Discrete element modelling of rock-fill behaviour: Collapse settlement

A confined uniaxial compression test with collapse settlement due to wetting was modelled using the discrete element method, 2D and 3D quasi-random arrangements of particles were produced from a single fractured block. A prototype uniaxial test with wetting was done on a rockfill sample taken from a weathered rock mass. A slip test was made to determine the interparticle friction angle, Point load test results were available. Particle corner fracture was found to have primordial importance and as such some simple criteria were implemented in connection with the DEM.