A new anisotropic failure criterion for transversely isotropic solids

A coordinate-free formulation of a failure criterion for transversely isotropic solids is proposed. In the three-dimensional stress space the criterion is represented by an elliptic paraboloid. The anisotropic form of the proposed criterion is based on generalization of the second invariant of the deviatoric stress and of the mean stress obtained through the introduction of a unique fourth-order tensor. For isotropic conditions, the criterion reduces to the Mises–Schleicher failure condition. It is shown that the criterion satisfactorily predicts the strength anisotropy of transversely isotropic rocks subjected to an axisymmetric stress state. The procedure for the identification of the parameters of the criterion from a few simple laboratory tests is outlined. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.