A macroscale multiphase model is proposed for assessing themechanical behaviour of materials reinforced by linear inclusions,such as those commonly employed in geotechnical engineering. Themodel is developed with the help of the virtual work method andrelated principles, resulting in the derivation of equilibriumequations and boundary conditions for the matrix and reinforcementphases respectively. The basic concept is the idealization of theinclusions as l--D--beams continuously distributed throughout thematrix, leading to a micropolar description which accounts for shearforce and bending moment densities. The theory includes thepossibility of different kinematics for the phases, with non-perfectbonding at the matrix--inclusion interface. Since all the parametersappearing in such a model have a clear mechanical significance, itbecomes possible to deal with any boundary value problem involvinginclusion--reinforced materials, in a very straightforward manner.Two examples of such problems are solved under the assumption of alinear elastic constitutive law for matrix and reinforcement phases,including their interaction.
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