Mechanics of a discontinuity in a geomaterial

The paper presents a brief overview of the topic of interfaces and discontinuities in geomechanics and develops computational assessment of the two-dimensional problem of a discontinuity in a geomaterial region that is subjected to relative shear movement with provision for dilation of the discontinuity. The evaluation focuses on the assessment of the influence of the surface topography of the discontinuity, frictional contact mechanisms, failure of the parent material composing the discontinuity and incompatible movements at the contacting planes on the behaviour of the discontinuity. The computational modelling is used to examine the shearing tests conducted by Bandis et al. [Fundamentals of rock joint deformation. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 1983;20:249-68] on samples of dolerite.