Cohesive Mohr–Coulomb interface effects on the strength criterion of materials with granular-based microstructure

In the framework of micromechanics approaches the aim of this paper is to investigate cohesive Mohr–Coulomb interface effects on the strength criterion of materials with granular-based microstructure. This is achieved by extending the limit stress states to the context of non linear homogenisation. Strength criteria formulation is analytically determined as a function of the material pore volume fraction and the local strength properties of the interfaces. For increasing values of the interfacial internal friction coefficient, a transition from an elliptic to a hyperbolic shape of the strength criterion is identified.