The impact of initial fabric anisotropy on cyclic liquefaction behavior with polygonal particles using the discrete element method (DEM)

Abstract

Abstract Liquefaction is one of the most significant phenomena that can occur in soil during an earthquake. The destructive effects of this phenomenon on earth structures have captured the attention of many geotechnical engineers. Additionally, the gradual increase in pore water pressure during the cyclic loading induced by the propagation of earthquake waves, known as cyclic liquefaction, is a crucial factor that might lead to the complete loss of shear strength in soils. A better understanding of cyclic liquefaction is essential for improving earthquake hazard analysis and mitigating structural damage. Factors influencing liquefaction behavior include particle size, particle grading, and soil fabric. By “soil fabric,” we refer to the arrangement and positioning of particles with each other, particle shape, and the shape of voids among particles. This research aims to focus on the effects of fabric anisotropy on cyclic liquefaction of granular soils with angular particles. To carry out this investigation, the discrete element method has been employed. In the discrete element method, the geometry of particles and, generally, the soil fabric can be considered. In this research, specimens with varying particle orientation angles were produced and subjected to cyclic loading tests under undrained conditions. By examining the stress paths of specimens during cyclic loading, it is observed that the initial fabric and inherent anisotropy significantly influence the behavior of the specimens. Inherent anisotropy leads to varying numbers of cycles required for the initial liquefaction of each specimen. Furthermore, it is observed that as the particle orientation angle increases, the localization of axial strains shifts from tensile to compressive directions. The effect of inherent anisotropy plays a substantial role in the initial liquefaction (ru = 1). If the liquefaction of specimens is of interest at lower values of ru, the effect of inherent anisotropy can be disregarded.