Comparison of advanced constitutive models for the mechanical behavior of rock salt – results from a joint research project – I. Modeling of deformation processes and benchmark calculations

In this first part of the joint project, the partners document their constitutive models and the results of their recently performed comparative model calculations. An elaborated database is used for the reliable determination of salt-type specific parameter values of the respective models. Individual back-calculations of different types of laboratory tests allow to examine and to compare the features of the models in detail. The results demonstrate that the models have reached a high standard in describing various important deformation processes like creep, dilatancy, damage, failure, and post-failure behavior under different influences. It can be concluded that the partners do have appropriate tools for model calculations. Furthermore, the comparisons show, how the models and the numerical codes can be developed and improved further.