Abstract
In this paper we show DEM simulations of static and cyclic large triaxial tests on a sample of railway ballast. The sample is reconstructed from X-Ray tomography images of an untested laboratory sample, recovered by impregnation with an epoxy resin. Measurements of both shape and fabric are carried out; the sample shows a high anisotropy of particle orientations due to the preparation procedure and a high shape heterogeneity. A DEM model is then generated using clumps to model single particles, preserving the shape of each particle and the fabric of the sample. Results of static and cyclic simulations are shown and compared with previous simulations on numerically generated samples, showing the importance of an accurate representation of the whole range of particle shapes, as well as confirming the effect of particle anisotropy on the mechanical response.Graphical
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
