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Effect of initial fabric anisotropy on cyclic liquefaction behavior of granular soils using discrete element method

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Abstract

This study employs the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to investigate the influence of initial fabric anisotropy on the cyclic liquefaction behavior of granular soils. Static and cyclic biaxial compression tests under undrained condition are simulated using two-dimensional elongated sharp-angled particles. Initial fabric anisotropy is introduced by considering a pre-defined inclined angle of elongated particles inside the sample. Results from the simulations reveal that varying fabric anisotropy affects the stress paths, resulting in a significant decrease in the maximum internal friction angle; however, the critical state internal friction angle is less affected. When subjected to cyclic loading, anisotropic samples exhibit distinct behavior influenced by initial fabric anisotropy. Comparison of the results with those of limited experiments in the literature confirms the simulations validity. The effective confining stress diminishes, leading to progressive liquefaction. The number of cycles required for initial liquefaction varies due to inherent anisotropy, and fabric anisotropy causes a shift in the concentration of compression or extension strains within the samples. Lower values of cyclic stress ratio amplifies the influence of inherent anisotropy on excess pore water pressure ratios. In addition to stress approach, the strain-based liquefaction resistance is also investigated by defining double amplitude strain values. It is found that when the double strain level is relatively small, the impact of inherent anisotropy becomes more noticeable. This study enhances the understanding of the role of initial fabric anisotropy in cyclic liquefaction behavior and provides insights for engineering design and mitigation strategies in seismic-prone areas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

    Mahsa Ajam Norouzi & Ehsan Seyedi Hosseininia

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  1. Mahsa Ajam Norouzi
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  2. Ehsan Seyedi Hosseininia
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Correspondence to Ehsan Seyedi Hosseininia.

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Ajam Norouzi, M., Seyedi Hosseininia, E. Effect of initial fabric anisotropy on cyclic liquefaction behavior of granular soils using discrete element method. Granular Matter 26, 25 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-024-01397-4

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