A numerical approach to investigate the effects of rock texture on the damage and crack propagation of a pre-cracked granite

摘要

A grain-based distinct element model (GBM) is used to investigate the influence of grain size on the fracturing response of pre-cracked granite. A cohesive model is developed and implemented in distinct element codes to mimic the elastic and softening response of the infra-grain contacts in GBM. The model was calibrated to uniaxial compression and Brazilian tensile tests performed on Aue granite. The results show that pre-cracked specimens with larger grain size produce more softening contacts leading to a higher axial strength. A lower peak axial strength is observed for numerical specimens with single pre-existing crack.