To explore the influence of the intermediate principle stress on embedded crack propagation, the simplified Augment Virtual Internal Bond (AVIB) model in conjunction with the threedimensional element partition method was used to simulate the propagation process of an embedded π plane crack subjected to true triaxial stress. The simulation results suggest that the fracture first initiates at the tip of the preexisting planar crack and then propagates in wrapping mode along the maximum principle stress. With the increase in intermediate principle stress, the “wrapped” extended crack rotates to the direction of the intermediate principle stress. The triaxial compressive strength of rock is also related to the intermediate principal stress. When the intermediate stress is smaller than a certain value (approximately 0.5σc), the triaxial compressive strength almost grows linearly with the intermediate principal stress. After the t intermediate principal stress exceeds a certain value (approximately 0.8σc), the triaxial strength decreases with intermediate stress increasing. The simulated results provide valuable reference for the analysis of embedded planar crack propagation in rock under high compressive insitu stress.

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