Tensile Breakage of Particles in Granular Media

Abstract This paper proposes a method to assess the probability of breakage by tension of particles in a granular medium subjected to a triaxial stress state. It is considered that the resistant tensile stress and the intragranular acting one are random variables. By calculating the probability that acting tensile stress is greater than tensile strength, the probability of breakage can be determined. The effect of rock strength, grain size distribution and some fabric characteristics are identified.