Discrete element method（DEM）

such as particle flow code（PFC）

has become one of the current highlights to investigate the particle breakage process in the geotechnical field. In this study

based on the point load crushing criterion considering the local stress concentration

a three-dimensional（3D） particle crushing model was established. Particually

the particle balance among particles before and after crushing is ensured by the Apollo filling and expansion method

and a size effect factor is used to characterize strength of particles with different sizes. Then

numerical simulations were performed on three types of sand with different degrees of breakage

namely silica sand

calcareous sand and Sacramento River sand. The comparisons of numerical and experimental results show that the established model can well describe compressive properties of granular materials with different degrees of breakage. Comparing with the failure criterion rooted in Mohr–Coulomb theory on the basis of mean stress

the criterion in the established model shows a better manner in reflecting the real fragmentation phenomena under the same loading condition. At the same time

the established model reveals the influence of crushing on the anisotropic dissipation and gradation evolution of granular materials.