Image‐based modelling and analysis of microstructures for two‐scale problems in geomechanics

Abstract This paper focuses on the geometry modelling and numerical analysis of microstructures of geomaterials employing the concept of image‐based engineering. The novel modelling and analysis techniques with digital images are incorporated with the mathematical homogenization method to study the interaction between individual phases, each of whose shape and spatial distribution are irregular. Owing to the distinctive features of these computational techniques, the evaluation of homogenized properties for geomaterials provides the reliable information about the micro‐ or macroscopic mechanical behaviours for engineering practice. It is, naturally, inevitable that engineers' demands on safety and efficient design place emphasis on quantitative estimates for these values. Thus, calibration accompanied with actual measurements comes within the scope of this study so that these properties would be realistic and practical from the engineering viewpoints. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.