Elastic Stiffness of Flat Anchor Region at Cracked Geological Interface

Abstract

The present paper examines the problem of a flat circular anchoring region that is embedded at an elastic medium‐rigid surface interface. The compliance of the anchor is enhanced by the presence of a debonded region. The paper develops a mathematical analysis of the ensuing elastostatic contact problem. A numerical scheme coupled with a bounding technique is used to develop a set of bounds for the elastic stiffness of the anchor region. The numerical results presented in the paper illustrate the manner in which the elastic stiffness of the anchor is influenced by the extent of the cracked region and Poisson's ratio of the elastic medium.