A zero-thickness interface element incorporating hydro-chemo-mechanical coupling and rate-dependency

Abstract The interfaces play a key role in many engineering problems involving geologic materials. In particular, slope stability analyses of ancient landslides (that were subjected to large displacements along slip surface) need the formulation ad hoc interface elements. mechanical response surfaces clays is affected by hydro-chemo-mechanical interactions and rate effects this paper presents an innovative zero-thickness element for dealing with these kinds effects. proposed extension modified Goodman et al. (J Soil Mech Found Div ASCE 94:637–659, 1968). addition solid displacement, we consider flow water diffusion single salt fluid phase. Terzaghi’s effective stress principle used leading usual hydro-mechanical coupling within element. fluxes are considered longitudinal transversal directions For constitutive relation, propose nonlinear elastic energy that improves numerical convergence occurrence opening. Mohr–Coulomb yield surface plastic regime which strain concentration on shearing behaviour has been implemented user-defined subroutine ABAQUS. typical displacement model responses pore discussed detail. Finally, validated through comparison experimental results.