Effect of particle gradation on the triaxial test of soil using three-dimensional DEM analysis

Abstract

Numerical simulation of triaxial test are carried out for soil specimens with varying particle size by DEM analysis under the flexible boundary. For the purpose, soil state characteristics such as shear band formation, variation law and the difference between the global void ratio and the local void ratio are particularly focused. Results shows that the shear band of multi-graded specimen is more difficult to create, but it is thicker than that of single-graded specimen. Overall void ratio changes mostly due to particle movement at the shear band and independent to particle gradation. The shear strength of the multi-graded sample is better than that of the single-graded specimen.