Abstract
Several specimens should be prepared when strength characteristics of rock is evaluated by conventional single-step loading triaxial compression tests. On the contrary, multiple-step loading triaxial compression test, hereafter denoted as ML-TCT, is advantageous as shear strengths for different confining pressures can be obtained on a single specimen. ML-TCT, however, is not established as a standard test method, because of possible under-estimation of shear strengths due to accumulated damage by repeated axial compression steps. In this study, Multiple-step loading damage model is proposed to simulate ML-TCT properly, and appropriate number and procedure of axial compression steps for ML-TCT are investigated.
