DEM-based Micromechanical Characterization and Quantification of Particle Breakage Effects on the Shear Behavior of Crushable Sands

Despite significant research on the mechanical behavior of crushable sands, the micromechanics associated with particle breakage are not fully understood. As a result, the quantification of particle breakage effects on sand behavior largely remains empirical or phenomelogical, and there is a lack of a physics-based analytical model, such as a stress-dilatancy relationship which accounts for the particle breakage effects in a rational way. Central to this problem is the insufficient knowledge of the role of material fabric in the sand deformation process. This project aims to further the knowledge frontier in this area using the 3D DEM method. In particular, a novel micro-scale critical state soil mechanics approach accounting for sand fabric will be employed for the micromechanical investigation. The outcome of this research will improve the ability of geotechnical engineers to make more rational geotechnical designs in crushable soils occurring in Hong Kong and around the world.