Crack damage stress as a composite function of porosity and elastic matrix stiffness in dolomites and limestones

Twenty-five uniaxial compression tests were performed to determine stress at onset of dilation, referred to herein as “the crack damage stress,” in heterogeneous dolomites and limestones. A simplified model for crack damage stress (σcd) is developed here using porosity, elastic modulus, Poissonʹs ratio and three empirical coefficients. The model shows that when porosity decreases and elastic modulus increases, σcd rapidly increases and approaches its maximum value. On the other hand, when porosity increases and elastic modulus decreases, σcd rapidly decreases and approaches its minimum value. The proposed model is validated for six heterogeneous limestone and dolomite formations which are widely distributed in Israel.