Discrete element model (DEM) simulations of cone penetration test (CPT) measurements and soil classification

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the simulation of cone penetration tests (CPTs) using the discrete element model (DEM) method. This study’s main objective is to investigate the effect of different modeling parameters and simulation configurations on the ability of three-dimensional DEM simulations to replicate realistic CPT tip resistance (qc) and friction sleeve shear stress (fs) measurements. The CPT tests were simulated in virtual calibration chambers (VCCs) containing particles calibrated to model the behavior of sand. The parameters investigated included the granular assembly properties, interparticle contact parameters, particle–probe interface characteristics, and simulation configuration. Results indicate that the interparticle contact parameters, boundary conditions, and void ratio have an important role in the tip resistance and friction sleeve measurements obtained from the simulations. Particle-level interactions such as particle displacements and rotations and interparticle contact forces were analyzed throughout to provide insight into the differences in measured CPT response. Interpretation of the qc and fs measurements using soil behavior type (SBT) charts for soil classification indicates that the simulated CPT response is representative of the response of coarse-grained soils measured during field soundings. Analysis of results within the SBT framework can provide insight into the influence of soil particle properties on CPT-based soil classification.