Full-Scale micromechanical simulation of rock-filled concretes using Peridynamics

Abstract Rock-filled concrete (RFC) represents a distinct category of cemented granular materials characterized by pouring self-compacting concrete with an aggregate of rock boulders, forming a two-phase heterogeneous material for engineering-scale applications. RFC has recently emerged as a popular choice in dam construction projects. This study introduces a novel and efficient model to simulate the complex macro- and micromechanical behaviors of RFC. The present model is facilitated by developing Peridynamics as a non-local, mesh-free, integral-based numerical method, with a newly developed contact algorithm to simulate materials with a discrete nature like RFC, notwithstanding the fact that Peridynamics was originally designed for simulating damage and failure in continuum solids. To ensure the reliability of the developed model, simulations were calibrated and validated against experimental test results obtained from the Lyutang dam site in China. Various analyses were conducted on RFC samples, including damage evolution, sample size effects, the impact of rock volume ratio and distribution, the effects of confining stress, and pre-existing defects. Through these comprehensive investigations, several key factors of RFC were determined, including the representative volume element, maximum damage rate, fractal dimension, and failure criteria. This in-depth numerical examination not only contributes to our understanding of RFC but also holds practical implications for future dam construction projects and other applications using RFC.