Elementary behavior of dual-particle composites cemented by self-compacting mortar: Experimental and constitutive modelling

Artificial cementation can effectively increase the modulus and strength properties of granular materials. To characterize and simulate the cementation effect between granules is of great significance for the analysis of cemented granular materials (CGM). The aim of this study is to investigate the elementary behavior of dual-particle composites cemented by self-compacting mortar (SCM) and provide a unit model for the numerical representation of CGM. A specimen preparation procedure of dual-particle composites was proposed to simulate the filling process of SCM through rockfills in practice. A series of uniaxial compression and tension tests were carried out and the effects of influential factors, including the particle size, particle distance and SCM fluidity, were considered. Based on analyses of the test results, a uniaxial constitutive model was proposed for the targeted dual-particle composites. Finally, through finite element implementation of the model and simulation studies of uniaxial compression tests on CGM, the established constitutive model has been effectively verified to be reliable in predicting the deformation and failure properties of CGM.

Automated summary

Artificial cementation can improve the modulus and strength properties of granular materials and is important for analyzing their performance. This study investigates the behavior of dual-particle composites cemented by self-compacting mortar and proposes a unit model for numerical simulation of cemented granular materials.