3D analysis of kinematic behavior of granular materials in triaxial testing using DEM with flexible membrane boundary

This paper describes the constitutive behavior and particle-scale kinematics of granular materials in three-dimensional (3D) axisymmetric triaxial testing using discrete element method (DEM). PFC3D code was used to run the DEM simulations using a flexible membrane boundary model consisting of spherical particles linked through flexible contact bonds. The overall deformation behavior of the specimen was then compared with the specimen with rigid boundary and experimental measurements. Computed tomography was used to track the evolution of particle translation and rotation within a laboratory triaxial specimen in 3D. The DEM model of the flexible membrane specimen successfully predicted the stress–strain behavior when compared with laboratory experiment results at different confining pressures. The DEM results showed that the rigid specimen applies a uniform deformation and leads to non-uniformities in the confining stress along the particle-boundary interface in the lateral direction. In contrast, the flexible specimen better replicates the uniformly applied confining stress of a laboratory triaxial experiment. The 3D DEM simulations of the specimen with flexible membrane overpredicted particle translation and rotation in all directions when compared to a laboratory triaxial specimen. The difference between the particle translation and rotation distributions of DEM specimens with rigid and flexible membrane is almost negligible. The DEM specimen with flexible membrane produces a better prediction of the macroscopic stress–strain behavior and deformation characteristics of granular materials in 3D DEM simulations when compared to a specimen with rigid membrane. Comparing macroscale response and particle-scale kinematics between triaxial simulation results of rigid versus flexible membrane demonstrated the significant influence of boundary effects on the constitutive behavior of granular materials.     

On size and boundary effects in scaled model blasts—fractures and fragmentation patterns

This contribution is the third part of a paper addressing size and boundary effects on explosively induced wave propagation, fracturing and fracture pattern development in small scale laboratory specimens, which are frequently used for model blast tests. Small cylindrical and block type specimens fabricated from concrete, sandstone and amphibolite are centre-line loaded by linear explosive charges and supersonically detonated. Using shock wave theory, elastic wave propagation theory, and fracture mechanics it is shown that the type of boundary conditions prescribed at the outer boundary of the cylinder controls the extension of stem cracking and the development of the fragmentation pattern within the body of the cylinder and the cube specimens. In the case of a composite specimen, where a cylindrical core of different material is embedded in a cylinder or in a cube, the level of fracturing and fragmentation is controlled by the conditions and possible de-lamination of the interface which, in turn, depends on the relative dimensions of the core and the block. Using known results from the theory of wave interaction with free boundaries and interfaces it will be shown that the fracture strain and the notch sensitivity of the material expressed by imperfections play an important role. Equally important is the ratio between the length of the pulse (space-wise or time-wise) and the characteristic dimensions of the models. Axi-radial boundary cracks and spalling will be explained on the basis of earlier wave propagation studies associated with supersonic blasting. Theoretical results are in good agreement with numerical simulations and recent experimental findings.     

Meso‐scale particle modeling of concrete deterioration caused by alkali‐aggregate reaction

A meso‐scale particle model is presented to simulate the expansion of concrete subjected to alkali‐aggregate reaction (AAR) and to analyze the AAR‐induced degradation of the mechanical properties. It is the first attempt to evaluate the deterioration mechanism due to AAR using the discrete‐element method. A three‐phase meso‐scale model for concrete composed of aggregates, mortar and the interface is established with the combination of a pre‐processing approach and the particle flow code, PFC2D. A homogeneous aggregate expansion approach is applied to model the AAR expansion. Uniaxial compression tests are conducted for the AAR‐affected concrete to examine the effects on the mechanical properties. Two specimens with different aggregate sizes are analyzed to consider the effects of aggregate size on AAR. The results show that the meso‐scale particle model is valid to predict the expansion and the internal micro‐cracking patterns caused by AAR. The two different specimens exhibit similar behavior. The Young's modulus and compressive strength are significantly reduced with the increase of AAR expansion. The shape of the stress–strain curves obtained from the compression tests clearly reflects the influence of internal micro‐cracks: an increased nonlinearity before the peak loading and a more gradual softening for more severely affected specimens. Similar macroscopic failure patterns of the specimens under compression are observed in terms of diagonal macroscopic cracks splitting the specimen into several triangular pieces, whereas localized micro‐cracks forming in slightly affected specimens are different from branching and diffusing cracks in severely affected ones, demonstrating different failure mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Modified Mohr-Coulomb Model to Simulate the Behavior of Pipelines in Unsaturated Soils

At the present time, it is very common in practice to utilize Mohr-Coulomb model to simulate the soil behaviour in the application of soil-pipeline interaction problems. However, the traditional Mohr-Coulomb model is unable to predict the realistic loading that can apply on buried pipes during large ground deformation. Especially, the linear elastic-perfectly plastic Mohr-Coulomb model is not capable of simulating the unsaturated soil loading which can result larger than anticipated loading due to suction induced additional normal force between the soil particles. A user defined unsaturated modified Mohr-Coulomb model is developed within a generalized effective stress framework considering suction hardening effects to capture the realistic loading induced by unsaturated soil medium. Firstly, the model has been developed considering microscopic and macroscopic suction hardening mechanisms, and was implemented into a commercial finite element program associated with user subroutine written in FORTAN. Then the model was validated through a series of unsaturated triaxial compression tests conducted on the basis of different sand types having various initial conditions. Finally, the model has been applied to simulate the behaviour of pipelines subjected to lateral soil loading in unsaturated soils. The results revealed that the modified Mohr-Coulomb model has reasonable predictions when compared to the load-displacement response of pipes obtained from two large scale testing programs. The developed model can be used to predict the increased strength and stiffness associated with soil suction that increases lateral loads on pipelines, and thus has widespread relevance for simulating the pipeline response in unsaturated soils under externally imposed ground movement.     

Numerical prediction of blast‐induced stress wave from large‐scale underground explosion

This paper presents a numerical model for predicting the dynamic response of rock mass subjected to large‐scale underground explosion. The model is calibrated against data obtained from large‐scale field tests. The Hugoniot equation of state for rock mass is adopted to calculate the pressure as a function of mass density. A piecewise linear Drucker–Prager strength criterion including the strain rate effect is employed to model the rock mass behaviour subjected to blast loading. A double scalar damage model accounting for both the compression and tension damage is introduced to simulate the damage zone around the charge chamber caused by blast loading. The model is incorporated into Autodyn3D through its user subroutines. The numerical model is then used to predict the dynamic response of rock mass, in terms of the peak particle velocity (PPV) and peak particle acceleration (PPA) attenuation laws, the damage zone, the particle velocity time histories and their frequency contents for large‐scale underground explosion tests. The computed results are found in good agreement with the field measured data; hence, the proposed model is proven to be adequate for simulating the dynamic response of rock mass subjected to large‐scale underground explosion. Extended numerical analyses indicate that, apart from the charge loading density, the stress wave intensity is also affected, but to a lesser extent, by the charge weight and the charge chamber geometry for large‐scale underground explosions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wave absorbing-boundary method in seismic centrifuge simulation of vertical free-field ground motion

In this paper, an evaluation of the method of experimental seismic simulation of vertical free-field ground motion by wave-absorbing boundary and centrifuge modeling is presented. By means of a large soil container with Ductseal lining and an in-box shake-table system, a series of seismic tests on a sand stratum model of uniform density and a large width-to-depth ratio was conducted at multiple g-levels. With a focus on the vertical motion produced, the time-domain data was processed using the transfer function approach. By examining the measured resonant regimes for the vertical mode as a function of the g-level or length scale over the frequency spectrum, the capability of the Ductseal boundary approach in simulating vertical free-field motions in one-dimensional inhomogeneous site response theory is highlighted. In seeking a comprehensive basis of synthesis for the modeling methodology, the benefits of using the three-dimensional elastodynamic model in the interpretation of the vertical free-field measurements are demonstrated.     

Numerical simulation of drained triaxial test using 3D discrete element modeling

A discrete element modeling of granular material was carried out using a 3D spherical discrete model with a rolling resistance, in order to take into account the roughness of grains. The numerical model of Labenne sand was generated, and the desired porosity was obtained by a radius expansion method. Using numerical triaxial tests the micro-mechanical properties of the numerical material were calibrated in order to match the macroscopic response of the real material. Numerical simulations were carried out under the same conditions as the physical experiments (porosity, boundary conditions and loading). The pre-peak, peak and post-peak behavior of the numerical material was studied. The calibration procedure revealed that the peak stress of the sand sample does not only depend on local friction parameters but also on the rolling resistance. The larger the value of the applied rolling resistance, the higher the resulting stress peak. Furthermore, the deformational response depends strongly on local friction. The numerical results are quantitatively in agreement with the laboratory test results.     

Effect of simulated sampling disturbance on creep behaviour of rock salt

Summary This article presents the results of an experimental study of creep behaviour of a rock salt under uniaxial compression as a function of prestrain, simulating sampling disturbance. The prestrain was produced by radial compressive loading of the specimens prior to creep testing. The tests were conducted on an artifical salt to avoid excessive scattering of the results.The results obtained from several series of single-stage creep tests show that, at short-term, the creep response of salt is strongly affected by the preloading history of samples. The nature of this effect depends upon the intensity of radial compressive preloading, and its magnitude is a function of the creep stress level. The effect, however, decreases with increasing plastic deformation, indicating that large creep strains may eventually lead to a complete loss of preloading memory.     

Unified modelling of granular media with Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics

In this paper, we present a unified numerical framework for granular modelling. A constitutive model capable of describing both quasi-static and dynamic behaviours of granular material is developed. Two types of particle interactions controlling the mechanical responses, frictional contact and collision, are considered by a hypoplastic model and a Bagnold-type rheology relation, respectively. The model makes no use of concepts like yield stress or flow initiation criterion. A smooth transition between the solid-like and fluid-like behaviour is achieved. The Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method is employed as the unified numerical tool for both solid and fluid regimes. The numerical model is validated by simulating element tests under both quasi-static and flowing conditions. We further proceed to study three boundary value problems, i.e. collapse of a granular pile on a flat plane, and granular flows on an inclined plane and in a rotating drum.     

Comparison of the characteristics of rock salt exposed to loading and unloading of confining pressures

Rock mechanical behaviors and deformation characteristics are associated with stress history and loading path. Unloading conditions occur during the formation of a salt cavity as a result of washing techniques. Such conditions require an improved understanding of the mechanical and deformation behaviors of rock salt. In our study, rock salt dilatancy behaviors under triaxial unloading confining pressure tests were analyzed and compared with those from conventional uniaxial and triaxial compression tests. The volume deformation of rock salt under unloading was more than under triaxial loading, but less than under uniaxial loading (with the same deviatoric stress). Generally, under the same axial compression, the corresponding dilatancy rate decreased as the confining compression increased, and under the same confining compression, the corresponding dilatancy rate increased as the axial compression increased. The dilatancy boundary of the unloading confining pressure test began with unloading. This is different from the dilatancy of the uniaxial and triaxial compression tests. The accelerated dilatancy point boundary stress value was affected by confining and axial compressions. The specimens entered into a creep state after unloading. The associated creep rate depends on the deviatoric stress and confining compression values at the end of the unloading process. Based on unloading theory and the experimental data, we propose a constitutive model of rock salt damage. Our model reflects the dilatancy progression at constant axial stress and reduced lateral confinement.     

Behaviour of Track Ballast Under Repeated Loading

Najaf-sea quarry is located in Najaf city about 160 km south west of Baghdad the capital of Iraq. It is the main source that supplies track ballast for maintenance of existing railway network and construction of new railway lines in the middle and southern parts of Iraq. Track ballast experience a complex combination of stresses during its service lifetime, primarily from repeated axial loads of the trains in addition to stresses generated from the environmental conditions. The ideal evaluation of suitability of track ballast must be carried out under real field loading conditions, however such field tests are usually costly and time consuming. On the other hand laboratory model tests simulating field loads under limited boundary conditions can provide satisfactory indication about the suitability of the material. The present paper investigates the deformation characteristics of Najaf-sea track ballast, under repeated loading using model tests simulating ballast conditions under a selected track section. A test setup was designed and manufactured capable of applying both monotonic as well as repeated loading on the track section under different conditions. The repeated model tests which simulate as close as possible the field conditions shed the light on the generated settlement, modulus of deformation and degradation of the ballast particles under different repeated loading levels. Statistical analysis in terms of breakage index and repeated applied load revealed satisfactory correlations that help in understanding the overall performance of the ballast material. The results also demonstrate that 4–5 tamping are capable of controlling both the settlement and modulus of deformation of the ballast material.     

On size and boundary effects in scaled model blasts spatial problems

This paper addresses size and boundary effects on wave propagation, fracture pattern development and fragmentation in small scale laboratory-size specimens for model blasting. Small block type specimens are centre-line loaded by linear explosive charges and supersonically detonated. Using elastic wave propagation theory and fracture mechanics it is shown that the type of boundary conditions which prevail at the outer boundary of the cylinder control the extension of bore-hole cracking and fragmentation within the body of the cylinder. In the case of a composite block where a cylindrical core of different material is embedded, the level of fracturing and fragmentation is controlled by the separation of the interface which in turn depends on the relative dimensions of the core and the block. The most important parameter is the ratio between the length of the pulse (space-wise or time-wise) and the characteristic dimensions of the models, i.e. in this case the dimensions of the core and the mantel. Stress wave superposition effects occur in the corner sections of the mantel. Theoretical results are in good agreement with recent experimental findings.     

Continuum hydrodynamics of dry granular flows employing multiplicative elastoplasticity

We present a Lagrangian formulation for simulating the continuum hydrodynamics of dry granular flows based on multiplicative elastoplasticity theory for finite deformation calculations. The formulation is implemented within the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method along with a variant of the usual dynamic boundary condition. Three benchmark simulations on dry sands are presented to validate the model: (a) a set of plane strain collapse tests, (b) a set of 3D collapse tests, and (c) a plane strain simulation of the impact force generated by granular flow on a rigid wall. Comparison with experimental results suggests that the formulation is sufficiently robust and accurate to model the continuum hydrodynamics of dry granular flows in a laboratory setting. Results of the simulations suggest the potential of the formulation for modeling more complex, field-scale scenarios characterized by more elaborate geometry and multi-physical processes. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time the multiplicative plasticity approach has been applied to granular flows in the context of the SPH method.     

Relative role of sea surface temperature and snow on Indian summer monsoon seasonal simulation using a GCM

Indian summer monsoon is a global scale phenomenon controlled by different land, ocean, and atmospheric parameters. Sea surface temperature (SST) and snow are two of the major parameters, which may alter the spatial and temporal patterns of circulation and rainfall during Indian summer monsoon. In the current paper, we study the monsoon variability using long integrations (20 years) of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) Spectral model at T80L18 resolution with observed and climatological SST and snow. Study shows response of IITD GCM in simulating the Indian summer monsoon rainfall and circulation relative to the snow and SST as boundary conditions. The model’s response to SST and snow is examined by conducting four types of experiments by varying observed and climatological values of snow and SST. This paper discusses the seasonal total rainfall for country as a whole and 850 and 200 hPa wind for the period of 20 years starting from 1985 to 2004. The model has been integrated in the ensemble mode with five different initial conditions from the last week of April and first week of May. The model is able to capture the climatological patterns of seasonal total rainfall and averaged wind at lower and upper levels. Observed snow in the presence of climatological SST as a boundary condition shows much impact on rainfall and circulation than observed SST in the presence of climatological snow. Model performance is good in simulating the normal and excess monsoon conditions; it shows poor skill in capturing deficit monsoon years.     

基于距离和局部Delaunay三角化控制的颗粒离散元模型填充方法研究

根据颗粒离散元Kelvin 接触力计算模型,分析了圆形颗粒体模拟材料力学特性应具备的条件,在此基础上提出了一种新颗粒模型构建方法。该方法首先在复杂模型域内随机生成种子,然后利用相切条件逐步扩展填充整个区域。填充过程中借助局部Delaunay三角化网格控制新颗粒的生成,采用复杂几何体距离控制颗粒与模型边界的相对位置,对靠近模型边界的颗粒进行容忍性优化填充,从而增加模型颗粒与边界的耦合性。同时对模型孔隙进行再填充,保证每个填充颗粒至少与3个颗粒相切,提高了模型内颗粒间的耦合性和模型的密度。最后采用任意多边形控制材料边界,将模型材料的设置简化为判断点是否在多边形内,简化了复杂模型材料属性的设置过程。结果表明：与膨胀颗粒生成法相比,该方法生成模型重叠量小、颗粒间及颗粒-边界相互耦合、填充率高。因此,颗粒黏结力破坏后不会造成飞溢现象,可适用于任意连通域模型的生成,能更好地实现复杂岩土细观介质变形破坏机制的模拟与研究。     

A basal slip model for Lagrangian finite element simulations of 3D landslides

A Lagrangian numerical approach for the simulation of rapid landslide runouts is presented and discussed. The simulation approach is based on the so‐called Particle Finite Element Method. The moving soil mass is assumed to obey a rigid‐viscoplastic, non‐dilatant Drucker–Prager constitutive law, which is cast in the form of a regularized, pressure‐sensitive Bingham model. Unlike in classical formulations of computational fluid mechanics, where no‐slip boundary conditions are assumed, basal slip boundary conditions are introduced to account for the specific nature of the landslide‐basal surface interface. The basal slip conditions are formulated in the form of modified Navier boundary conditions, with a pressure‐sensitive threshold. A special mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian formulation is used for the elements on the basal interface to accommodate the new slip conditions into the Particle Finite Element Method framework. To avoid inconsistencies in the presence of complex shapes of the basal surface, the no‐flux condition through the basal surface is relaxed using a penalty approach. The proposed model is validated by simulating both laboratory tests and a real large‐scale problem, and the critical role of the basal slip is elucidated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical modelling of the effects of foundation scour on the response of a bridge pier

Foundation scour can have a detrimental effect on the performance of bridge piers, inducing a significant reduction of the lateral capacity of the footing and accumulation of permanent settlement and rotation. Although the hydraulic processes responsible for foundation scour are nowadays well known, predicting their mechanical consequences is still challenging. Indeed, its impact on the failure mechanisms developing around the foundation has not been fully investigated. In this paper, numerical simulations are performed to study the vertical and lateral response of a scoured bridge pier founded on a cylindrical caisson foundation embedded in a layer of dense sand. The sand stress–strain behaviour is reproduced by employing the Severn-Trent model. The constitutive model is firstly calibrated on a set of soil element tests, including drained and undrained monotonic triaxial tests and resonant column tests. The calibration procedure is implemented considering the stress and strain nonuniformities within the samples, by simulating the laboratory tests as boundary value problems. The numerical model is then validated against the results of centrifuge tests. The results of the simulations are in good agreement with the experimental results in terms of foundation capacity and settlement accumulation. Moreover, the model can predict the effects of local and general scour. The numerical analyses also highlight the impact of scouring on the failure mechanisms, revealing that the soil resistance depends on the hydraulic scenario.

     

以地形为基础的流域水文模型——TOPMODEL及其拓宽应用

介绍了TOPMODEL的基本理论与理论基础及模型利用地形指数的不同空间分布,模拟水文响应的特性.由于以往TOPMODEL的应用只限于山坡尺度范围,本文试探将其应用范围拓宽,选择淮河流域为例,考察其在一般流域上的应用效果,并将TOPMODEL与新安江模型作了初步分析比较.     

Understanding size and boundary effectsin scaled model blasts - plane problems

This contribution addresses model blasting and focuses on size and boundary effects on wave propagation, fracture pattern development and fragmentation in small scale laboratory size specimen. Small cylindrical specimens are centre-line loaded by linear high velocity of detonation explosive charges and detonated.

Using elastic wave propagation theory and fracture mechanics it is shown that the type of boundary conditions which prevail at the outer boundary of the cylinder control the extension of bore-hole cracking and fragmentation within the body of the cylinder. In the case of a composite cylinder with dissimilar mantel and core materials, the level of fracturing and fragmentation is controlled by the delamination of the interface. This, in turn, depends on the relative diameters of the core and the mantel. The most important parameter though is the ratio between the length of the pulse (space-wise or time-wise) and the characteristic dimensions of the models, i.e. in this case the diameters of the core and the mantel.

The theoretical basis for a simplified two-dimensional plane treatment is developed. Simple or composite, thin, plate-like specimens are centrally loaded; whereas the core is always a circle, the mantel can be either a circle or a square.     

降雨条件下松散堆积体边坡稳定性离心模型试验研究

采用新型介质雾化喷嘴离心场降雨模拟设备,进行了模拟降雨及格栅支护措施条件下松散堆积体边坡的离心模型对比试验。离心机模型与原型试验比尺为1:80,试验过程通过非接触定点高速摄影系统并结合粒子图像测速（particle image velocimetry）技术分析了试验过程中边坡的位移场变化。试验结果表明,松散堆积体边坡在未降雨条件下是十分稳定的;在进行模拟降雨后,边坡顶部沉降及坡面水平位移随降雨量的增大逐渐发展,尤其边坡表面区域发生明显变形;边坡的破坏模式有别于传统的圆弧滑动,在持续强降雨作用下,坡面逐层产生破坏,最终形成泥石流形态;通过采取坡面土工防护格栅支护条件后,堆积体边坡在降雨条件下稳定性显著提高,故采用边坡防护格栅是提高松散堆积体边坡稳定性的有效途径。