Modification of a generalized three-dimensional Hoek–Brown strength criterion

To take account of the influence of the intermediate principle stress, Zhang and Zhu [1] and [2] proposed a three-dimensional (3D) version of the generalized Hoek–Brown strength criterion. The generalized Zhang–Zhu strength criterion is a true 3D version of the Hoek–Brown criterion, not only inheriting the advantages of the Hoek–Brown strength criterion, but predicts the same strength as the two-dimensional (2D) Hoek–Brown strength criterion at both triaxial compression and extension states. However, the failure surface of the generalized 3D Zhang–Zhu strength criterion is not smooth at either the triaxial compression or extension state and concave at the triaxial extension state, which may have problems with some stress paths and cause inconvenience for numerical applications. In this paper, the reason for the non-smoothness and non-convexity of the generalized 3D Zhang–Zhu strength criterion was first discussed by studying its Lode dependence. Then the criterion was modified by utilizing three different Lode dependences with characteristics of both smoothness and convexity to replace its Lode dependence. Finally the smoothness, convexity and prediction accuracy of the modified criteria were evaluated by applying them to analyze both intact rocks and jointed rock masses. The modified criteria not only keep the advantages of the generalized 3D Zhang–Zhu strength criterion, but solve the non-smoothness and non-convexity problem with no loss of accuracy for strength prediction.

► A generalized 3D Hoek–Brown strength criterion for was modified.
► The modified criteria meet smoothness and convexity requirements.
► The modified criteria also have good accuracy for strength prediction.
► The modified criteria can be used for both intact rocks and rock masses.