skip to content

IS-Cambridge 2014

1 - 3 September 2014. Cambridge, UK.
 

Topics covered by the Conference

Soils are composed of grains but they are generally treated as continua in the classical framework of geomechanics. Their macroscopic response under loading, such as their non-linearity and anisotropy, is controlled by their micro-structure, the characteristics of the grains and the disposition of contacts between them. There have been rapid advances in technology both to investigate the microscopic properties of soils, and to simulate their granular behavior explicitly through Discrete Element Method (DEM). DEM was originally used to reproduce element tests, but it is now being advocated for boundary-value problems. This symposium aims to provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and information on experiments, numerical models and engineering applications related to the discrete nature of geomaterials.

 

Main topics


Micro and macro characterization

  • Natural / disturbed soils
  • Dry / partially saturated soils
  • Rocks / cemented materials
  • Sands / clays
  • Non-terrestrial soils
  • Experimental techniques
  • Microscopy / Imaging
  • Visualization of particle movement

Discrete element modeling

  • Particle shape, size and grading
  • Dry / partially saturated soils
  • Crushable grains
  • Small strain, yielding and failure
  • Creep and rate effects
  • Shear bands / compaction bands
  • Vibrations / dynamics
  • Granular flow

Engineering applications

  • In-situ tests
  • Slope stability
  • Foundations
  • Landslides and granular flow
  • Tunneling engineering
  • Hydraulic engineering
  • Railway and pavement engineering
  • Reservoir geomechanics and well-boring