Stress transmission in a multi-phase granular packing

Abstract

We analyze stress transmission in granular media involving an interstitial cementing matrix of variable volume fraction. We rely on a lattice-type discretization of both the particles and cemented matrix. We show that the stress chains are essentially guided by the cementing matrix in tension and by the particulate backbone in compression. The signature of granular structure appears clearly on the probability density functions of node stresses. We can discern large, intermediate and weak stresses. The stress distributions are increasingly wider for a decreasing matrix volume fraction in tension. Finally, we compare the contact force network computed from stresses localized at the matrix bridges between particles with that computed by means of the discrete element method with cohesive interactions and for the same configuration of the particles. We show that the two methods yield similar force patterns at low matrix volume fraction. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.