Numerical modelling of plane strain tests on sands using a particulate approach

This paper describes the results of a series of numerical plane strain test simulations on a particulate material, carried out using the three-dimensional particle flow code PFC-3D. Samples comprised about 10 000 non-spherical particles, each formed by strongly bonding two spheres together. The simu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Géotechnique 2005-05, Vol.55 (4), p.297-306
Main Authors: POWRIE, W, NI, Q, HARKNESS, R. M, ZHANG, X
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics
Engineering geology
Exact sciences and technology
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Summary:This paper describes the results of a series of numerical plane strain test simulations on a particulate material, carried out using the three-dimensional particle flow code PFC-3D. Samples comprised about 10 000 non-spherical particles, each formed by strongly bonding two spheres together. The simulations demonstrate the ability of such a model to capture the essential macro-features of soil behaviour as observed in laboratory tests, including the dependence of peak strengths on the initial void ratio relative to the critical. The development of strain localisations or shear bands associated with the use of rough loading platens, and the sensitivity of the model to the initial sample porosity, particle shape factor and interparticle friction angle, were also investigated.
ISSN:0016-8505
1751-7656
DOI:10.1680/geot.2005.55.4.297