Discrete Numerical Model for Soil Mechanics
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 115, Issue 3
Abstract
The Distinct Element Method (DEM), a numerical technique which treats soil as a discrete assemblage of particles, can be useful when local yield, bifurcation behavior or nonlinear soil‐structure interaction occurs. A two‐dimensional disk‐based implementation of the DEM is validated using numerical simulations of standard geotechnical laboratory tests, such as one‐dimensional compression, direct simple shear and triaxial tests. These test results indicate that the two‐dimensional DEM can simulate realistic nonlinear, stress history‐dependent soil behavior appropriately when individual particle rotation is inhibited.
Modeling of large‐scale problems is accomplished by constructing a reduced‐scale model, then applying the geotechnical centrifuge scaling relationships in order to reduce the number of particles simulated and to ensure stress‐strain‐strength similitude between the model and prototype. Full‐scale simulations, including bearing capacity and lateral earth pressure tests, indicate that the DEM can accurately simulate real geotechnical problems, including those possessing large local yield zones.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 115 • Issue 3 • March 1989
Pages: 379 - 398
Copyright
Copyright © 1989 ASCE.
History
Published online: Mar 1, 1989
Published in print: Mar 1989
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