The signature of shear-induced anisotropy in granular media

This paper presents a micro-mechanical study on the characteristics of shear-induced anisotropy in granular media. Based on three-dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations, the distinct features associated with the evolution of internal granular structure and different anisotropy sources...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computers and geotechnics 2013-01, Vol.47, p.1-15
Main Authors: Guo, Ning, Zhao, Jidong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anisotropy
Computer simulation
Critical state
Discrete element method
Fabric evolution
Fabrics
Geotechnics
Granular material
Liquefaction
Media
Phase transformation
Sliding contact
Three dimensional
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This paper presents a micro-mechanical study on the characteristics of shear-induced anisotropy in granular media. Based on three-dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations, the distinct features associated with the evolution of internal granular structure and different anisotropy sources during drained/undrained shearing of granular samples are carefully examined. The study finds that static liquefaction occurs when the geometrical anisotropy in a sample dominates the mechanical anisotropy in the overall shear strength, and the weak force network features an exceptionally high proportion of sliding contacts and develops certain degree of anisotropy. Phase transformation corresponds to a transitional, unstable state associated with a dramatic change in both coordination number and the proportion of sliding contacts in all contacts. The critical state in a granular material is always associated with a highly anisotropic fabric structure wherein both the critical void ratio and critical fabric anisotropy are uniquely related to the mean effective stress. The relations provide a more comprehensive definition for the critical state in granular media with proper reference to the critical fabric anisotropy.
ISSN:0266-352X
1873-7633
DOI:10.1016/j.compgeo.2012.07.002