Abstract
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1997-2031 |
| Number of pages | 35 |
| Journal | International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 17 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Dec 2008 |
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Keywords
- distinct element method
- bonded geomaterials
- cohesive frictional materials
- slope stability
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Dem analysis of bonded granular geomaterials. / Utili, S.; Nova, R.
In: International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, Vol. 32, No. 17, 10.12.2008, p. 1997-2031.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Dem analysis of bonded granular geomaterials
AU - Utili, S.
AU - Nova, R.
PY - 2008/12/10
Y1 - 2008/12/10
N2 - In this paper, the application of the distinct element method (DEM) to frictional cohesive (c,) geomaterials is described. A new contact bond model based on the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion has been implemented in PFC2D. According to this model, the bond strength can be clearly divided into two distinct micromechanical contributions: an intergranular friction angle and a cohesive bond force. A parametric analysis, based on several biaxial tests, has been run to validate the proposed model and to calibrate the micromechanical parameters. Simple relationships between the macromechanical strength parameters (c,) and the corresponding micromechanical quantities have been obtained so that they can be used to model boundary value problems with the DEM without need of further calibration. As an example application, the evolution of natural cliffs subject to weathering has been studied. Different weathering scenarios have been considered for an initially vertical cliff. Firstly, the case of uniform weathering has been studied. Although unrealistic, this case has been considered in order to validate the DEM approach by comparison against analytical predictions available from limit analysis. Secondly, nonuniform weathering has been studied. The results obtained clearly show that with the DEM it is possible to realistically model boundary value problems of bonded geomaterials, which would be overwhelmingly difficult to do with other numerical techniques.
AB - In this paper, the application of the distinct element method (DEM) to frictional cohesive (c,) geomaterials is described. A new contact bond model based on the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion has been implemented in PFC2D. According to this model, the bond strength can be clearly divided into two distinct micromechanical contributions: an intergranular friction angle and a cohesive bond force. A parametric analysis, based on several biaxial tests, has been run to validate the proposed model and to calibrate the micromechanical parameters. Simple relationships between the macromechanical strength parameters (c,) and the corresponding micromechanical quantities have been obtained so that they can be used to model boundary value problems with the DEM without need of further calibration. As an example application, the evolution of natural cliffs subject to weathering has been studied. Different weathering scenarios have been considered for an initially vertical cliff. Firstly, the case of uniform weathering has been studied. Although unrealistic, this case has been considered in order to validate the DEM approach by comparison against analytical predictions available from limit analysis. Secondly, nonuniform weathering has been studied. The results obtained clearly show that with the DEM it is possible to realistically model boundary value problems of bonded geomaterials, which would be overwhelmingly difficult to do with other numerical techniques.
KW - distinct element method
KW - bonded geomaterials
KW - cohesive frictional materials
KW - slope stability
U2 - 10.1002/nag.728
DO - 10.1002/nag.728
M3 - Article
VL - 32
SP - 1997
EP - 2031
JO - International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics
JF - International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics
SN - 0363-9061
IS - 17
ER -