Earth Pressure of the Trapdoor Problem Using Three-Dimensional Discrete Element Method

Load transformation from the yielding part of soil to adjacent is known as arching effect, which plays an important role in design various geotechnical infrastructures. Terzaghi’s trapdoor test was milestone development theories on arching. The research earth pressure problem presented this paper using three-dimensional (3D) discrete element method (DEM). Five 3D models with different heights are established by DEM software PFC 3D. variation downward movement trapdoor, distribution vertical along horizontal direction, lateral coefficient depth magnitude and direction contact force chain studied, respectively. Related results show that decreases rapidly after then reaches minimum pressure. After that, earth’s will rise slightly, whether phenomenon occurs depends ratio. For bottom soil, due stress transfer caused ratio loose area decreases, while stable increases. With moving down, zone basically consistent initial state, shows approximate linear distribution. moves changes, far less than theoretical value its self-weight. Because compression both sides, most areas central axis close passive Kp. existence a ‘soil arch’ can be observed intuitively diagram zone.