Comparison of X-ray CT and Discrete Element Method in the Evaluation of Tunnel Face Failure
ABSTRACT. A comparison of x-ray computed tomography and three-dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM) analysis used in a boundary problem is presented. A tunnel face failure was simulated in a model test by pulling a cylinder out of a granular layer. The granular layer was investigated by X-ray computed tomography after pulling the cylinder and revealed a three dimensional face failure. The difference value of displacement of the cylinder made it possible to observe the mechanisms of development of the failure mechanisms such as arching effect. This experiment was reproduced with DEM. The mechanisms observed in the experimental study were well performed in one case. However, a second numerical analysis involving different particle shape (clump particles) was performed and showed a self-stable arch in the granular material, which was not observed in the experiment.
KEYWORDS: computed tomography, discrete element method, tunnel
1. Introduction
The study of boundary problems in geotechnical engineering is very important for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the interaction between soil and structures. The use of non destructive ...
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