Modelling of induced anisotropic damage in granites

This paper deals with numerical modelling of induced damage in three granit es. A continuous anisotropic damage model is proposed in the framework of t hermodynamics and fracture mechanics. A second rank tensor is used to descr ibe damage state which is directly related to orientation and density of mi crocracks. Both time independent and time dependent (or sub-critical) growt h of microcracks are taken into account. A simple procedure for the determi nation of model parameters from standard laboratory tests is proposed. Comp arisons between model simulation and experimental data are presented for so me basic loading paths. Finally the application of the model to stability a nalysis of the Mine-by test tunnel of the URL in Manitoba (Canada) is prese nted. A comparison between numerical predictions and in situ observations m akes it possible to evaluate the performance of the proposed model. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.