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Discrete element model study into effects of particle shape on backfill response to cyclic loading behind an integral bridge abutment

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Abstract

The discrete element method, implemented in a modular GPU based framework that supports polyhedral shaped particles (Blaze-DEM), was used to investigate effects of particle shape on backfill response behind integral bridge abutments during temperature-induced displacement cycles. The rate and magnitude of horizontal stress build-up were found to be strongly related to particle sphericity. The stress build-up in particles of high sphericity was gradual and related to densification extending relatively far from the abutment. With increasing angularities, densification was localised near the abutment, but larger and more rapid stress build-up occurred, supported by particle reorientation and interlock developing further away.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

    Sachin Ravjee & Schalk Willem Jacobsz

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

    Daniel Nicolas Wilke

  3. Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK

    Nicolin Govender

  4. Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering, Graz, Austria

    Nicolin Govender

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  1. Sachin Ravjee
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  2. Schalk Willem Jacobsz
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  3. Daniel Nicolas Wilke
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  4. Nicolin Govender
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Correspondence to Sachin Ravjee.

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Ravjee, S., Jacobsz, S.W., Wilke, D.N. et al. Discrete element model study into effects of particle shape on backfill response to cyclic loading behind an integral bridge abutment. Granular Matter 20, 68 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-018-0840-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-018-0840-z

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