Development of arching in subsoil – trapdoor experiments and discrete element simulations

Abstract

Trapdoor model tests using a soil box with multiple movable base plates were conducted to study the earth pressure distribution associated with differential settlement of subsoil. Spherical glass beads were tested to assess fundamentals of arching mechanism. Discrete element method simulations were performed considering equivalent particle size and material properties. It was found that the earth pressure distribution varies with varying burial depth, and arch formation is observed with increasing the depth. Arching action is further confirmed by evaluating the shear pressure distribution and the ground surface settlement. These observations are in good agreement between experiments and simulations.