Experimental and numerical (DEM and FEM) non-cohesive soil uniaxial compression

Abstract

Compressibility of silica sand grains is investigated by tests and via numerical simulation, validation of obtained r esults performed. The Baltic Sea shore sand in Klaipėda region was used. Shape of sand grains was analyzed by scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and view analysis progr am “STIMAN”. The determined morphological parameters of sand grains where employe d to create discrete models (particle mode ls of grains), subsequently employed fo r sand soil compression test numerical simulatio n via discrete element method (DEM) techniques. The background version of DEM and the numerical time-integration algorith m implemented into original DEMMAT code. Co mpression tests were realized by oedomet er device. Additionally sand compression was simulated with finite element method (FEM) program “PLAXIS 3D FOUNDAT ION” (2007). According to obtained an d validated results it was given recommenda tion to evaluate soil Young’s modulus in numerical simulations via FEM.