We consider a poro‐elasto‐plastic model of fault gouge and study its effects on the rupture dynamics of fractally rough faults. The model consists of a combined Mohr–Coulomb and end‐cap yield surface in the gouge layer and allows compaction and dilatancy with undrained pore‐pressure changes. We show that gouge compaction at restraining bends causes pore‐pressure increase and allows rupture to propagate through segments that arrest rupture in the case with only the brittle failure off the fault. On the other hand, strengthening by undrained gouge dilatancy at releasing bends limits the tendency of supershear rupture from the case with only the brittle off‐fault failure. Slip distributions and rupture velocities become more uniform due to the stabilizing tendency of the pore fluids in the fault gouge. The previously observed tendency for ruptures to accelerate and decelerate at releasing and restraining bends respectively can be reversed.

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