DEM simulations of cemented sands with a statistical representation of micro-bond parameters

The heterogeneity of cemented sands influences its mechanical behavior, and the investigation of heterogeneity properties is a crucial part of the micro-mechanical analysis. This study combined the discrete element method (DEM) model with the Weibull statistics to analyze the effect of heterogeneity on the mechanical properties of cemented sands from macroscopic and particle levels. First, to consider the effect of the irregular particle shape, the two-dimensional (2D) images of realistic particle shape were obtained from an X-ray sample and incorporated into DEM simulations. Then, a flexible membrane boundary was applied in the DEM simulation to allow flexible deformation subjected to external loading. After that, we combined the parallel bond model with Weibull statistics to model the heterogeneity of the cemented sands. Finally, a parametric study was conducted using the established DEM model, considering a range of homogeneity indices and confining pressures. Simulation results not only offer new insights to the ground improvement technology, but also can contribute to the research of the mechanical behavior of cemented sands.