DEM analysis of the anisotropy effects on the failure mechanism of the layered concretes

The mechanical behaviour of layered concrete samples containing an internal crack was numerically studied by modelling the geo-mechanical specimens in the particle flow code in two dimensions (PFC2D). The numerical modelling software was calibrated with the experimental results of the Brazilian tensile strengths gained from the laboratory disc-type specimens. Then, the samples with the bedding layers and internal notch were numerically simulated with PFC2D under uniaxial compressive loading. In each specimen, the layers' thickness was 10 mm but the layer's inclination angle was changed to 0o, 30o, 60o, 90o, 120o and 150o. Of course, the layers' interfaces are considered to have very low strengths. The internal notch was kept at 3 cm in length however, its inclination angle was changed to 0o, 40o, 60o and 90o. Therefore, a total, of 24 numerical models were made to study the failure mechanism of the layered concrete samples. Considering these results, it has been concluded that the inclination angles of both internal crack and bedding layers affect the failure mechanism and uniaxial compressive strength of the concrete.