Validation of porosity in 2D-DEM CPT model using large scale shaking table tests in saturated sands

Abstract

This paper contains the calibration phase of two-dimensional numerical modelling of Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) in clean saturated sand deposits. The data for calibration is obtained from the CPTs conducted before five different large scale laminar box shaking table tests. The numerical simulations of the cone penetration tests are carried out under application of the Distinct Element Method (DEM) software PFC2D (ITASCA, 2008). This software has additional basic fluid analysis option which uses well recognized SIMPLE shame (Patankar, 1980). A series of conventional Consolidated Drained (CD) triaxial tests were performed in the laboratory to assess the stress-strain behavior of the tested soil. Based on these physical experiments, calibration and scaling of DEM model was performed. In this paper, it is also proven that CPT laminar box based correlations facilitate to overcome limitations of 2D simulation. Outcome can be widely and successfully applied both in scientific research and engineering practice.