Comparison of failure modes and mechanical properties between concrete and gabion elements under uniaxial loading using DEM

Numerical modelling of gabion is challenging. Few studies analyzed and compared the fundamental mechanical properties between gabion and concrete. This paper employs discrete element methods (DEM) and introduces clusters to simulate the initiation and development of aggregate cracks. Basic element models for concrete and gabion are established, and numerical parameters are calibrated experimentally. Subsequently, this paper investigates the failure modes and mechanical properties of concrete and gabion under uniaxial compression loading. Results indicate that, for concrete, peak particle contact forces occur at the axial compression ratio (ACR) corresponding to its peak load, while force distribution in gabion is more dispersed. The force within concrete is one order of magnitude higher than that in gabion. The failure of concrete specimens involves both shear and tensile failure, with shear failure dominating initially and then transitioning to tensile failure (critical threshold is found at ACR=1.44%). In contrast, the failure of gabion is characterized by shear failure only. Furthermore, the energy required for gabion failure is significantly greater than that for concrete failure, indicating superior ductile behavior. This paper fills the research gap and serves as a reference for future numerical studies involving concrete and gabion structures.