Physical Model and Discrete Element Method Analysis of a Granular Platform Supported by Piles in Soft Soil

Abstract

Two-dimensional experiments were conducted on a small scale model simulating a granular platform over soft soil improved using vertical stiff piles, using the Schneebeli's soil analog. The soft soil is simulated using foam elements and the stiff piles are modeled using steel block elements fixed to the rigid frame. The aim of this study is to investigate the load transfer mechanisms by arching in the platform and the settlement reduction and homogenization. The experimental parametric study has been used for comparison to numerical models. A discrete element method approach is implemented to simulate the granular platform. In this modeling, each rod is simulated by a rigid disk and the contact constitutive law between the rods is linear. The micromechanical parameters are calibrated on biaxial compression tests. The physical experiments are then simulated. The numerical results are compared to the experimental results and a good agreement is found in terms of load transfer onto the piles. The contact forces between particles are investigated.