Discrete Element Simulations of the Cone Penetration Tests in Sandy Soil

Abstract:

The simulative study with discrete element method for the cone penetration into the sandy soil was investigated. The results of the simulations and the tests are in good agreement, and the friction on the cone side surface has little influence on the penetration resistance. The conclusion of DEM shows that the strong force chain is located at the cone tip, where the directions of particle velocities are in disorder, while the particles in other place are almost stabile. The penetration resistance increased as the increase of penetration depth, and the normal pressure on the side wall of the soil bin. However, the penetration velocity has little influence on the penetration resistance.