Multiscale Modeling of Interacting Fracture Networks

Multiscale Modeling of Interacting Fracture Networks | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Multiscale Modeling of Interacting Fracture Networks Maria Laura De Bellis, Giulio Alfano, Anna Pandolfi, Elio Sacco This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7992859/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 29 Jan, 2026 Read the published version in International Journal of Fracture → Version 1 posted 7 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study introduces a theoretical and numerical model for the spontaneous nucleation and propagation of distributed brittle fractures in initially intact materials. The formulation adopts a kinematic description of nested discontinuities characterized by a micromechanical interface law accounting for cohesion, unilateral contact and friction. The model allows for a unified treatment of the mixed-mode frictional fracture. The implementation of the model into a finite element framework is validated against benchmark tests, exhibiting independence of the discretization. The solution of selected quasi-static boundary value problems demonstrates the predictive capabilities of the framework in capturing key features observed in laboratory tests and in field problems involving confined quasi-brittle materials. Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 29 Jan, 2026 Read the published version in International Journal of Fracture → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 11 Dec, 2025 Reviews received at journal 10 Dec, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 03 Nov, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 03 Nov, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 03 Nov, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 31 Oct, 2025 First submitted to journal 30 Oct, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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