Résumé
Extension fractures of two types defined by the mean stress σ were generated in a synthetic rock analogue material. When σ is very small, the fractures are mode I cracks with smooth surfaces. At higher σ, these surfaces have plumose topography, with the amplitude increasing with σ. Both SEM observations and mechanical measurements show that fractures/discontinuities in the latter case are initiated as dilatancy localization bands. They form under tensile or slightly compressive normal stress and can be seen as running constitutive instabilities. The similarity between the plumose fractography of the experimental fractures and natural joints suggests similarity in the formation mechanism.