Progressive failure and mechanical behavior of transversely isotropic rocks

Based on mesoscopic damage mechanics, numerical codes RFPA 2D is developed to simulate the complete failure process of seven transversely isotropic rock samples subjected to uniaxial loading. The rock samples are composed of two different rock materials and they are formed with different dip angles between the rock layer orientation and the loading direction. Complete stress-strain curves are obtained and the deformability and failure behaviors are described. Numerical results show rock layer dip angle of transversely isotropic rocks has significant influence on the fracture during the progressive failure process, such as peak strength, failure manners, and deformational behavior et al. It is suitable to apply different failure criteria according to different failure modes caused by layer dip angle.