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Chapter 6 Failure and Mohrs Circle K
Chapter 6 Failure and Mohrs Circle K
We use a Mohr stress diagram to map the failure of rocks under stress, by
plotting both normal and shear stresses, as well as the greatest and least
stresses on the Mohr circle. After we test numerous rocks at different confining
pressures, we get a family of failure values that define a failure envelope.
Creation of Joints & Shear
Fractures in the Lab
There are 2 basic types of rock strength
tests:
1) Tensile strength tests: specimen is
pulled along its axis (s3). Sometimes
confining pressure is applied to it’s
sides (s1 = s2). The test continues until
failure.
2) Compressive strength tests: specimen
is compressed along its axis (s1) with
or without confining pressure applied
to it’s sides (s2 = s3) until failure.
At failure, the values of the principal
stresses are noted and so is the
orientation of the plane of failure wrt
either s1 or s3.
These data are plotted in Mohr space.
A single experiment will produce
a circle that describes the
normal and shear stress (sn, ss)
for the plane of failure q at the
instant of failure.
A number of similar experiments
are carried out at different
confining pressures to create a
series of similar data points.
The location of these points
defines a failure envelope.
The envelope defines a region
of Mohr space where rock is
stable - in no danger of failure.
Outside the envelope the rock
fails.
Rock failure (fracture) at
a specified s3 and s1.
s3 = To
A rock will fail by fracturing if the magnitude of least
principal stress (s3) equals or exceeds the tensile
strength of the rock.
In Mohr space, the radius that connects the center of the differential
stress circle with the point of failure lies along the x-axis.
Tensile & Compressive Strength Tests
We can also run triaxial tests (with compressive confining
pressure applied to the flanks of the specimen) while at the
same time applying a tensile stress along the axis.
10 MPa
At increasing
confining pressure,
we need increased
differential stress
(s1-s3) for failure.
The increase of
differential stress is
shown by an change
in the Mohr circle
diameter.
Coulomb's Law of Failure:
s c = s 0 tan (s N ) Dynamic and mechanical models
developed by Coulomb (1773)
and Mohr (1900).
Where sc = so + sNtan
= angle of internal friction
tan = coefficient of internal
friction (slope of failure line)
sc = critical shear stress required
for faulting
so = cohesive strength
sN = normal stress
y = b + ax notice tan is the slope
These tests define a Relationship between stress
failure envelope for a and fracturing
particular rock.