the main cause of geostatic stresses in the medium. Based on results from previous studies, the value of the critical stress intensity factor is calculated and validated. It is assumed that, only mode I fracture occurs. The crack depths obtained with the numerical models are congruent with the field data of existing geotechnical studies in the Valley of Mexico.

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