On the model requirements to predict the behaviour of fissured clays

The paper reports the key features of the behaviour of different fissured clays whose fissuring features have been first related to specific classes within a characterization chart proposed by the Authors. For each of the clays under study, a Fissuring IDentity (F-ID) Chart has been created by selecting the most relevant fissuring features within the general chart. The approach used in the interpretation of the mechanical behaviour of the fissured clays has been that of continuum mechanics, through the development of element testing in the laboratory, analysis of the results in the framework of traditional Critical State Soil Mechanics and modelling following traditional elastic-plastic theory. Throughout the paper the mechanical effects of the different fissuring features of the clays have been evaluated accounting for their F-ID charts. The paper reports also the further requirements which elastic-plastic models of structured clays have to accomplish with in order to represent the behaviour of fissured clays.