Failure characteristics of two porous sandstones subjected to true triaxial stresses: Applied through a novel loading path

We performed an extensive suite of true triaxial experiments in two porous sandstones, Bentheim (porosity ≈ 24%) and Coconino (17%). The experiments were conducted using a novel loading path, which maintains constant Lode angle ( Θ ) throughout the test. This path enabled the examination of the effects of Lode angle and mean stress on failure ( σ oct,f ). Our tests covered σ 3 magnitudes between 0 and 150 MPa and of Θ at −30° (axisymmetric...