Theoretical and computational investigation of the fracturing behavior of anisotropic geomaterials

Abstract The fracturing process in geomaterials is studied to characterize a potential host rock for radioactive waste, such as the kaolinite-rich Opalinus Clay formation. Because of its sedimentary genesis, this can be considered transversely isotropic geomaterial. A semi-circular bending test here modeled based on eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM), check formation and propagation cracks rock, with particular focus effect notch dimensions scale effects response specimen terms peak load. Starting XFEM-based results, novel analytical formulation also proposed approximate material load-crack mouth opening displacement. capable provide reliable estimate value time history response, compared some experimental predictions from literature, starting predefined initial depth, which could represent useful theoretical tool design purposes.