Crack propagation in sandstone: Combined experimental and numerical approach

Summary A combined experimental and numerical approach is adopted to investigate crack propagation in sandstone. Experiments on two types of sandstones show a simular behaviour as found in tests on concrete specimens. The heterogeneity of the material in combination with the stress situation, as a result of the applied load, governs the direction of crack propagation. Cracks that develop are not continuous, but overlaps exist mainly around the grain particles in the material. A simple lattice model, in which the material is schematized as a network of small beams, is adopted to simulate the experiments. Using the simulations carried out with the lattice model, the control parameter for stable displacement controlled four-point-shear tests was determined. The crack patterns obtained with the model are in good agreement with the experimental observations. However further study is needed to predict the load-displacement response correctly.