Discrete element modelling of a flexible membrane for triaxial testing of granular material at high pressures

de Bono, John P.; McDowell, Glenn R.; Wanatowski, Dariusz

Abstract

The discrete element method (DEM) has been used to simulate triaxial tests on a bonded material at high pressures. A key feature of the model is the use of a flexible membrane that allows the correct volumetric deformation and the true failure mode to develop while applying constant confining pressure to the triaxial sample. The correct pattern of behaviour has been observed across a wide range of confining pressures, with both shear planes and barrelling failure being observed. The radial pressure applied by the membrane remains constant after large strains and deformation.

Citation

de Bono, J. P., McDowell, G. R., & Wanatowski, D. (2012). Discrete element modelling of a flexible membrane for triaxial testing of granular material at high pressures. Géotechnique Letters, 2(4), https://doi.org/10.1680/geolett.12.00040

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: Jul 25, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 25, 2014
• Journal: Géotechnique Letters
• Electronic ISSN: 2045-2543
• Publisher: Thomas Telford
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 4
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/geolett.12.00040
• Keywords: laboratory tests; failure; strain localisation; deformation; discrete-element modelling; numerical modelling
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1006402
• Publisher URL: http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/content/article/10.1680/geolett.12.00040
• Related Public URLs: http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/content/journals
• Additional Information: Permission is granted by ICE Publishing to print one copy for personal use. Any other use of these PDF files is subject to reprint fees.