Strain localization in Fontainebleau sandstone

The aim of the paper is to present a study of strain localization in Fontainebleau sandstone. To detect strain inhomogeneity, comparisons between measurements of strain and displacement at multiple locations have been done. A first series of tests have been performed on cylindrical samples. However, the results obtained show that the procedure followed is not systematically efficient. Thus, it was decided to use prismatic samples. In order to control the initiation of strain localization and follow the shear banding up to the macroscopic failure, a last series of tests were performed on prismatic specimens containing a small hole. The shear band characteristics (onset, orientation, width) are given for all these tests on prismatic specimens. Their variation with confining pressure is emphasized. Finally, some details on the deformation mechanisms inside the bands are provided by means of visual observations.