Numerical simulation of the influence of particle shape on the mechanical properties of rockfill materials. Issue 7 (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Han, Hongxing; Chen, Wei; Huang, Bin; Fu, Xudong
• Is Part Of: Engineering computations. Volume 34:Issue 7(2017)
• Page Start: 2228
• Page End: 2241
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Numerical simulation -- Particle breakage -- Particle shape -- Rockfill materials -- Shape factor; Computer-aided engineering -- Periodicals; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; 620.00285
• DOI: 10.1108/EC-12-2016-0453
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-4401

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to propose a shape factor for granular materials based on particle shape. The scientific goal is to investigate the influence of particle shape on the mechanical properties of rockfill materials. Design/methodology/approach: The method of generating four regular-shaped particles is based on the observation that most rockfill grains are regarded as like-triangle, like-rhombus, like-square and like-hexagon. A shape factor F that is developed using the Blaschke coefficient and a concave–convex degree is proposed. A biaxial compression test on rockfill materials under stress path is numerically simulated by discrete element method. The evolution of the shape factor F under the simulated stress paths is analyzed, and particle breakage rate, peak intensity and peak-related internal friction angle for rockfill materials are derived. A method of determining the shape factor F involved in the two functions is proposed. Findings: A new micro-parameter is calibrated using the test data of one rockfill material. Particle shape greatly affects the particle breakage rate, peak intensity and peak-related internal friction angle for rockfill materials. The final experimental grading curves all approach the particle breakage grading curve proposed by Einav (the fractal dimension is 2.7). Originality/value: This study proposes a shape factor F, which describes the geometric features of natural rockfill particles. The proposed shape factor F has a simple structure, and its parameters are easy to determine. The method provides an opportunity for a quantitative study on the particle shape of granular materials, and this study helps to better understand the influence of particle shape on the mechanical characteristics of rockfill materials.