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SUMMARYA numerical model capable of performing deformation analysis of a medium containing discontinuity surfaces is presented. The discontinuity can be either a crack, which can be open or closed, or a shear band. The model consists of two separate numerical algorithms, which are coupled together by means of the principle of superposition. In particular, an integral equation scheme based on the theory of dislocations is adopted for modelling the discontinuity, while a "nite element discretization is used for the continuous medium. In this paper the discontinuity modelling is illustrated in detail, together with the speci"c formulation of the principle of superposition adopted, and some simple examples of application are presented. The well-known modelling approach based on Fracture Mechanics theory is also brie#y discussed. The two models are compared and some advantages and drawbacks of each are pointed out, comments are made regarding their applicability in the speci"c case of soil mechanics, and conclusions are drawn as regards the conditions under which one or the other is appropriate. Finally, a full-scale example of deformation analysis using the proposed model is presented.

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