A Shear Model Accounting Scale Effect in Rock Joints Behavior

Understanding the scale effect on the mechanical behavior of a single rock joint is still very important in rock engineering. Rock joints can be classified into three different categories depending on their scale: the “micro scale” which is the scale of the asperities; the “meso scale” is the scale of the specimens tested in laboratory; and the “macro scale” which is the scale of the rock mass. The purpose of this paper is to propose an effective way to model rock joints at both the meso and macro scale. An original constitutive mechanical model, in which parameters are deduced from experimental results, has been developed. This model is then extended to simulate the discontinuities occurring at a larger size. At the macro scale, the constitutive modeling was carried out for both small and large relative displacements. Large displacements lead to substantial changes in dilation. For both cases, the peak shear stress vanishes for joints longer than 2 m.     

An enhanced constitutive model for crushable granular materials

Studies in the past have tried to reproduce the mechanical behaviour of granular materials by proposing constitutive relations based on a common assumption that model parameters and parameters describing the properties, including gradation of individual grains are inevitably linked. However successful these models have proved to be, they cannot account for the changes in granular assembly behaviour if the grains start to break during mechanical loading. This paper proposes to analyse the relation between grading change and the mechanical behaviour of granular assembly. A way to model the influence of grain breakage is to use a critical state‐based model. The influence of the amount of grain breakage during loading, depending on the individual grain strength and size distribution, can be introduced into constitutive relations by means of a new parameter that controls the evolution of critical state with changes in grain size distribution. Experimental data from a calcareous sand, a quartz sand, and a rockfill material were compared with numerical results and good‐quality simulations were obtained. The main consequences of grain breakage are increased compressibility and a gradual dilatancy disappearance in the granular material. The critical state concept is also enriched by considering its overall relation to the evolution of the granular material. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Constitutive modeling of unsaturated aggregated soils

A coupled water retention–mechanical constitutive model for unsaturated aggregated soils is presented here. Based on the multi‐scale experimental results, the model incorporates the inter‐particle bonding, fabric and partial saturation effects in a single framework. It is formulated within the framework of hardening elasto‐plasticity and is based on the critical state concept. Prior to model validation, we evaluate the model parameters and propose determination procedures for the main new parameters. Finally, the model is examined for its capability in simulating the experimental results of aggregated and bonded soils. Results of these simulations show that the model addresses the most features arising from the combined effects of soil structure and partial saturation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A micro‐mechanical study of peak strength and critical state

We present a micro‐mechanical analysis of macroscopic peak strength, critical state, and residual strength in two‐dimensional non‐cohesive granular media. Typical continuum constitutive quantities such as frictional strength and dilation angle are explicitly related to their corresponding grain‐scale counterparts (e.g., inter‐particle contact forces, fabric, particle displacements, and velocities), providing an across‐the‐scale basis for a better understanding and modeling of granular materials. These multi‐scale relations are derived in three steps. First, explicit relations between macroscopic stress and strain rate with the corresponding grain‐scale mechanics are established. Second, these relations are used in conjunction with the non‐associative Mohr–Coulomb criterion to explicitly connect internal friction and dilation angles to the micro‐mechanics. Third, the mentioned explicit connections are applied to investigate, understand, and derive micro‐mechanical conditions for peak strength, critical state, and residual strength. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Meso‐scale particle modeling of concrete deterioration caused by alkali‐aggregate reaction

A meso‐scale particle model is presented to simulate the expansion of concrete subjected to alkali‐aggregate reaction (AAR) and to analyze the AAR‐induced degradation of the mechanical properties. It is the first attempt to evaluate the deterioration mechanism due to AAR using the discrete‐element method. A three‐phase meso‐scale model for concrete composed of aggregates, mortar and the interface is established with the combination of a pre‐processing approach and the particle flow code, PFC2D. A homogeneous aggregate expansion approach is applied to model the AAR expansion. Uniaxial compression tests are conducted for the AAR‐affected concrete to examine the effects on the mechanical properties. Two specimens with different aggregate sizes are analyzed to consider the effects of aggregate size on AAR. The results show that the meso‐scale particle model is valid to predict the expansion and the internal micro‐cracking patterns caused by AAR. The two different specimens exhibit similar behavior. The Young's modulus and compressive strength are significantly reduced with the increase of AAR expansion. The shape of the stress–strain curves obtained from the compression tests clearly reflects the influence of internal micro‐cracks: an increased nonlinearity before the peak loading and a more gradual softening for more severely affected specimens. Similar macroscopic failure patterns of the specimens under compression are observed in terms of diagonal macroscopic cracks splitting the specimen into several triangular pieces, whereas localized micro‐cracks forming in slightly affected specimens are different from branching and diffusing cracks in severely affected ones, demonstrating different failure mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of clastic rock using a biconcave bond model of DEM

This paper presents a biconcave bond model to investigate the effect of the cementation between grains on the mechanical behavior of rock. The proposed model considers the shape of the bonds among particles that have a biconcave cement form, based on observations of microscopic rock images. The general equations of the proposed model are based on Dvorkin theory. The accuracy and efficiency of the bond model is improved in three ways. After the biconcave bond model is implemented in the discrete element method software Particle Flow Code in 2 Dimensions, a series of numerical uniaxial compression tests were performed to investigate the relationships between the micro‐ to macro‐parameters. The simulations revealed that the biconcave bond model reflects the effect of micro‐parameters, such as the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of the cement, on the macroscopic deformation of cemented granular material. Variations in the bond geometry caused extremely diverse macro‐mechanical behaviors. Experimental results concerning rock demonstrate that the biconcave bond model accurately captures the mechanical behavior of intact rock and supports an innovative method for investigating the relationships between the micro‐ and macro‐parameters of cemented granular material. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On incremental non‐linearity in granular media: phenomenological and multi‐scale views (Part I)

On the basis of fundamental constitutive laws such as elasticity, perfect plasticity, and pure viscosity, many elasto‐viscoplastic constitutive relations have been developed since the 1970s through phenomenological approaches. In addition, a few more recent micro‐mechanical models based on multi‐scale approaches are now able to describe the main macroscopic features of the mechanical behaviour of granular media. The purpose of this paper is to compare a phenomenological constitutive relation and a micro‐mechanical model with respect to a basic issue regularly raised about granular assemblies: the incrementally non‐linear character of their behaviour. It is shown that both phenomenological and micro‐mechanical models exhibit an incremental non‐linearity. In addition, the multi‐scale approach reveals that the macroscopic incremental non‐linearity could stem from the change in the regime of local contacts between particles (from plastic regime to elastic regime) in terms of the incremental macroscopic loading direction. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three-dimensional DEM investigation of critical state and dilatancy behaviors of granular materials

The critical state is significant to the mechanical behaviors of granular materials and the foundation of the constitutive relations. Using the discrete element method (DEM), the mechanical behaviors of granular materials can be investigated on both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. A series of DEM simulations under true triaxial conditions have been performed to explore the critical state and dilatancy behavior of granular materials, which show the qualitatively similar macroscopic responses as the experimental results. The critical void ratio and stress ratio under different stress paths are presented. A unique critical state line (CSL) is shown to indicate that the intermediate principal stress ratio does not influence the CSL. Within the framework of the unique critical state, the stress–dilatancy relation of DEM simulations is found to fulfill the state-dependent dilatancy equations. As a microscopic parameter to evaluate the static determinacy of the granular system, the redundancy ratio is defined and investigated. The results show that the critical state is very close to the statically determinate state. Other particle-level indexes, including the distribution of the contact forces and the anisotropies, are carefully investigated to analyze the microstructural evolution and the underlying mechanism. The microscopic analysis shows that both the contact orientations and contact forces influence the mechanical behaviors of granular materials.     

A high strain‐rate constitutive model for sand and its application in finite‐element analysis of tunnels subjected to blast

The paper presents a constitutive model for simulating the high strain‐rate behavior of sands. Based on the concepts of critical‐state soil mechanics, the bounding surface plasticity theory and the overstress theory of viscoplasticity, the constitutive model simulates the high strain‐rate behavior of sands under uniaxial, triaxial and multi‐axial loading conditions. The model parameters are determined for Ottawa and Fontainebleau sands, and the performance of the model under extreme transient loading conditions is demonstrated through simulations of split Hopkinson pressure bar tests up to a strain rate of 2000/s. The constitutive model is implemented in a finite‐element analysis software Abaqus to analyze underground tunnels in sandy soil subjected to internal blast loads. Parametric studies are conducted to examine the effect of relative density and type of sand and of the depth of tunnel on the variation of stresses and deformations in the soil adjacent to the tunnels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于细观试验和离散元法的盐岩力学特性

当前盐岩的宏观力学模型通常是唯象模型,不能很好地解释盐岩受力变形破坏的真正物理基础。盐岩是由于化学沉积而形成的矿物集合体,是一种主要由NaCl和少量杂质组成的多晶体,其变形机制主要由晶粒与晶界的力学特性控制。通过扫描电镜（SEM）,获得盐岩晶粒的微细观结构特征,采用分子动力学方法和纳米压痕技术,确定盐岩晶粒和晶界的微细观力学参数;将盐岩晶粒作为块体,基于Voronoi多边形技术,建立盐岩的微细观数值模型;利用离散元方法,对盐岩试件在单轴压缩和直剪条件下的宏观力学行为进行了数值模拟。数值模拟结果与宏观力学试验结果吻合度高,表明基于盐岩微细观晶粒结构特征并结合离散元数值模拟的方法能够较好地研究盐岩的宏观力学性能及其材料物理基础。     

Estimation of critical state-related formula in advanced constitutive modeling of granular material

Different critical state-related formulas, for the critical state line and the critical state-dependent interlocking effect, have been proposed in constitutive modeling of granular material during last decades, which rises up a confusion on how to select an appropriate model in the geotechnical applications. This paper aims to discuss the selection of these critical state-related formulas and parameters identification. Three formulas of critical state line together with two formulas of critical state-dependent interlocking effect are combined to propose six elasto-plastic models. Drained and undrained triaxial tests on four different granular materials are selected for simulations. In order to eliminate artificial errors, a new hybrid genetic algorithm-based intelligent method is proposed and used to identify parameters and estimate simulations with minimum errors for each granular material and each model. Then, the performance of each CSL and each state parameter is evaluated using two information criteria. Furthermore, the performance was evaluated by simulating three footing tests using finite-element analysis in which the models are implemented. All comparisons demonstrate the incorporation of nonlinear critical state line combined with the state parameter e/e _c in constitutive modeling can result in relatively more satisfied simulated results.     

Formulation of a three‐dimensional constitutive model for unsaturated soils incorporating mechanical–water retention couplings

Wheeler, Sharma and Buisson proposed an elasto‐plastic constitutive model for unsaturated soils that couples the mechanical and water retention behaviours. The model was formulated for isotropic stress states and adopts the mean Bishop's stress and modified suction as stress state variables. This paper deals with the extension of this constitutive model to general three‐dimensional stress conditions, proposing the generalized stress–strain relationships required for the numerical integration of the constitutive model. A characteristic of the original model is the consideration of a number of elasto‐plastic mechanisms to describe the complex behaviour of unsaturated soils. This work presents the three‐dimensional formulation of these coupled irreversible mechanisms in a generalized way including anisotropic loading. The paper also compares the results from the model with published experiments performed under different loading conditions. The response of the model is very satisfactory in terms of both mechanical and water retention behaviours. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biaxial test simulations using a packing of polygonal particles

The mechanical response of cohesionless granular materials under monotonic loading is studied by performing molecular dynamic simulations. The diversity of shapes of soil grains is modelled by using randomly generated convex polygons as granular particles. Results of the biaxial test obtained for dense and loose media show that samples achieve the same void ratio at large strains independent of their initial density state. This limit state resembles the so‐called critical state of soil mechanics, except for some stress fluctuations, which remain for large deformations. These fluctuations are studied at the micro‐mechanical level, by following the evolution of the co‐ordination number, force chains and the fraction of the sliding contacts of the sample. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stress–dilatancy based modelling of granular materials and extensions to soils with crushable grains

Stress–dilatancy relations have played a crucial role in the understanding of the mechanical behaviour of soils and in the development of realistic constitutive models for their response. Recent investigations on the mechanical behaviour of materials with crushable grains have called into question the validity of classical relations such as those used in critical state soil mechanics. In this paper, a method to construct thermodynamically consistent (isotropic, three‐invariant) elasto‐plastic models based on a given stress–dilatancy relation is discussed. Extensions to cover the case of granular materials with crushable grains are also presented, based on the interpretation of some classical model parameters (e.g. the stress ratio at critical state) as internal variables that evolve according to suitable hardening laws. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Extension of plasticity theory to debonding,grain dissolution,and chemical damage of calcarenites

The mechanical properties of calcarenites are known to be significantly affected by water saturation: both stiffness and strength decrease for wetting in the short term and for chemical dissolution in the long term. Both processes mainly affect bonds among grains: immediately after inundation depositional bonds fall in suspension, whereas diagenetic bonds dissolve more slowly. In this paper, the authors started from the micro‐structural analysis of the weathering processes to conceive a strain hardening hydro‐chemo‐mechanical coupled elastoplastic constitutive model. The concept of extended hardening rules is here enriched: weathering functions have been determined by employing a micro to macro simplified upscaling procedure. Chemical damage is incorporated into the formulation by means of a scalar damage function. Its evolution is also described by using a multiscale approach. A new term is added to the strain rate tensor in order to incorporate the dissolution induced chemical deformations developing once the soft rock is turned into a granular material. A calibration procedure for the constitutive parameters is suggested, and the model is validated by using both coupled and uncoupled chemo‐mechanical experimental test results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Physical and numerical investigation of a cemented granular assembly of steel spheres

In this paper, steel spheres embedded in a cement matrix were studied using numerical and physical ISRM testing procedures. A challenge in discrete element simulations is to select appropriate micro‐mechanical models and parameters, to recover the observed macro‐mechanical behavior. An ideal experiment on cohesive granular assemblies constructed identical to numerical ones would validate these micro models for a set of measured micro‐parameters. The first part of the paper summarizes the previous studies in this area, outlines such experimental methodology and depicts the steps followed for the preparation and the testing of cemented granular assemblies together with the derivation of micro‐parameters. The second part discusses the results of numerical and physical ISRM standard tests including uniaxial and triaxial compression, Brazilian tensile and shear box tests. Physical samples were prepared using steel balls bonded with Portland cement, cured under controlled laboratory conditions and tested in compression, tension and shearing. Acoustic emissions were monitored in uniaxial tests to characterize the damage thresholds relative to volumetric strains. Numerical simulations were conducted with PFC 3D using micro‐mechanical parameters derived from physical testing. Parametric sensitivity studies were carried out to look into the dependency of macroscopic responses on the parameters. The results from both numerical and physical tests showed good correspondence in macroscopic behavior i.e. peak strength, stages of damage, mode of failures. However, the numerical simulations reflected a stiffer mechanical response than physical assemblies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bounding surface‐based modeling of compacted silty sand exhibiting suction dependent postpeak strain softening

This article focuses on modeling the strain hardening‐softening response of statically compacted silty sand as observed from a comprehensive series of suction‐controlled, consolidated‐drained triaxial tests accomplished in a fully automated, double‐walled triaxial test system via the axis‐translation technique. The constitutive model used in this work is based on the theory of Bounding Surface (BS) plasticity and is formulated within a critical state framework. The essential BS model parameters are calibrated using the full set of triaxial test results and then used for predictions of compacted silty sand response at matric suction states varying from 50 to 750 kPa. Complementary simulations using the Barcelona Basic Model have also been included, alongside BS model predictions, in order to get further enlightening insights into some of the main limitations and challenges facing both frameworks within the context of the experimental evidence resulting from the present research effort. In general, irrespective of the value of matric suction applied, the Barcelona Basic Model performs relatively well in predicting response at peak and critical state failure under low net confining pressure while the Bounding Surface Model performs relatively well under high net confining pressures.     

Unsaturated structured soils: constitutive modelling and stability analyses

The paper presents a new single-surface elasto-plastic model for unsaturated cemented soils, formulated within the critical state soil mechanics framework, which should be considered as an extension to unsaturated conditions of a recently proposed constitutive law for saturated structured soils. The model has been developed with the main purpose of inspecting the mechanical instabilities induced in natural soils by bond degradation resulting from the accumulation of plastic strains and/or the changes in pore saturation. At this scope, the constitutive equations are used to simulate typical geotechnical testing conditions, whose results are then analysed in light of the controllability theory. The results of triaxial tests on an ideal fully saturated cemented soil and on the corresponding unsaturated uncemented one are first discussed, aiming at detecting the evidence of potentially unstable conditions throughout the numerical simulations. This is followed by similar analyses considering the combined effects of both the above features. For each analysed case, a simple analytical stability criterion is proposed and validated against the numerical results, generalizing the results, and highlighting the crucial role of state variables and model parameters on the possible occurrence of failure conditions.

     

Computational mechanics of the steel–concrete interface

Concrete cracking in reinforced concrete structures is governed by two mechanisms: the activation of bond forces at the steel–concrete interface and the bridge effects of the reinforcement crossing a macro‐crack. The computational modelling of these two mechanisms, acting at different scales, is the main objective of this paper. The starting point is the analysis of the micro‐mechanisms, leading to an appropriate choice of (measurable) state variables describing the energy state in the surface systems: on the one side the relative displacement between the steel and the concrete, modelling the bond activation; on the other hand, the crack opening governing the bridge effects. These displacement jumps are implemented in the constitutive model using thermodynamics of surfaces of discontinuity. On the computational side, the constitutive model is implemented in a discrete crack approach. A truss element with slip degrees of freedom is developed. This degree of freedom represents the relative displacement due to bond activation. In turn, the bridge effect is numerically taken into account by modifying the post‐cracking behaviour of the contact elements representing discrete concrete cracks crossed by a rebar. First simulation results obtained with this model show a good agreement in crack pattern and steel stress distribution with micro‐mechanical results and experimental results. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of the FEBEX multi‐barrier system including thermoplasticity of unsaturated bentonite

Deep geological repository involving a multibarrier system constitutes one of the most promising options for isolating high‐level radioactive waste from the human environment. To certify the efficiency of waste isolation, it is essential to understand the behaviour of confining geomaterial under a variety of environmental conditions. To this end, results from a near‐to‐real experiment, the full‐scale engineered barriers in situ experiment, are studied by means of a thermo–hydro–mechanical finite element approach, including a consistent thermoplastic constitutive model for unsaturated soils. Laboratory tests are simulated to calibrate model parameters. The results of the numerical simulations are compared with sensor measurements and show the ability of the model to reproduce the main behavioural features of the system. The influence of the hysteretic and temperature‐dependent retention of water on the mechanical response is exhibited. Finally, those results are interpreted in the light of thermoplasticity of unsaturated soils, which reveals the highly coupled and non‐linear characters of the processes encountered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.