Nonlinear global elastic behaviour of a periodically jointed material. (Q1852772)

The approach developed in this paper refers to the homogenization technique applied to periodically jointed rock masses. Several experiments emphasize the nonlinearity of mechanical behaviour of a single joint. Restricting to the case of elastic materials, the authors examine two aspects of the macroscopic behaviour of jointed rock materials. Modelling the joint as a thin layer, the analysis shows the possibility of a nonlinear behaviour of the jointed material when subjected to large strains and as its thickness tends to zero. The second part deals with the modelling of elastic interaction between intersecting joints. Although the problem remains open, the authors obtain an upper bound on the macroscopic elastic potential.