The effects of particle shape on the yielding behaviour of crushable sand

Abstract

Discrete element method simulations are used to investigate the effects of particle shape on the plastic behaviour of sand. This is achieved by using four different shapes of crushable particles. The behaviours of the different particles when subjected to isotropic compression, triaxial shearing, and a range of stress path tests are compared, revealing the important role of particle shape on key aspects of behaviour. Yield surfaces are established and analysed with respect to different modes of deformation, and are also shown to depend on the particle shape. A simple state boundary surface is then obtained, which is confirmed by a performing an additional stress path test on a sample that had been sheared to a critical state.