Effect of Particle Grading on the Response of an Idealized Granular Assemblage
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 11, Issue 4
Abstract
The effects of particle-size distribution on a granular assemblage’s mechanical response were studied through a series of numerical triaxial tests using the three-dimensional (3D) discrete-element method. An assemblage was formed by spherical particles of various sizes. A simple linear contact model was adopted with the crucial consideration of varying contact stiffness with particle diameter. Numerical triaxial tests were mimicked by imposing axial compression under constant lateral pressure and constant volume condition, respectively. It was found that an assemblage with a wider particle grading gives more contractive response and behaves toward strain hardening upon shearing. Its critical state locates at a lower position in a void ratio versus mean normal stress plot. Nevertheless, no obvious difference in the critical stress ratio was shown. Model constants in a simple but efficient phenomenologically based granular material model within the framework of critical-state soil mechanics were calibrated from the numerical test results. Results show that some model constants exhibit linear variation with the coefficient of uniformity whereas others are almost independent of particle grading. This investigation provides an opportunity to better understand the implications and meanings of model constants in a phenomenologically based model from the microscale perspective.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to acknowledge the Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Ciências e da Tecnologia (FDCT), Macau SAR government (Grant No. UNSPECIFIED027/2006/A) and the Research Committee, University of Macau (Grant No. UNSPECIFIEDRG071/05-06S/YWM/FST) for financial assistance at the initial stage of this project.
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Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 11 • Issue 4 • August 2011
Pages: 276 - 285
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 27, 2010
Accepted: Aug 16, 2010
Published online: Jul 15, 2011
Published in print: Aug 1, 2011
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