Discrete element analysis of the fabric evolution of granular soils during cyclic loading

Abstract

The fabric anisotropy has been found to play an important role in the response of granular soils, and should be fully considered in the constructing of continuum models. Soils can experience cyclic loadings in a range of situations and prediction of cyclic soil response is obviously important to geotechnical engineers. However, it is not very clear how the fabric evolves under cyclic loading. This paper carried out a series of stress-controlled cyclic triaxial tests in drained conditions using three-dimensional DEM. A fabric anisotropy parameter derived from the contact normal direction was mainly examined and analysed during testing. It was found that the fabric evolution appeared differently in loose and dense granular sands. A significant difference in the fabric evolutions can be seen between the loading and reloading paths in the reversal of cyclic shear stress condition.