• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.301-310
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• 2001

Gypsum blocks with sixteen flaws have been prepared and tested in uniaxial compression. Results from these experiments are compared with observations from the same material with two and three flaws. The results indicate that the cracking pattern observed in specimens wish multiple flaws is analogous to the pattern obtained in specimens with two and three flaws such as initiation and propagation of wing, and secondary cracks and coalescence. Wing cracks initiate at an angle with the flaw and propagate in a stable manner towards the direction of maximum compression. Secondary cracks initiate and propagate in a stable manner. As the load is increased, secondary cracks may propagate in an unstable manner and produce coalescence. Two types of secondary cracks are observed: quasi-coplanar, and oblique secondary cracks. Coalescence is produced by the linkage of two flaws: wing and/or secondary cracks. From the sixteen flaws test, four types of coalescence are observed. Observed types of coalescence and initiation stress of wing and secondary crackle depend on flaw geometries, such as spacing, continuity, flaw inclination angle, ligament angle, and steppings.