Chapter 06: Brittle Failure

Course subject(s) Part 1: Mechanics and Rheology

The rheological behaviour of a rock is primarily dependent on its structure, that may either be brittle or ductile. The behaviour of brittle structures is discussed in this chapter. Crack propagation, the main mechanism for brittle failure, is explained in paragraph one. Other subjects dealt with are loading tests, the orientation of failure planes and joints, the yield criterion of Mohr-Coulomb, friction laws and crustal strength criteria.

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