Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112 129

www.elsevier.com/locate/enggeo

Post failure behaviour of a rock mass under the influence of

triaxial and true triaxial confinement
Rajendra P. Tiwari a , K. Seshagiri Rao b,
a

Department of Civil Engineering, Rewa Engineering College Rewa - 228017, Madhya Pradesh, India
b
Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
Received 27 December 2004; received in revised form 11 December 2005; accepted 2 January 2006
Available online 31 March 2006

Abstract
In this paper results of triaxial and true triaxial testing conducted on physical models of a rock mass are used to describe its post
failure behaviour. The specimens comprised of three continuous joint sets and were prepared from blocks of sand lime model
material. The testing was performed using a True Triaxial System (TTS) developed by the authors. The results show strain
hardening, strain softening and plastic behaviour in the simulated rock mass specimens depending upon joint geometry and stress
state. Expressions are suggested to estimate post peak modulus in triaxial and true triaxial stress conditions. Finally, a zonation
table is proposed to assess the strain hardening, softening and plasticity behaviour of a rock mass material with the help of joint
geometry and confining stress conditions at site.
2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Physical modeling; Triaxial; True triaxial; Jointed specimens; Post failure behaviour; Post peak modulus

1. Introduction
An understanding of failure process in rock is an
essential prerequisite in all investigations related to the
field of rock mechanics. Research by Bieniawski (1967)
showed that knowledge of the strength and deformation
behaviour of fractured rock is particularly important in
determining the stability of underground excavations. A
situation can arise where the rock material surrounding
an excavation has failed but the excavation, as a
structure remains stable. It has been suggested (Bieniawski, 1967) that the most effective way to study this
Corresponding author. Tel.: +91 11 26591206; fax: +91 11
26581117.
E-mail addresses: rajendra66@yahoo.com (R.P. Tiwari),
raoks@civil.iitd.ernet.in (K.S. Rao).
0013-7952/$ - see front matter 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2006.01.001

problem is through determination of the complete

stressstrain characteristics of the rock mass along
with the failure mechanism. Further, the modulus in the
post peak zone is very important in both long wall
mining and design of mine pillars (Bieniawski, 1984).
The experimental stress strain curves can be idealized
to represent different material behviour. The simplest
form of stress strain relation arises out of the elastic
behaviour of materials. These relationships are mainly
independent of time implying that the material returns to
the original configuration upon release of stress. The
stressstrain response for this elastic behaviour could be
linear or non-linear as shown in Fig. 1(a) and (b). Very
few materials behave in this manner up to their ultimate
strength. Some materials can also undergo a negligible
elastic response before they exhibit large deformations
at constant stress. This response is idealized as rigid

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

perfectly plastic behaviour as shown in Fig. 1(c). If the

elastic response is not negligible, the response can be
characterized as elastic-perfectly plastic as seen in Fig. 1
(d). Instead of being perfectly plastic, linear hardening
with strain or work hardening can take place in very low
strength rock mass during shearing whereas rock mass
with higher strength may exhibit strain softening or
work softening behaviour as shown in Fig. 1(e).
Materials such as intact rock and concrete due to their
inherent brittle nature exhibit a response as shown in
Fig. 1(f). Beyond the proportional limit there may be a
sudden drop in load and the material fails by separation.
Thus, a rock mass may behave as strain softening, strain
hardening and elastic perfectly plastic depending upon
the joint configuration and confining stress level causing
failure.
The characteristics of strain softening crack propagation and dilatancy in rocks were studied by Kusabuka
et al. (1986) and Crouch (1971). Crouch (1972) further
studied the influence of loading path on post failure
behaviour of a South African norite.
The complete details of the stressstrain curve and
associated failure mechanism was also explained by
Bieniawski et al. (1969). A failure mechanism explains
the sequence of events, which occur in a material in the
course of loading and eventually lead to the failure of a
structure. Most rocks characterized by brittle fractures
fail when tested in a conventional (soft) loading
machine. In such cases, the specimen-machine system
collapses and failure strength coincides with rupture. If
the stiffness of the testing machine is increased, the
failure is less violent and the complete stressstrain
curve can be obtained. In Fig. 2 axial stress vs volumetric
and axial strain is plotted for quartzite subjected to a
gradually increasing uniaxial compression load. The
characteristic events taking place in rock during this
process are illustrated in Fig. 2. It may be noted from this
figure that loss of the maximum load bearing capacity of
the specimen occurs at failure strength, when the axial
stressaxial strain curve attains a maximum. Most rocks
characterized by brittle fractures fail violently at this
stage when tested in a conventional (soft) load machine.
In such cases, the specimen-machine system collapses
and failure strength coincides with rupture. If however,
the stiffness of the testing machine is increased, the stress
decreases with increasing strain along the dotted line as
in Fig. 2. Depending upon the stiffness of the testing
machine, rupture occurs at any point on the dotted curve.
Hence, for a very stiff loading machine, the complete
stressstrain curve can be obtained.
Having established the failure mechanism from
experimental observations, failure criteria can now be

113

Fig. 1. Idealized stressstrain curves to represent different material

behaviour (a) linear, elastic; (b) nonlinear, elastic; (c) rigid, perfectly
plastic; (d) elastic, perfectly plastic or linear work hardening; (e)
elastic, work softening; (f) brittle (compiled by Nagaraj, 2004).

considered for each stage of the rock failure processes. It

should be stated in this respect that most research on
failure of rock has emphasized the fracture initiation and
the subsequent stages of the rock fracture process have
received very little attention. The modified Griffith
hypothesis (Griffith, 1925; Bieniawski, 1967) is now
known to be applicable for rock fracture initiation only,
while Irwin's concept of critical energy may be used to
predict the onset of unstable fracture propagation
(Bieniawski, 1966). It should be noted that it has been
proved experimentally that the stress level at the onset of
unstable fracture propagation corresponds to the longterm strength of the rock material, i.e. the strength under
constant load (Bieniawski, 1967). The only rarely
deformability equations are available in post peak
region that explain the damage and softening behaviour
of rock between failure strength and rupture point.
Kulatilake et al. (1993, 1994, 1997) based on laboratory
model studies observed that a rock mass may exhibit
many different failure modes and internal distribution of

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R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

Fig. 2. Brittle fracture process in quartzite in compression (after Bieniawski et al., 1969).

stresses within the rock mass can be highly complex.

Numerical modeling based on the finite and distinct
element methods has shown that jointed rock masses
exhibit anisotropic scale dependent mechanical behaviour. The joint geometry was also correlated to jointed
block strength. The combined effect of joint geometry
and joint sets was expressed through the fracture tensor
component (Kulatilake et al., 1993).
Amadei (1988) and Vutukari and Hossaini (1992)
have also discussed the strength behaviour of a regularly
jointed rock mass under biaxial and axisymmetrical
loading conditions. Similarly Aubertin et al. (2000) also
provided a formulation for application of shear strength
criterion for isotropic rock. Jing et al. (1992) performed
an experimental study and observed anisotropy and
stress dependency on the strength and deformability
characteristics of rock joints. Colmenares and Zoback
(2002) suggested failure criterion using polyaxial test
data for five different rocks.
Kulatilake et al. (2003) conducted a study on a
jointed rock mass under biaxial loading conditions.
They observed three different failure modes under
varied joint geometry configurations: a) tensile splitting
through intact material, b) shear and tensile failure or
shear failure along pre-existing joints, and c) a mixed
failure mechanism of the above two modes. It was
observed that both orientation of joint sets and the level
of intermediate principal stress play major roles with
respect to the mode of failure.
Kulatilake et al. (2003) further developed a nonlinear rock mass failure criterion for biaxial loading
conditions incorporating the fracture tensor component

and covering the strength resulting from all three-failure

modes observed in experimental study.
Martin et al. (1999) based on their studies indicated
that the initiation of stress induced brittle failure occurs
when the damage index expressed as ratio of the
maximum tangential boundary stress to the unconfined
compressive strength of the rock mass exceeds 0.4 0.1.
When this condition occurs the depth of brittle failure
around a tunnel in massive to moderately fractured rock
can be estimated by using an elastic analysis with the
HoekBrown brittle parameters m = 0 and s = 0.11.
Martin (1995, 1997), Martin and Chandler (1994),
Martin et al. (1995) and Fairhurst and Cook (1996)
provided significant insight to the phenomenon of brittle
failure of rock and fractured rock in the near field and
around a tunnel. They were able to demonstrate the
applicability of HoekBrown parameters for predicting
the depth of brittle failure around tunnels. Martin et al.
(1995) further explained that tunnel instability and brittle
failure is a function of rock mass rating and the ratio of
the maximum far field stress (1) to the unconfined
compressive strength (c) representing a modification
over the relationship suggested by Hoek et al. (1995).
Patton (1966), John (1969), Ladanyi and Archambault (1970), Brown (1970), Einstein and Hirschfeld
(1973) and Singh et al. (2002) have discussed the
behaviour of joints and failure mechanism in simulated
rock mass based on model studies. Kulatilake et al.
(1994), Bandis et al. (1981), Barton and Bandis (1982,
1990) observed that with increase in size of specimen,
compressive strength and tangent modulus decreases due
to scale effect. They also reported scale effect on surface

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

roughness of rock joints. They further reported that this

decrease in strength and modulus become constant and
do not decrease further when the specimen size attains a
level where it has more than 250 discreet small blocks
and at least 5 blocks in each direction. Singh et al. (2002)
used similar scale free specimen in their model study and
predicted the strength and modulus behaviour of
simulated rock mass. Tiwari and Rao (2005) have also
used scale free specimens to study the deformability
characteristics of a simulated rock mass and suggested
the expression for predicting deformation modulus under
true triaxial stress state. Pratt et al. (1972) based on
laboratory and in situ test results reported that no
correlation exists between the modulus and size of
specimen. He (1993) also observed that scale effect does
not influence the modulus of deformation. In this study
the specimens similar to the models of Singh et al. (2002)
were used and the post failure response of simulated rock
mass has been reported.
2. Physical modeling
Since the complete stressstrain curves are rarely
available in the literature for the prediction of post
failure response of simulated rock mass, an extensive
testing was conducted on simulated rock mass specimens with different joint geometries and stress states
(triaxial and true triaxial). A brief description of the
model study is given here.
The model material was composed of 22% hydrated
lime and 78% sieved sand (passing 600m sieve) mixed
with 22% water (by weight) of hardness less than
330 ppm. The mixture was then poured in dies of size
23 10.5 6.9 cm and pressed under a pressure of
39.6 MPa. The blocks so formed were put in an
autoclave for 4 h at 180C and then cured in air for
about 3 weeks. The physical and engineering properties
Table 1
Material properties of sandlime block
Property

Range

Average value

Dry density, d (KN/m3)

Specific gravity, G
Absolute porosity, n (%)
UCS (intact cyl.), ci (MPa)
Tensile strength, tb (MPa)
Failure strain UCS, (%)
Poisson's ratio,
Modulus, Et50 (MPa)
Internal friction angle, ()
Cohesion, c (MPa)
Joint friction angle,j ()
DeereMiller's (1966) chart

16.1017.80
2.662.67
32.7039.30
11.1015.90
1.632.17
0.430.63
0.180.27
47824866

16.86
2.66
36.50
13.50
1.89
0.53
0.25
4866
44.70
3.29
36.80
EM

115

Fig. 3. Key sketch of model tested (after Tiwari and Rao, 2004).

of the model material were determined in the laboratory

as per the suggested methods of ISRM (1981) and are
shown in Table 1. The model rock can be classified as
EM (Low strength and medium deformability) on
DeereMiller's classification chart (Deere and Miller,
1966). The suitability of the material as model rock was
also verified (Tiwari and Rao, 2003) by estimating its
index and engineering properties and performing both
XRD and SEM analyses. The model rock displays
brittle behaviour and the saw cut joints have shown
smooth joint surfaces comparable with the model
materials used by most researchers.
In the laboratory, the rock mass geometry and the low
magnitude in situ stress state at site are simulated. The
specimen geometry was formed by cutting the model
material blocks into small cubes of size 2.5 cm and
arranging the small cubes to form a 15 15 15 cm size
test specimen containing three sets of orthogonal joints.
Joint set-I was continuous and inclined at various angles
= 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 90 with the x-axis. Joint
set-II was perpendicular to joint set-I and had an offset,
Table 2
Details of testing programme
Type-A
specimens
(54 no.) and s
details

Stress levels and their directions for each

joint inclination,
3 MPa

2 MPa

2 3 Axis

s = 0.5
= 0, 20, 40, 60,
80, 90

0.31

0.31.0.59
0.95,1.22,
1.62
0.78,1.22,
2.24
1.22

2x
3y

0.78
1.22

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R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

Fig. 4. True triaxial system (TTS) used in the present study (Rao and Tiwari, 2002).

s, equal to half the width (b) of 2.5cm size small block

(Fig. 3). Joint set-III was always continuous (see Fig. 3).
Each specimen was given a unique identification
number viz. A60/0.31/1.62 which indicates Type-A
specimen of = 60 and acted on by principal stresses of

3 = 0.31 MPa and 2 = 1.62 MPa along the y- and xaxes, respectively (Table 2).
The True Triaxial System (TTS) developed by Rao
and Tiwari (2002) was used in the present study (see
Fig. 4). This system consists of a 1000 kN capacity

Fig. 5. Schematic diagram of biaxial frame with accessories.

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

vertical frame, a biaxial frame of 300kN capacity fitted

with two pairs of hydraulic jacks and platens, a constant
confining pressure unit for applying, monitoring and
maintaining horizontal stresses (2 and 3) on specimen
faces, and an eight channel data acquisition system and
personal computer to record all load and deformation
data (see Fig. 4).
Pairs of Teflon sheets smeared with high vacuum
silicon grease were subjected to direct shear tests to
determine the parallel interface friction angle. It was
observed that the friction angle between Teflon sheet
interfaces is negligible (3.4) as compared to the joint
friction angle (36.8) of the model rock. Consequently,
the teflon sheet was used between the specimen face and
the platen for achieving friction free and uniform
loading. It is expected that Teflon sheet may undergo
compression under loading hence, net deformation of
specimen along any face will be obtained by subtracting
compression of the Teflon sheet from total deformation
of the combined specimen and the Teflon sheet
assembly. Compression testing of the Teflon sheet
smeared with high vacuum silicon grease was carried
out and the normal stress vs axial shortening curve of the
sheets was plotted and used to correct for deformation in
each specimen.

117

specimen in the 3 direction was measured using

LVDT's fitted on a pair of hydraulic jacks on either
side of the specimen faces. The sum of the deformation
of both LVDT's was taken as average deformation of
specimen in 3 directions. Similarly LVDT's fitted in
the 2 direction were also used to measure the lateral
deformation along the 2 axis. The vertical loading was
recorded using a vertical load cell fitted on top of the
specimen. The lateral loads used to apply 2 and 3 on
lateral specimen faces were measured through two load
sensors fitted in the hydraulic line of the horizontal jacks
(see Fig. 5).
3. Observations on post peak response
The results from all 54 simulated rock mass (Type-A)
specimens were used towards understanding of the

2.1. Model testing

The prepared specimen was first placed in an oven
for 24h at 108C and then air dried at room temperature
for 30days before testing. The cured specimen was
carefully placed on the vertical loading platens of the
true triaxial system and the horizontal and vertical
platens moved slowly to bring the specimen faces in
contact (Fig. 5). A friction free and uniform stress on all
six faces was ensured by firstly putting a 0.5 mm thick
pair of Teflon sheets between specimen and platen and
secondly by movement of the horizontal frame in both
vertical and horizontal planes using screw levers. The
final micro adjustment of platens on specimen lateral
faces was done by moving the platens in the vertical and
horizontal plane through screw levers fitted on the
biaxial frame. Three independent principal stresses were
initially applied in quasi-isotropic conditions (i.e.
1 > 2 = 3). After reaching the pre-determined level
of 2 and 3, the 1 was increased monotonically from
1 = 2 to a level at which the specimen yields and then
through the post failure zone until residual strength of
the specimen. The vertical deformation of the specimen
was recorded through an LVDT attached at the vertical
hydraulic jack with its tip touching the base of the lower
loading platen. The horizontal deformation of the

Fig. 6. Deviatoric stressstrain curves and locus of points A, B and C

for A0 specimens (a) at 3 = 0.31MPa, (b) at 3 = 0.78MPa.

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R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

response of curves in the post peak region and to

formulate expressions for post peak modulus under
unconfined (UCS), triaxial and true triaxial stress
considered. The details of the stressstrain behaviour
and failure mechanism with respect to joint geometry
and stress state are described below.
3.1. Stressstrain response
The vertical deviatoric stress vs axial strain is plotted
for the simulated rock mass specimens. The curves are
grouped separately for different joint inclinations, .
Typical features observed are:
i. In the case of both triaxial and true triaxial stress
states after peak, the deviatoric stress decreases
gradually up to point A and beyond this the

Fig. 8. Deviatoric stressstrain curves at different 2 / 3 ratios for A80

specimens at 3 = 0.31MPa.

Fig. 7. Deviatoric stressstrain curves at different 2 / 3 ratios for A20

specimens (a) at 3 = 0.31MPa, (b) at 3 = 0.78MPa.

Fig. 9. Deviatoric stressstrain curves at different 2 / 3 ratios for A90

specimens (a) at 3 = 0.31MPa, (b) at 3 = 0.78MPa.

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

119

increase in axial strain and finally it asymptotes to

a constant value. The curves exhibit plasticity and
the strain hardening behaviour as shown in Figs.
1214. The ultimate asymptote point is denoted as
A and the point B is assigned to peak stress. The
point C is chosen corresponding to 50% failure
stress in this case also.
iii. The locus of point A with increasing 2 / 3 ratio is
defined as Line-A which is apparently a straight
line. The A-Lines show similar inclinations in all
the joint geometry specimens as shown in Fig. 15.
It is further observed that inclinations of Line-A in
triaxial and true triaxial cases are also equal.
iv. The locus of point B with increasing 2 / 3 ratio is
again defined as Line-B and appears to lie on a
straight line. The Fig. 16 shows that the Line-B
makes an acute angle with the strain axis in case of

Fig. 10. Deviatoric stressstrain curves in triaxial stress state for (a) A0
specimens, (b) A20 specimens.

decrease in the deviatoric stress is negligible with

increasing strain. Such nature of curves are
defined as strain softening behaviour and are
clearly observed in case of = 0, 20, 80 and 90
as shown in Figs. 611. The point A corresponds
to the rupture stress. The peak or failure stress is
denoted by point B on curves. Bieniawski et al.
(1969) defined a line C that represents linearly
elastic deformation of the specimens for intact
rocks in all confining pressures. In case of the
simulated rock mass the confining pressure causes
a significant increase in the elastic modulus value
in the pre peak zone and it is not possible to draw a
common line C for the linearly elastic portion of
the curve. In the present study, a point corresponding to 50% of failure stress is identified as C.
ii. In case of = 40 and 60, the deviatoric stress
continues increase even beyond the peak with

Fig. 11. Deviatoric stressstrain curves in triaxial stress state for (a)
A80 specimens, (b) A90 specimens.

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R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

2 / 3 ratio (Figs. 611). It is also observed that

in case of = 40 and 60, the post peak slope is
positive and increases with 3 and 2 / 3 level
(Figs. 1214).
It can be observed a systematic variation in the
response of the curves with increase in confinement in
all joint geometry cases. The values of chosen points A,
B and C on stress strain curves at different orientation
and confining stress are listed in Tables 35. The slopes
of Line-A, -B and -C are tabulated for comparison
purpose. The statistical analysis was conducted and
equations of each slope lines were worked out. The
correlation coefficients are also calculated and listed in
Tables 68, respectively. The variation of the slopes of
Line-A, -B and -C against inclination, of joint set-I

Fig. 12. Deviatoric stressstrain curves at different 2 / 3 ratios for

A40 specimens at (a) 3 = 0.31MPa, (b) 3 = 0.78MPa.

= 40 and 60 whereas they make an obtuse

angle in all other cases. The Line-A is apparently
sub-parallel to Line-B in agreement with the
observations by Bieniawski et al. (1969) for intact
rocks in the case of = 40 and 60 (Figs. 15 and
16). Thus, the slope of Line-B shows dependency
on joint geometry.
v. The locus of point C with increasing 2 / 3 ratio
is designated as Line-C and it makes obtuse angle
with the strain axis. The inclination of these lines
is influenced by geometry of specimens in both
triaxial and true triaxial stress states as shown in
the Fig. 17.
vi. The influence of confining pressure has been
observed on (13) vs characteristics in the
post peak region. In the case of = 0, 20, 80
and 90, the negative slopes of post peak
modulus are increasing with increasing 3 and

Fig. 13. Deviatoric stressstrain curves at different 2 / 3 ratios for

A60 specimens at (a) 3 = 0.31MPa, (b) 3 = 0.78MPa.

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

121

more restrained and the deformation is controlled

mainly by the fracture of intact rocks, which
results in an increased strain-softening rate.
ii. When dip angle of joint set-I is low the restraint
against sliding along joints is higher as compared
to steeper dips. In general dilation of joints leading
to shearing of intact blocks causes failure of
specimens. Distinct shear planes are also seen in
several failed specimens (see Fig. 19a). Hence,
strain softening is greater for lower dip angles.
iii. In the case of specimens with = 40 and 60 the
deformation is due to joint sliding up to 2 /
3 = 5.2 and plastic behaviour is seen in the post
peak region. At a lower 2 / 3 ratio, some
specimens failed due to joint dilation and block
rotation resulting in bulking and plastic deformation. At higher 2 / 3 ratio bulging diminishes

Fig. 14. Deviatoric stressstrain curves in triaxial stress state for (a)
A40 specimens, (b) A60 specimens.

has been also plotted for both triaxial and true triaxial
cases in Fig. 18a, b and c, respectively.
3.2. Failure mechanism
The deviator stressstrain curves presented as shown
in Figs. 614 show an increase in strain softening rate
(increase of negative slope in post peak zone) with
increase in 3 and 2 / 3 ratio at all inclinations of joint
set-I. It is interesting to see that this behaviour is
apparently different from the mechanical behaviour
(decrease in softening rate) of intact rocks as observed
by Bieniawski et al. (1969). The reason for this
difference may be explained as below:
i. When the confining pressure is low, sliding
predominantly on the joint surface causes the
deformation of jointed rocks. As the confining
pressure increases, sliding on the joint surface is

Fig. 15. Line-A plot for rock mass specimens at different joint
inclination, in (a) true triaxial stress state, (b) triaxial stress state.

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R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

causing, the reduction in deformation during pre and post

peak zone during vertical loading. Consequently, the
slope of the stressstrain curve or modulus Etp in the post
peak zone increases due to an increase in 2 / 3 ratio.
Equations have been developed to allow prediction of Etp
using the deformation modulus in the pre-peak zone for
unconfined, triaxial and true triaxial stress conditions.
4.1. UCS condition
The modulus values Etp and Etj obtained from
experiments are correlated as below:
Etp
Mp0
Etj

where, Etp is post peak modulus, Etj is the deformation

modulus at the 50% failure stress point in the pre-peak
region of the stress strain curve. Mp0 is defined as the
ratio of Etp / Etj and varies with the inclination of the
critical joint set-I.

Fig. 16. Line-B plot for rock mass specimens at different joint
inclination, in (a) true triaxial stress state, (b) triaxial stress state.

and shear cracking dominates (see failed specimens in Fig. 19b).

4. Estimation of post peak modulus
Based on an extensive data set obtained by true
triaxial testing on simulated rock mass specimens, some
interesting trends in the deviatoric stressstrain curve
can be observed. It is possible to interpret and predict the
deformation response of the simulated rock mass in the
post peak region with the aid of these curves. The post
peak modulus Etp is estimated by calculating the
deviatoric stressstrain slope in the zone. The post
peak modulus, which is represented by a negative slope
curve immediately following the peak stress, is found to
increase with increasing 3 in triaxial and increasing 2 /
3 ratio in true triaxial compression. The increase in the
3 and 2 / 3 ratio reduces the sliding of blocks on joints

Fig. 17. Line-C plot for rock mass specimens at different joint
inclination, in (a) true triaxial stress state, (b) triaxial stress state.

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

123

Table 3
Locus of A-Line
3
(MPa)

0.31
0.31
0.31
0.31
0.31
0.78
1.22
0.00

2
(MPa)

0.31
0.59
0.95
1.22
1.62
0.78
1.22
0.00

Joint inclination,
0

20

40

60

80

90

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

5.79
5.82
5.92
6.08

2.8

3.69
3.46
3.77
3.37

2.79

3.61

8.19
5.63
5.47
6.76
1.56

3.98

3.92
3.83
4.49
4.13
3.91

2.85
5.21
6.98
7.38
6.6
5.96
8.17
0.05

5.37
6.43
6.96
5.46
4.94
7.09
7.67
3.76

1.27
2.54

7.16
3.21

0.11

4.29
4.62

4.91
7.89

4.35

6.61
8.58
0.17

3.26
3.53
1.72

5.45

3.79

3.81

3.49
4.13

6.23
7.26

Data could not be retrieved from experimental stressstrain curves.

Using unconfined compression test data for the

simulated rock mass, the equation for calculating Mp0 is
formulated as below:
Mp0 0:47sin2 2h0:34

Mp33 shows a systematic variation with joint

inclination, and can be estimated using Fig. 22.
4.3. True triaxial stress condition

Mp0 can be also obtained graphically using Fig. 20.

Similarly, in this case, the equation for post

peak modulus is obtained as below:

4.2. Triaxial stress condition

 
Etp r2 > r3
r2
Mp23
cp23
Etj r2 > r3
r3

The post peak modulus and deformation modulus are

evaluated using the following relationhip:
Etp r2 r3
Mp33 r3 cp33
Etj r2 r3

where, cp33 = Etp / Etj ratio at 3 = 0 and varies with the

joint inclination, as shown in Fig. 21.
Mp33 is a parameter that influences the rate of
softening with confining stress. At cp33 = 0, the Mp33will
be equal to rate of change Etp / Etj with 3.

The parameter cp23 is equal to Etp / Etj at 2 / 3 = 0.

cp23 is chosen using Fig. 23. The parameter Mp23 is
equal to the rate of change Etp / Etj with 2 / 3 ratio.
The Mp23 can be estimated from Fig. 24.
The parameters Mp0 Mp33 Mp23 Cp33 Cp2 with
correlation coefficients, R2 are given in Table 9.
These parameters are calculated for each inclination, with the help of modulus values in postand pre-peak zone by fitting the data in Eqs. (2),

Table 4
Locus of B-Line
3
(MPa)

0.31
0.31
0.31
0.31
0.31
0.78
1.22
0.00

2
(MPa)

0.31
0.59
0.95
1.22
1.62
0.78
1.22
0.00

Joint inclination,
0

20

40

60

80

90

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

6.19
7.17
9.01
9.4
8.98
11.29
3.89

1.83
1.64
1.39
1.47
2.1
2.63
1.96

3.92

7.09
8.37
6.45
8.08
1.71

2.68

2.08
1.73
2.29
2.63
3.44

2.61
4.95
7.03
7.65
8.23
5.49
8.62
0.11

3.48
4.54
5.15
4.59
3.26
3.74
4.18
2.11

0.93
1.88
3.29
4.0
6.88
2.48
3.71
0.08

1.61
2.00
1.96
1.94
3.03
1.99
2.29
1.07

4.51
6.45

8.31
6.9
8.25

2.06
1.58

1.33
1.81
1.84

7.08

8.03

8.88
8.76

3.86

1.93

1.59

1.43
2.06

1.78

Data could not be retrieved from experimental stressstrain curves.

124

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

Table 5
Locus of C-Line
3
(MPa)

0.31
0.31
0.31
0.31
0.31
0.78
1.22
0.00

2
(MPa)

0.31
0.59
0.95
1.22
1.62
0.78
1.22
0.00

Joint inclination,
0

20

40

60

80

90

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

(13)
(MPa)

1
(%)

3.23
2.92
4.00
4.55
4.79
4.07
5.9
2.01

2.65
1.02
0.69
0.55
0.42
0.74
1.08
1.39

1.81
2.67
3.06
3.64
4.34
3.46
4.22
0.90

1.26
2.43
1.51
0.51
0.64
0.86
1.08
2.32

1.60
2.77
3.75
4.10
4.06
4.53
5.38
0.04

1.62
1.54
1.24
1.25
0.77
1.24
0.68
0.56

0.92
1.32
1.89
1.93
3.84
1.78
2.14
0.08

2.25
0.94
0.51
0.33
0.71
1.0
0.91
1.07

2.37
3.12
4.83
3.99
4.43
3.6
3.43
0.07

0.91
0.49
0.66
0.76
0.36
0.71
0.58
0.01

3.41
3.84
4.05
3.40
4.17
4.23

1.96

0.78
0.66
0.62
0.48
0.32
0.67

1.14

Data could not be retrieved from experimental stressstrain curves.

4.4. Sign conventions

Table 6
Statistical analysis for slopes of A-Line
Specimen
ID

Line
slopes ()

Equation of
A-Line

R2

Remarks

A0
A20
A40
A60
A80
A90
A0
A20
A40
A60
A80
A90

79.9
63.4
68.8
77.4
79.4
79.5
78.3
69.5
75.5

72.1

d = 5.62 18.9
d = 2.0 7.77
d = 2.59 9.3
d = 4.49 7.6
d = 5.32 14.7
d = 5.37 13.6
d = 4.83 12.9
d = 2.68 11.8
d = 3.87 12.9

d = 3.1 4.42

0.94
0.98
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.83
0.99
0.99
0.98

0.99

Triaxial stress
condition

True triaxial
stress condition

The negative values of parameter cp33 and cp23 indicate

the strain softening in a rock mass at 3 = 0 and 2 / 3 = 0
conditions. The negative values Mp33 and Mp23 indicate a
negative slope of the stressstrain curve in the post peak
zone, which will go on increasing with increase in 2 / 3
ratio. Positive Mp33 and Mp23 values show that the slope of
the curve is positive, i.e. making acute angle with x-axis
when measured anticlockwise and increases with
increase in 2 / 3 ratio.
5. Zonation of post peak behaviour

(3), (4). The correlation coefficient varies from

0.69 to 0.99. The correlation coefficients can be
assumed fair for all practical purposes.

Based on the above observations it is suggested that

the post peak response is dependent on the joint
configuration of the rock mass and the surrounding stress
state in a systematic manner. The material may behave as
strain softening, strain hardening and plastic in the field
depending upon the joint geometry and stress state. The
behaviour is summarized and represented in a tabular

Table 7
Statistical analysis for slopes of B-Line

Table 8
Statistical analysis for slopes of C-Line

Data could not be retrieved from experimental stressstrain curves.

Specimen Line slopes

ID
()
A0
A20
A40
A60
A80
A90
A0
A20
A40
A60
A80
A90

88.9
75.8
+83.2
+76.2
85.4
86.2
62.3
77.9
+68.9
+76.4
80.5
73.9

Equation of
B-Line

R2

Remarks

Specimen
ID

C-Line
slopes ()

Equation of
C-Line

R2

Remarks

d = 53.5 + 1
d = 3.96 + 15.1
d = 8.43 26.4
d = 4.09 5.6
d = 12.3 + 30.0
d = 14.9 + 35.8
d = 7.42 + 19.7
d = 4.7 + 16.7
d = 2.59 6.5
d = 4.13 5.6
d = 5.0 + 14.8
d = 3.48 + 13.7

0.99
0.95
0.98
0.99
0.79
0.99
0.91
0.99
0.99
0.94
0.97
0.97

Triaxial
stress
condition

A0
A20
A40
A60
A80
A90
A0
A20
A40
A60
A80
A90

64.5
75.4
75.3
83.0
73.9
82.4
72.6
70.9
79.5
27.9
73.1
75.6

d = 2.1 + 8.15
d = 3.85 + 7.3
d = 3.83 + 8.4
d = 8.2 + 2.7
d = 3.46 + 5.7
d = 7.45 + 9.2
d = 3.2 + 6.2
d = 2.9 + 5.6
d = 5.4 + 10.7
d = 0.53 + 2.0
d = 3.3 + 6.1
d = 3.9 + 6.5

0.99
0.41
0.84
0.95
0.75
0.99
0.99
0.82
0.91
0.900
0.50
0.99

Triaxial stress
condition

True triaxial
stress condition

True triaxial
stress condition

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

125

Fig. 18. Plot of line slopes vs inclination of joint set-I (a) Line-A, (b) Line-B. (c) Plot of Line-C slope vs inclination of joint set-I.

form indicating different zones viz. strain softening,

strain hardening and elastic perfectly plastic. The
proposed zonation table is shown in Table 10 and may
be used for identifying possible behaviour of material in

situ. The scan line survey may provide detailed

information on rock mass geometry at site and gauge
instruments can be used to determine in situ stresses.
Based on joint pattern and in situ stress state, rock mass

126

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

Fig. 19. (a) Failed specimens of simulated rock mass showing shearing planes on 2 face. (b) Failed specimens of simulated rock mass showing joint
dilation and sliding along joint plane faces.

Fig. 20. Variation of Mp0 with joint inclination, under uniaxial

compression.

Fig. 21. Variation of cp33 with joint inclination, in triaxial

compression.

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

127

Fig. 22. Variation of Mp33 with joint inclination, in triaxial

compression.

Fig. 24. Variation of Mp23 with joint inclination, in true triaxial

compression.

behaviour can hence be predicted. The zonation table is

applicable for a rock mass with smooth joints and medium
interlocking(s = 0.5)underlowstresslevels.Thepredicted
material behaviour can be used for proper selection of
stressstrain models inanalyticalandnumerical modeling
of rock mass problems dealing with excavation, long wall
mining and designing of mine pillars.

softening behaviour. As the 2 / 3 ratio increases

the slope of the curve after peak point increases
which is in contradictory to the behaviour of
intact rocks.
Fig. 6(a) shows that slope of curve in post peak
zone is increasing with increasing confining stress
level. Further, it is interesting to see that all curves
after failure of specimens meet at single point
corresponding to the ultimate strength of rock
mass showing rock burst phenomenon in rock
mass.
In specimens with = 40 and 60, the stress
strain curves display strain hardening (positive
slope after peak) and plasticity. An increase in
2 / 3 ratio increases the positive post peak slope
of the curve whereas at still higher 2 / 3 ratios
the rock mass starts to show strain softening
behaviour. It can be inferred that joint geometry
plays a major role only at lower confinement
levels whereas at higher confining stress, the
rock mass behaves in a strain softening mode
irrespective of joint pattern.
Plots of Line-A, Line-B and Line-C with respect
to 2 / 3 ratio were made for all joint inclinations
similar to Bieniawski et al. (1969). These lines
follow almost a straight line and their slopes vary
with joint geometry.
The material behaviour of the rock mass was
also illustrated through the observed failure
mechanism of the specimens. Equations were
suggested for prediction of the post peak
modulus in uniaxial, triaxial and true triaxial
stress conditions. A zonation table has been
proposed indicating different post peak zones

ii.

6. Conclusions
The present study contributes some important findings related to post peak behaviour of a jointed rock mass.
The major out come of the study may be summarized as:

iii.

i. The stress strain curves in rock mass specimens

with = 0, 20, 80 and 90 show strain

iv.

v.

Fig. 23. Variation of cp23 with joint inclination, in true triaxial

compression.

128

R.P. Tiwari, K.S. Rao / Engineering Geology 84 (2006) 112129

Table 9
The parameters Mp0 Mp33 Mp23 Cp33 Cp2 with correlation coefficients, R2
Inclination,
of joint
set-I ()

Uniaxial compression
stress state

Triaxial compression stress state

Mp0

R2

Mp33

Cp33

R2

Mp23

Cp23

R2

0
20
40
60
80
90

0.43
0.37
+0.037
+0.2
0.06
0.37

0.99
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.99

0.24
0.14
+0.05
+0.19
0.02
0.01

0.08
0.13
0.09
0.05
0.06
0.13

0.82
0.82
0.91
0.96
0.83
0.97

0.047
0.031
+0.035
+0.089
+0.023
0.006

0.12
0.14
0.078
0.05
0.28
0.13

0.69
079
0.69
0.73
0.93
0.71

Table 10
Zonation table showing different post peak zones in simulated rock
mass (s = 0.5 and j = 36.8)
3 / 2, 0.31 / 0.31 / 0.31 / 0.31 / 0.31 / 0.78 / 0.78 / 0.78 /
MPa
0.31 0.59 0.95 1.22 1.62 0.78 1.22 2.24
()
0
20
40
60
80
90

SS
SS
SH
PL
SS
SS

PL
SH

SS

SH

PL

SS

SS: strain softening, SH: strain hardening, PL: elastic plastic.

viz. strain softening, strain hardening and elastic

perfectly plastic.
Acknowledgements
The material contained in this paper is a part of
research work carried out by the first author under the
supervision of the co-author at the Indian Institute of
Technology Delhi as part of his PhD degree. The first
author expresses his thanks to Indian Institute of
Technology for extending laboratory facility during
this research. The authors also thank the two unknown
reviewers for a critical review of the manuscript and
providing fruitful suggestions to improve the paper.
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