Micromechanical modeling for behavior of cementitious granular materials

Crack damage is commonly observed in cementitious granular materials. Previous analytical models based on continuum mechanics have limitations in analyzing localized damages at a microscale level. In this paper, a micromechanics approach is adopted that considers a contract law for the interparticle behavior of two particles connected by a binder. The model is based on the premises that the interparticle binder initially contains microcracks. As a result of external loading, these microcracks propagate and grow. Thus, binders are weakened and fail. Theory of fracture mechanics is employed to model the propagation and growth of the microcracks. The contact law is then incorporated in the analysis for the overall damage behavior of material using a discrete element method. Using this model, the stress-strain behaviors under uniaxial and biaxial conditions were simulated. A reasonable agreement is found between the predictions and experimental results.