Discrete element model study into effects of particle shape on backfill response to cyclic loading behind an integral bridge abutment

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Authors

Ravjee, Sachin
Jacobsz, Schalk Willem
Wilke, Daniel Nicolas
Govender, Nicolin

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Publisher

Springer

Abstract

The discrete element method, implemented in a modular GPU based framework that supports polyhedral shaped particles (Blaze-DEM), was used to investigate effects of particle shape on backfill response behind integral bridge abutments during temperature-induced displacement cycles. The rate and magnitude of horizontal stress build-up were found to be strongly related to particle sphericity. The stress build-up in particles of high sphericity was gradual and related to densification extending relatively far from the abutment. With increasing angularities, densification was localised near the abutment, but larger and more rapid stress build-up occurred, supported by particle reorientation and interlock developing further away.

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Keywords

Sphericity, Particle shape, Integral bridge abutments, Discrete element method (DEM), Abutments (bridge), Temperature-induced, Stress build-ups, Particle reorientation, Investigate effects, Horizontal stress, Discrete element modeling, Finite difference method

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Citation

Ravjee, S., Jacobsz, S.W., Wilke, D.N. et al. Discrete element model study into effects of particle shape on backfill response to cyclic loading behind an integral bridge abutment. Granular Matter (2018) 20: 68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-018-0840-z.