Discrete element simulation of crushable soil

• DOI: 10.1680/geot.53.7.633.37389
• Publication Date: 2004-08-06T14:40:46Z
• Authors: Y. P. Cheng; Y. Nakata; M. D. Bolton
• Keywords: Agglomerate; Breakage

Computer simulations of crushable agglomerates were performed using the PFC3D computer code, which adopts distinct element method (DEM). Agglomerates made by bonding elementary spheres in 'crystallo-graphic' arrays, and giving each sphere an existence probability 0·8. Weibull statistics crushing strength resulting agglomerates, when tested singly between parallel platens, matches that real silica sand grains. Triaxial tests on a cubical sample 389 then simulated. Curves isotropic compression are shown, effect loading rate position curves is discussed relation to practical question performing DEM as fast possible without creating inertia errors. Other stress paths, including conventional 'drained' triaxial compression, constant mean effective stress, constant-volume also simulated from different initial stresses along virgin e–log p′ curve. The numerical results compared quantitatively with testing data sand. They characterising soils during normal yield, critical states. Simulation provides valuable insights concerning micromechanical origins soil plasticity.