Abstract
An approximate analysis of pyramidal indentation into a rock is presented in which the upper bound approach of limit analysis is utilized. The rock is assumed to obey the Mohr-Coulomb yield condition with a small tension cut-off. Two kinematically admissible mechanisms of possible deformation processes, based upon the non-associated flow rule, are adopted for predictions of geometrical variations. The phenomena experimentally observed in rocks, such as dilatancy and deterioration of strength while undergoing deformation, are accounted for approximately in the analysis. The kinematical approach of limit analysis to the problem of block-splitting under pyramidal indentation is also presented in the paper. A number of possible failure modes are examined and those which give the least upper splitting force are shown in detail. Although the particular soluions presented have limited engineering capacity, the method proposed in the paper may find application in solving many rock engineering problems related to drilling, tunnelling, excavating, etc.
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