珊瑚礁石灰岩孔隙结构表征及受压破坏离散元模拟
论文题目
Characterization of pore structures in coral reef limestones and DEM simulations of compressive failure
a School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
研究内容
Abstract: The pore structure of coral reef limestones significantly impacts the stability of reef island engineering foundations. This study an alyzed the pore-throat parameters of limestones with varying pore structures using computed tomography scanning. Quasi-static compression tests were conducted to investigate the influence of these structures on macroscopic failure and de formation. Furthermore, a skeleton-pore two-dimensional microscopic model was established using MatDem software to eluci date failure behaviors from the perspectives of deformation, microscopic force chains, and energy conversion. Results indicate distinct failure mechanisms for different pore types: (1) Coral reef limestone with native pores (N-CRL) exhibits shear-tensile failure with load-bearing force-chain pathways bypassing pore spaces. Normal and shear breakage occur simultaneously, dissi pating kinetic energy after compaction. (2) Limestone with combined pores (D&N-CRL) shows shear failure along weak planes. Strong force chains concentrate at dissolved pore tips, with over 90% of particle connections undergoing normal breakage. Kinetic energy fluctuates significantly around peak stress. (3) Limestone with dissolved pores (D-CRL) experiences local shear failure. Dense force chains at pore tips induce crack initiation and coalescence, with energy dissipation patterns similar to those of combined pore structures. These findings provide theoretical insights for marine engineering stability.
Keywords: coral reef limestones；pore characterization；compressive failure；an alysis of force chains；energy evolution；MatDEM
Fig.1 Complete processing workflow of the reef limestone computed tomography (CT) data.
Fig.2 Pore structure characteristics of the three types of coral reef limestones: Left: rock core specimen (ϕ50 mm × 100 mm); Right: 3D computed tomography-reconstructed pore network (VOI: 20 mm × 20 mm × 20 mm). VOI, volume of interest.
Fig.5 Compression failure mode of coral reef limestone.
Fig.6 Discrete element particle model.
了解详情
Qu D, Kuang L, Song K, et al. Characterization of pore structures in coral reef limestones and DEM simulations of compressive failure[J]. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 2026, 63: 1-16.
