Cohesive Mohr–Coulomb interface effects on the strength criterion of materials with granular-based microstructure

Abstract

In the framework of micromechanics approaches the aim of this paper is to investigate cohesive Mohr–Coulomb interface effects on the strength criterion of materials with granular-based microstructure. This is achieved by extending the limit stress states to the context of non linear homogenisation . Strength criteria formulation is analytically determined as a function of the material pore volume fraction and the local strength properties of the interfaces. For increasing values of the interfacial internal friction coefficient, a transition from an elliptic to a hyperbolic shape of the strength criterion is identified. • We investigate effects of Mohr–Coulomb interfaces on the strength of granular media. • We carefully develop and implement appropriate non linear homogenization techniques. • We provide closed-form expressions of the macroscopic strength criterion. • A transition from an elliptic to a hyperbolic shape of the strength is predicted. • The identification of the transition depends on the interfacial friction coefficient.