A time-to-facture DEM model for simulating creep in rough crushable sand

Abstract

A contact model able to capture creep of crushable sands within a discrete element method (DEM) framework is presented. Time dependency is established through stress-corrosion induced grain fracture. This is grafted onto a pre-existing particle-splitting model developed to simulate rough-crushable sands. The model is calibrated for Fontainebleau sand and applied to simulate soil creep at high-confining pressures. Creep simulation is advanced using the off-DEM ageing technique. The crack-velocity evolution in particle scale and laboratory oedometer creep curve were successfully captured. Moreover, the onset of creep failure during triaxial creep curve under high deviatoric stress can also be simulated using this model. The results obtained indicate significant potential of this model for micromechanically based investigation of time-dependent soil behaviour.