Joint elements, stress post-processing and superconvergent extraction withapplication to mohr-coulomb failure

In this study we investigate issues related to stress post-processing and s uperconvergent extraction techniques for finite element analysis involving joint elements. The behaviour of joint elements is first compared with more standard finite element models and homogenization techniques. Then the int erface stress extraction problem is investigated. Finally we extend and app ly this idea to Mohr-Coulomb failure. Supporting numerical studies are cond ucted to demonstrate the ideas and their implications. Copyright (C) 1999 J ohn Wiley & Sons, Ltd.