Propagation of a shear crack in a compressed plane with a circular hole

Abstract

SUMMARYThe problem of the equilibrium of a plane with a circular hole and a shear crack is considered to model failure of an excavation (borehole or circular opening) in rocks weakened by discontinuities (planes of weakness). It is assumed that sliding occurs in a part of the plane of weakness when the Mohr-Coulomb friction criterion is satisfied due to the stress redistribution caused by the excavation. The method of singular integral equations is employed to solve the boundary value problem. Geomechanical problems concerning borehole breakout and rockburst caused by fault-opening interaction are discussed.