A discrete-based multi-scale modeling approach for the propagation of seismic waves in soils

A three-dimensional multi-scale discrete–continuum model (Finite Volume Method × Discrete Element Method, FVM DEM) is developed for a discrete-based description of the mechanical behavior granular soils in boundary value problems (BVPs). In such scheme, constitutive response material derived through direct DEM computations on representative volume element attached to each mesh element. The approach includes inertial effect stress homogenization formulation and serves study mechanism propagation seismic waves, comparison with more classical BVP simulation that adopts an advanced bounding surface plasticity “P2PSand”. We start detailed fair calibration validation these two models against laboratory tests Toyoura sand under monotonic cyclic loading. Then, performance approaches compared case wave loading passing saturated soil column different relative densities, revealing several differences between results models.