Crack coalescence in rock masses was studied by performing a series of biaxial compresion
tests on specimens made of rock-like material. Specimens of size 63.5× 27.9× 20.3 cm,
made of 72% silica sand, 16% cement (Type I) and 12% water by weight were tested. The
joint inclination angle was maintained at 45°, while the offset angle ie angle between the
plane of the joint and the line that connects the two inner tips of the joints, was changed from
0° to 90° with an increment of 15°. Three levels of lateral stress were used; 0.35 MPa, 0.7 …

Crack coalescence in rock masses was studied by performing a series of biaxial compresion
tests on specimens made of rock-like material. Specimens of size 63.5× 27.9× 20.3 cm,
made of 72% silica sand, 16% cement (Type I) and 12% water by weight were tested. The
joint inclination angle was maintained at 45, while the offset angle ie angle between the
plane of the joint and the line that connects the two inner tips of the joints, was changed from
0 to 90 with an increment of 15. Three levels of lateral stress were used; 0.35 MPa, 0.7 MPa …