Interfacial Shearing Behavior Analysis of Rockfill Using FDEM Simulation with Irregularly Shaped Particles

Abstract

A set of numerical experiments of simple shear tests of rockfill–structure interfaces were performed using the combined finite- and discrete-element method (FDEM). Each particle was modeled as a polyhedron to represent irregularly shaped rock grains, such as gravel and rockfills. The interfacial shear behavior was analyzed from the perspective of macroscopic mechanical responses and the evolution of contact networks and fabric structures. The macroscopic responses of the interfacial shearing of the rockfill–structure interfaces were typical of those observed in laboratory tests. A shear banding process was observed adjacent to the structure surface. The microscopic observations provided comprehensive information about the shear-induced phenomena in rockfill–structure interfaces.