Brittle rock behavior simulation using heterogeneous pseudo-discontinuum model

Considering different sources of internal heterogeneity is crucial for studying the mechanical response and fracture process of brittle rocks. This approach enables the analysis of the relationship between phenomena occurring at the particle scale and the emerging macroscopic nonlinear behavior. Given the promising results of the Continuum Voronoi Block Model (CVBM) in representing rock behavior across different scales, the integration of material and contact heterogeneity into the model is presented in this paper. By integrating these sources of heterogeneity, the CVBM can better align with the Grain -Based Models (GBMs), which have proven effective in simulating brittle rock behavior. As a case study, the documented UCS and BTS tests on <spacing diaeresis> Asp o <spacing diaeresis> diorite samples were simulated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for calibration parameters, mesh density, and Voronoi block size. Furthermore, the effects of spatial distribution and mineral structure on the overall model response were evaluated, comparing the results with the natural dispersion observed in laboratory tests. Notably, the characteristic and peak stresses exhibited higher sensitivity to the change in mineral arrangement. Finally, the capabilities of the heterogeneous CVBM to capture the average behavior and fracture process of brittle rocks are analyzed.