Effects of particle shape and microstructure on the crushing and mechanical behaviours of rockfill materials

Rockfill materials (RFMs) are widely used in the construction of dams and embankments due to their numerous advantages, e.g., inherent flexibility, local availability, and good ability to absorb seismic energy. The deformation and strength of RFMs are largely affected by the particle breakage and successive particle arrangement related to the crushing process. A challenge concerning the grain crushing is to understand the micro-mechanisms responsible for particle strength and breakage.