Validation of the energy-balance approach to curve-shaped shear-band propagation in soil

Abstract

Progressive and catastrophic failure in soils has been commonly associated with the phenomenon of shear-band propagation. This is a challenging topic, both in terms of understanding and simulation. Most existing studies have focused on the propagation of planar shear bands. This paper is an attempt to analytically model the rate of progressive shear-band propagation in shear-blade tests, especially designed to produce curved shear bands in dense silty sand. The simplified analytical solution is based on fracture mechanics energy balance and on limiting equilibrium approaches. The analytical solution is validated against experimental data. Comparison shows that, despite the simplifications, the energy-balance approach is a useful tool in modelling the rate of non-planar shear-band propagation, both qualitatively and quantitatively. This journal is © 2011 The Royal Society.