Evaluation of Fracture Evolution of Granite during Brazilian Test by Numerical Analysis of Fracturing Process Considering Mineral Distribution

A numerical analysis model considering mineral distribution of targeted rock to predict the behavior of fracture evolution and tensile strength that is obtained through the Brazilian test is proposed. The model considered the mineral distribution obtained from image analysis. In order to confirm the validity of the model, Brazilian tests employing granite specimens were conducted. Subsequently, by utilizing the model, the numerical analysis coupled with damage theory was performed to reproduce the results of Brazilian test. Simulated results are in good agreement with fracturing process and tensile strength obtained from experiments, and validity of the model was achieved.