Discrete-Element Modeling of Cemented Granular Material Using Mixed-Mode Cohesive Zone Model
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper presents an energy-controlled fracture model to simulate mechanical behavior of cemented granular material (CGM). A modified mixed-mode cohesive zone model is developed to describe the damage behavior of the cementitious bond, which consists of Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion and strain-softening formula controlled by fracture energy. This developed constitutive model is implemented in a three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) simulation. Three-point bending tests are used to calibrate model parameters. A group of uniaxial compression tests are carried out to study the mechanical behavior and fracture propagation. The study investigates how cementation can influence the strength parameters at the peak and postpeak states that govern softening behavior of CGMs. Strong agreement between experimental and numerical stress-strain curves was achieved. The numerical simulation presents strong and weak force chains and quantifies the bond damage process as well as the damage distribution. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis is provided by varying parameters in the mixed-mode cohesive zone model, and their influence on the stress-strain behavior of CGM is also illustrated.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge support from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China National Key Research and Development Program Grant No. 2018YFC0406800, NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme Grant No. 51861165102, Joint Research Fund for Overseas Chinese, Hong Kong, and Macau Scholars Grant No. 51828902 from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and research fund Grant No. 2019-KY-02 from the State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32 • Issue 4 • April 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 6, 2019
Accepted: Aug 8, 2019
Published online: Jan 23, 2020
Published in print: Apr 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Jun 23, 2020
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