Simplified DEM approach for complex reef limestone structures and pore characteristics

Accurately replicating the structural characteristics of reef limestone is crucial for obtaining quantitatively reliable results using the discrete element method (DEM). However, limited studies have focused on numerical simulations of reef limestone porosity, and those available often fail to capture the detailed pore structure. This paper presents a method to generate a honeycomb-like DEM model of reef limestone by assembling unit cells that mimic the material’s unique structure. The proposed approach effectively reproduces the radially oriented pore features of reef limestone while optimizing resolution and minimizing the number of spheres required. This model validation using the Brazilian splitting test simulation demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed model. Future work will apply this method to various reef limestone samples, offering a comprehensive microscale perspective on mechanical properties.