Plasticity-based constitutive model with associated testing for joints

A constitutive model based on the theory of plasticity is presented for characterizing the mechanical response of simulated joints under monotonic loading, unloading and reverse loading. The model represents a specialization of the generalized hierarchial approach for modelling of solids. A series of laboratory tests are performed using a special shear device. The testing involves factors such as normal and shear stresses, shear and normal displacements and different asperity angles. The constants for the model are evaluated using the test results. The model is then verified with respect to tests used to find the constants and typical tests not used to find them. The proposed model is considered to represent a new and general framework for characterization of joint behaviour, and provides satisfactory predictions of the observed laboratory behaviour.