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Combined spheropolyhedral discrete element (DE)–finite element (FE) computational modeling of vertical plate loading on cohesionless soil

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Abstract

This paper presents a combined spheropolyhedral discrete element (DE)–finite element (FE) computational approach to simulating vertical plate loading on cohesionless soils such as gravels. The gravel particles are modeled as discrete elements, and the plate is modeled as a deformable FE continuum. The simulations provide a meaningful step toward better understanding how deformable bodies transmit loads to granular materials. The DE–FE contact algorithm is verified through comparison with an analytical solution for impact between two symmetric bars. A parametric study is conducted to ensure boundary effects are not significantly influencing the simulations. Numerical simulations are compared to experimental test results of lightweight deflectometer loading on a gravel base course with satisfactory agreement. Future developments of the approach intend to simulate wheel loading of military aircraft on unsurfaced airfields.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge support from the Department of Defense (DoD) High Performance Computing Modernization Office (HPCMO) to the USAFA which funded hardware, and Grant FA7000-15-2-005 to the University of Colorado Boulder. The authors thank Cadet Pawin Sarabol for running numerous simulations during a summer internship at the University of Colorado Boulder. ZD, BZ, and RAR also acknowledge partial funding from ONR MURI Grant N00014-11-1-0691.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, 2354 Fairchild Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80020, USA

    Christopher T. Senseney

  2. Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA

    Zheng Duan, Boning Zhang & Richard A. Regueiro

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  1. Christopher T. Senseney
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  2. Zheng Duan
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  3. Boning Zhang
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  4. Richard A. Regueiro
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Correspondence to Zheng Duan.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

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Senseney, C.T., Duan, Z., Zhang, B. et al. Combined spheropolyhedral discrete element (DE)–finite element (FE) computational modeling of vertical plate loading on cohesionless soil. Acta Geotech. 12, 593–603 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-016-0519-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-016-0519-8

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