Study on the energy evolution process and damage constitutive model of concrete–granite composite specimens under uniaxial compression load

The interaction between concrete structures and rock foundations is a crucial research topic for assessing safety and stability in geotechnical and underground engineering. The uniaxial compression tests were conducted on different combination modes (concrete component heights (H_c), interface inclination angle (β), and coarse aggregate contents) to investigate their impact on the mechanical and energy response of concrete–granite composite specimens (CGCSs). This study categorized three failure modes: only concrete component failure (H_c = 80 mm), shear failure along the interface (β = 30°), and simultaneous failure of both components (other combination modes). The fractal dimension (D_f) of surface cracks positively correlates with H_c, while the compressive strength (σ_CGCS) and stiffness (E_CGCS) exhibit an inverse trend. The value of D_f and σ_CGCS both exhibit a ''U-shaped'' trend when β ranges from 0° to 90°, whereas the value of E_CGCS decreases linearly. Moreover, The value of D_f and E_CGCS positively correlate with coarse aggregate contents, while the value of σ_CGCS trends vary non-monotonically increases. The coarse aggregate contents have few effects on energy conversion. Typical brittle failure (β = 0°, β = 30°, and H_c = 20 mm) and ductile failure (other combination modes) are observed. Energy evolution characteristics offer quantitative insight into the damage evolution processes of CGCSs. The piecewise damage constitutive model based on dissipation energy can accurately describe the mechanical response of CGCSs. This study enhances understanding of the mechanical properties, failure characteristics, and energy evolution process of CGCSs under complex combination modes.