Influence of inherent anisotropy on mechanical behavior of granular materials based on DEM simulations

Abstract We study the influence of inherent anisotropy, i.e. bedding angle on stress–strain behavior and shear band formation in quasi‐static granular media. Plane strain biaxial tests are carried out using two‐dimensional distinct element method (DEM). Oval/elliptical‐shaped particles are generated by overlapping the discrete circular elements. Particle assemblies with four different bedding angles are tested. Evolution of the microstructure inside and outside the shear band and effect of bedding angle on the microstructure are investigated. Influence of bedding angle on fabric and force anisotropy is studied. It is found that by using non‐circular particles, generation of large voids and excess particle rotations inside the shear band are reproduced in a quite similar manner to those of the natural granular soils, which are difficult to produce with standard DEM simulations using circular particles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.