Lithological, mechanical, and frictional heterogeneity within the fault zone occurs over many different scales and exerts an important control over fault strength, slip stability and earthquake nucleation (Barnes et al., 2020;Faulkner et al., 2010;Tesei et al., 2014). To define the effect of fault heterogeneity, a detailed understanding of the rupture propagation along heterogeneous faults is required. Laboratory experiments approach the problem by using gouge materials with varying friction strength to simulate heterogeneous faults (Bedford et al., 2022;Buijze et al., 2021). Recent laboratory experiments and field observations note that, as well as frictional strength evolution, faults also recover cohesion through processes such as pressure solution during interseismic periods