Thin‐layer element for interfaces and joints

The idea of using a thin solid element, called a thin‐layer element, in soil‐structure interaction and rock joints is proposed. A special constitutive model is used and various deformation modes such as no slip, slip, debonding and rebonding are incorporated. The shear stiffness is found from special laboratory tests and the normal stiffness is assumed to be composed of participation of the thin‐layer element and the adjoining solid elements. A...