Multiscale analysis of active state failure behind a retaining wall

Abstract

Discrete element method (DEM) simulates the interaction of particulate material by tracking the displacement and calculation of force for individual grains. Current study, initially simulates the active state failure behind a retaining wall for a cohesionless backfill. The considered particles are differentiated by shape parameter; both spherical and non-spherical particles are included. Additionally, a physical lab-scale model retaining wall that can reproduce active state failure is utilized in this study. Tests are performed on a uniformly graded local sand (Akpinar sand). The model has transparent wall which will allow the observation of the deformation during the test. Eventually, failure surface evolution from DEM simulations is compared qualitatively to those of experimental observations. Obtained results suggest that it is crucial to incorporate non-spherical particles for DEM simulations to enable realistic representation of a granular backfill.