This study proposes a simple three-dimensional (3-D) bond contact model to describe the behavior of bonding between sand grains. The model, which considers the influences of bond width and thickness, was established by extending the 2-D experimental data to 3-D case, in which bond rolling resistance is neglected for simplicity. This model was then implemented into a Distinct Element Method (DEM) code to simulate triaxial compression tests on the DEM specimens with different cement contents under various confining pressures. The comparison between the DEM and the experimental data shows that the DEM simulations can qualitatively capture the effect of bonding. As cement content increases, strain softening and shear dilation become more pronounced, and both the cohesion and the peak friction angle increase.
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