A discrete element simulation considering calcite crystal shape to investigate the mechanical behaviors of bio-cemented sands

Fracture of bio-cemented sands

“…The mass of cement between particles correlates with the concentration of cementation solution and this provides a means of generating specimens with selected levels of cementation. The above strategy has recently been exploited in studies on the tensile and compressive strength of artificial bio-mediated sandstones [11][12][13][14], and was linked to the microscale response either via SEM or via acoustic emissions [15], providing suitable grounds to develop simulation-based approaches based on discrete and lattice element methods [16][17][18][19][20]. However, the fracture behaviour of bio-cemented sands remains unexplored despite its importance to phenomena such as hydraulic fracture, groundwater decontamination and grouting.…”