Micro-Scale Mechanism Of Liquefaction Of Saturated Granular Soils

A coupled continuum-discrete model was utilized to simulate the macro-scale pore flow and micro-scale solid phase deformation of saturated granular soils. The pore fluid motion was idealized using averaged Navier-Stokes equations and the discrete element method was employed to model the solid particles. These two sets of equations were coupled by the no-slip fluid boundary conditions imposed on the surface of each particle. Well established semi-empirical relationships were utilized to quantify the fluid-particle interactions. Numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the mechanisms of saturated granular deposit liquefaction when subjected to a dynamic earthquake-type base excitation. The outcome of these simulations was consistent with experimental observations and reveal valuable information on the micro-mechanical characteristics of soil liquefaction.