Multi-scale modelling of kaolinite triaxial behaviour

P Aminpour and KJ Sjoblom, GEOTECHNIQUE LETTERS, 9, 178-185 (2019).

DOI: 10.1680/jgele.18.00194

To understand the relationship between microscopic variables and macroscopic engineering properties of kaolinite particles, a molecular dynamics simulation of triaxial shear tests was developed. The calculations were based on a coarse-grained representation of kaolinite particles, considering the action of Derjaguin-Landau-Vervey-Overbeek forces and the granular interactions. The objective of this study was to provide an understanding of the micro- to macro-linkage of mechanical properties through the development of a versatile numerical framework to accurately duplicate the interactions between clay particles and to study the three-dimensional mechanical behaviour of granular matters. To understand the capabilities of the method, several computer simulations of the periodic true triaxial compression and extension tests of both isotropically and one-dimensionally consolidated specimens were carried out.

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