Truss-like Discrete Element Method Applied to Damage Process Simulation in Quasi-Brittle Materials

This paper discusses the combined application of the lattice discrete element method (LDEM) and the acoustic emission (AE) technique to analyze damage in quasi-brittle materials. These methods were used to study the damage in a concrete slab under pure-shear stress and a pre-fissured sandstone beam subjected to three-point bending. The first test was restricted to simulation results, whereas the second included experimental data. The discrete element method was used to perform the simulations for both tests, whereas the corresponding results and the information from the experiments were assessed using AE analysis tools. It was shown that the synergistic use of these two methods led to a comprehensive understanding of the two analyzed cases and offered an effective, generalizable approach for assessing damage processes in quasi-brittle materials.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the combined application of the lattice discrete element method (LDEM) and the acoustic emission (AE) technique for analyzing damage in quasi-brittle materials. The methods were applied to study damage in a concrete slab and a pre-fissured sandstone beam. Simulations and experimental data were used in the two tests. The results show that the synergistic use of these two methods provides a comprehensive understanding and an effective approach for assessing damage processes.