Research on Peak Shear Strength Criterion of Rock Joints Based on the Evolution of Dilation Angle

The surface morphology of joints directly determines the contact area and peak shear strength of rock in shearing. This research gives a detailed description of the three-dimensional roughness parameters proposed by Grasselli, and discusses the morphology characteristics of the roughness parameter C in different ranges. Quoting Xia's direct shear test data, the relationship of peak shear strength, peak shear strength/normal stress, residual strength, dilation with roughness and normal stress are studied. The deficiencies in the previous classical criteria are explained in detail. A new peak shear strength criterion is established based on the boundary conditions of the dilation angle. The nonlinear characteristic of peak shear strength is included in the peak dilation angel, so that the new criterion satisfies the Mohr–Coulomb law of nonlinear form. In the expression of the initial dilation angle, the new criterion satisfies the fact that the peak shear strength decreases after once sheared. Finally, the test data of Grasselli and Yang are used to compare the prediction accuracy of Grasselli’s criterion, Yang’s criterion, Xia’s criterion and the new criterion. In general, the new criterion has the highest degree of agreement with the test results.