Publisher's Synopsis
This proceedings, "Fracture Mechanics Applied to Geotechnical Engineering", contains theoretical and experimental studies related to the formation, propagation, and interaction of cracks in clays, cemented and grouted sands, rocks, and pavement materials. A review of the origin and classification of fissures in clays is presented. Previous studies that make use of fracture mechanics theory to interpret the propagation mechanics of cracks in clay are included. One study deals with the use of the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion to interpret the cracking of earth dams. Also included are papers that make use of fracture mechanics theory to understand the propagation of cracks in samples of clay, grouted sand, and asphalt pavements. Fracture mechanics theory is used to obtain the depth of cracks in soils subjected to drying. Also included are studies that make use of the finite element and discrete element methods to interpret the formation and propagation mechanisms of cracks in brittle and plastic clays, clay covers in landfills, and cemented sands.;A study of the acoustic emissions signals emanating from a rock sample containing a crack under Mode I, II, or III type of loading is also presented.
