Flowability Evaluation of Higher Fluidization Treated Soils by Granules Analysis with Distinct Element Method

Abstract

This paper clarifies the flow analysis method of fluidization-treated soils using 3D granules analysis by distinct element method (DEM) and the validity of the method. In recent years, fluidization-treated soils have been widely used as a material for landfilling such as underground space and so on in Japan. However, in the design and construction of fluidization-treated soils, it is based on the existing rule of thumb. In this study, the authors considered the applicability of 3D granules analysis by DEM in the flowability evaluation of fluidization-treated soils. As a result, it was clarified that flowability of fluidization-treated soil can be well reproduced by using 3D granules analysis by DEM. In addition, flowability was compared and evaluated by simulating pumping of two types of fluidization-treated soils using 3D granules analysis by DEM.