抄録
The mechanical characteristics of an EPS block light weight fill, which consists of assembled EPS (Expanded Poly-Styrol) blocks, was investigated. The mechanism of load propagation and deformation of the fill was examined in two series of laboratory tests on EPS block model fills ; Load Propagation and Deformation Tests were conducted on the EPS block model fills with various internal structures. The test results obtained, revealed that the characteristic mechanical behavior of the fill is a type of discrete media ; the mechanical properties of EPS block fill is very much influenced by its internal structure. The influence of fasteners was also investigated experimentally. The behaviors of the fills observed in the laboratory tests were analyzed by two numerical calculation methods : DEM (Distinct Element Method) and FEM (Finite Element Method). As a result of the comparison of the calculation results with the observed behaviors, the superior applicability of DEM to EPS block fills was shown. It was found that DEM can explain the load propagation properties with regard to the effect of fastener, and simulate the deformation behavior of the fill.
