A novel cohesive interlayer model considering friction

• A novel cohesive interlayer model that can effectively capture the friction effect was proposed based on the Park-Paulino-Roesler (PPR) model. • The mechanical interaction between Mode I and II fractures was realized by introducing the unified potential energy function. • A smooth friction growth function was added for calculating the accurate contact pressure and friction force. • The proposed model can effectively address unloading and reloading simultaneously. • The fracture energy can vary accordingly during cyclic loading. To understand the influence of friction on the shear-slip behavior of heterogeneous brittle composites, a novel cohesive interlayer model that can effectively capture the friction effect was proposed based on the classical Park-Paulino-Roesler model. Meanwhile, the unified potential energy function governing the interface tangential and normal behaviors was introduced to realize the mechanical interaction between Mode I fracture and Mode II fracture, and a smooth friction growth function was added in the elastic deformation stage for calculating the accurate contact pressure and friction force. Furthermore, the capability of the proposed model in addressing unloading and reloading was improved, and the fracture energy can vary accordingly during cyclic loading. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, it was examined by modelling the shear behavior of a masonry wallette. The results show that the relative error of the proposed model is 14.92% which is much lower than those of the other three pre-existing models when calculating the displacement corresponding to peak shear stress. Meanwhile, in terms of peak shear stress and initial displacement at residual stage, the relative errors of the proposed model are only 1.82% and 5.04%, respectively, indicating the high accuracy. Besides, the tangent stiffness determined by the second-order integration of the potential energy function is also continuous and smooth, which ensures the effective convergence of the proposed cohesive model.