Abstract
The fracture of Cement Treated Base (CTB) is greatly influenced by its mesoscale structure and characteristics. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) was adopted to build a mesoscale Semicircular Bending (SCB) model of CTB. The DEM models were built based on two methods including the Digital Image Process (DIP) of actual aggregate distribution and randomization algorithm to generate aggregates. The mesoscale heterogeneity of the model consisted of aggregates, cement mortar, Interface Transition Zone (ITZ) and air voids. Analysis results showed that the DEM models based on both DIP and randomization with the Linear Parallel Bond Model (LPBM) presented satisfying results, compared with laboratory tests. It was found that the main cracks occurred along ITZ between mortar and aggregates. The gradation and distribution of aggregate, and air voids have all significant influence on the fracture resistance and the crack propagation of the CTB. The lime-ash treated material simulation results showed relatively higher fracture toughness over strength ratio.
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