Strain localization in Fontainebleau sandstone

The aim of the paper is to present a study of strain localization in Fontai nebleau sandstone. To detect strain inhomogeneity, comparisons between meas urements of strain and displacement at multiple locations have been done. A first series of tests have been performed on cylindrical samples. However, the results obtained show that the procedure followed is not systematicall y efficient. Thus, it was decided to use prismatic samples. In order to con trol the initiation of strain localization and follow the shear banding up to the macroscopic failure, a last series of tests were performed on prisma tic specimens containing a small hole. The shear band characteristics (onse t, orientation, width) are given for all these tests on prismatic specimens . Their variation with confining pressure is emphasized. Finally, some deta ils on the deformation mechanisms inside the bands are provided by means of visual observations. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.