Abstract
A numerical model able to simulate the grain breakage with the discrete element method, using the “Non-Smooth Contact Dynamics” is presented. The model reproduces 3D grains having complex shapes and is tested in single grain and in oedometric compressions. Numerical simulations are then carried out to evaluate the different energies active during breakage (surface creation and redistribution energies). The surface creation energy is estimated. Results are closed to the ones found in the literature.
Highlights
Civil engineering structures built using rockfill undergo substantial deformation throughout their entire lifespan, due to the possible breakage of the material and the subsequent rearrangements under their own weight
In order to estimate the value of Γ specific to the numerically modelled material used in the oedometric simulations, a series of simulations is performed by dividing a single grain into tetrahedral particles, while keeping the rest of the grains unbreakable, and the sample is completely identical initially
A numerical breakable grain model is developed to study the energies involved in the breaking of grains
Summary
Civil engineering structures built using rockfill undergo substantial deformation throughout their entire lifespan, due to the possible breakage of the material and the subsequent rearrangements under their own weight. Grain breakage plays a major role in the behaviour of these coarse granular materials. Numerical modelling seems to be an alternative to understand and predict the behaviour of rockfill structures, and to propose solutions to avoid the risks that this type of structure can possibly present. The present work proposes a threedimensional polyhedral (convex) grain model, capable of breaking, used in discrete numerical simulations to realistically reproduce the grain shapes present in nature. This grain model is tested in single grain compression tests and implemented into a multigrain oedometric sample. A method is proposed to estimate the different energies involved during the breaking of the grains
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