Random Walk Model of Ideal Granular Mass

The basic differences in the load deflection relationships between a granular material and an elastic medium are examined. A previously developed random walk particulate model, based on the particle contact point distribution over the particle surface, which predicted vertical component deflection pattern shapes on horizontal planes within an ideal granular mass, is extended to predict absolute values of axial vertical deflection. Displacements within the mass were produced by the vertical deflection of a single surface particle. This extension necessitates the introduction of the void ratio into the model and the model is based on an hypothesis, supported by logic and reasoning, concerning particular paths of contacting particles yielding maximum particle deflections. Predicted axial vertical deflections are compared with the experimental results of others and are found to agree reasonably well.