Fracture mechanics as a tool for design of structures in rock

This paper considers possibility of application of fracture mechanics to problems of rock mechanics. It is known that heterogeneities in the microstructure of rocks and concrete produce local concentrations of stresses and strains. Under certain combinations of these parameters the microcracking process occurs, which can result in the formation of the macrocrack and complete failure of material. It is shown that by means of the fracture mechanics the propagation of macrocracks in structures can be analyzed and predicted its strength and stability. At the same time the fracture mechanics considering the growth of microcracs can simulate the deformation of rocks under compression modeling dilatation, strain hardening and strain softening of materials.