Micromechanical analysis of particle corner effect on bearing and deformation behaviors of coral sand slope foundation under a strip footing

Abstract

The significance of breakable particle corners is often overlooked in slope foundation research, resulting in an unclear understanding of the specific behaviors of coastal coral sand slope foundations. Compared with the results in model tests, the discrete element method (DEM) was employed to examine the effect of breakable particle corners on the performance of coral sand slope foundations under a strip footing, from macro to micro scales. The results demonstrate that the bearing characteristics of coral sand slope foundations can be successfully modeled by utilizing breakable corner particles in simulations. The dual effects of interlocking and breakage of corners well explained the specific shallower load transmission and narrower shear stress zones in breakable corner particle slopes. Additionally, the study revealed the significant influence of breakable corners on soil behaviors on slopes. Furthermore, progressive corner breakage within slip bands was successfully identified as the underling mechanism in determining the unique bearing characteristics and the distinct failure patterns of breakable corner particle slopes. This study provides a new perspective to clarify the behaviors of slope foundations composed of breakable corner particle materials.

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