Testing And Modelling Of Joints And Interfaces Under Static And Cyclic Loading

INTRODUCTION Behavior of joints in rock and interfaces in structures and geological media subjected to static and cyclic loading play an important role in analysis and design of structures founded on rock and soil foundations. The objectives of this paper are (1) to describe a device that can permit laboratory testing of joints and interfaces under translational and torsional motions, (2) to present procedures for constitutive modelling of joints and interfaces with a typical example of modelling of a concrete-sand interface, and (3) to give brief details of the proposed research plans for cyclic testing and modelling of joints in concrete as a simulation of joints in rock. The subject of testing and modelling of interfaces and joints is wide in scope, and in view of space limitations, it is not possible to provide a comprehensive review herein. Hence, only a few references, particularly relevant to the ongoing research by the authors and co-workers are included; a review of the subject can be found in (Desai, 1981) and (Heuze and Barbour, 1982). Although there can be (minor) differences in modelling for the behavior of joints and interfaces, the basic procedures can be considered to be essentially similar. Now onwards in this paper, the term joints will be used to imply both joints and interfaces. TESTING DEVICE Appropriate laboratory (or field) testing is an important and indispensable ingredient for constitutive modelling of joints. A new device has been developed for static and cyclic testing of