A Nonlinear Mesoscale Constitutive Model for Cement‐Bridge Damage in Permeable Cement‐Stabilized Aggregate Bases

ABSTRACT Permeable cement‐stabilized aggregate base materials (PCBMs) are widely used in fully permeable pavem structures. However, their nonlinear elastoplastic damage behavior remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we developed a mathematical model to describe the nonlinear elastoplastic damage behavior of cement bridges in PCBMs and modified the damage description function accordingly. The model was then embedded in a discrete element method (DEM) contact model to predict the mechanical and damage behavior of PCBMs under loading. The results show that the proposed method is applicable to PCBMs with cement contents below 20%, with an approximate prediction error of 5.20% for mechanical strength. The damage behavior of PCBMs is closely related to cement content. At low cement content, both tensile and shear damage are extensive. As cement content increases, shear damage becomes less pronounced and macroscopic failure increasingly exhibits tensile damage. Within the calibrated range, the model provides a physics‐based numerical framework for exploring PCBM mechanical response and mesoscopic damage. It also aids in understanding the mesoscopic damage mechanisms of PCBMs and accelerating material optimization.