Simulation and Analysis of Shear Properties of Loess and Concrete Structures Based on the Discrete Element Method

Abstract

To address the issue of shear damage at the interface of loess and concrete structures, we utilized the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate a straight shear test at the interface. By analyzing the distribution of contact force between particles and the evolution law, we were able to determine the shear characteristics of the contact surface and explore the formation of the shear zone.The test results indicate that the established discrete element contact model simulation results are generally consistent with the indoor test results after calibrating the contact model parameters through the test. The simulation of the contact surface test using discrete element analysis shows strain softening during the shear process. The shear stress-shear displacement curve is consistent with the test results. Additionally, the intergranular contact force and number of contacts increase with normal stress. Near the contact surface of the structure, the intergranular contact force gradually increases during the shear process, resulting in a region of relative stress concentration known as the shear zone.The feasibility of establishing a discrete element model of the contact structure was further verified by simulating and analyzing the direct shear test on the contact surface of loess and concrete structure. The model parameters were calibrated to provide a basis for analyzing the soil-structure interaction.