| Abstract: | A closed-form analysis for elastic—plastic response of a circular hole in an infinite Mohr—Coulomb medium under axisymmetric loading shows the effect of repeated loading on the stress and displacement fields around the hole. Examples show how repeat-load closure increment is affected by working load, internal pressure, material compressive strength and internal friction. The solution is used to predict results of a laboratory test performed on a rock simulant specimen that contained a reinforced hole. Analytical and laboratory results are similar: at small closures (a few per cent, but well into the plastic response range), the closure increment from an unload—reload cycle is small compared with the initial closure. Closure increments for each of several cycles are comparable and cumulative. |
