Glossary
Rock mechanics - Physical and mechanical characterization of rocks

Comportement ductile; ductile behaviour

Ductile behavior corresponds to the progressive fracture of a rock, with the development of significant plastic deformations after the elastic limit has been reached.

Comportement fragile ; brittle behaviour

Brittle behavior is characterized by sudden fracture, a sudden loss of rock strength, without the development of plastic deformation.

Criterion

A criterion is a mathematical expression providing the critical combinations of stress tensor components for which brittle fracture, plastic flow or ultimate strength occur, for example.

Discontinuity; joint

A discontinuity is a surface marking a break in the continuity of the rock matrix.

Scale effect...