Using discrete element methods, geotechnical engineers can create “virtual laboratories” to simulate conventional laboratory tests. In this study, three-dimensional DEM simulations of direct shear tests are coupled with equivalent physical tests on steel balls. The macro-scale response of simulations is compared with the physical test results to validate the discrete element model and to gain i...

The rockfill structures are widely constructed throughout the world and rockfills are largely used in these structures as main materials or filler materials. In the crust of earth dams, the rockfill materials role is to stabilize the body of the dam, however, the behavior of these materials in Particular their shear strength is not fully understood. In this study, different tests have been cond...

Constant suction direct shear test enables the understanding of failure mechanism in rainfallinduced landslides. It can be conducted using a conventional apparatus with some modifications. The constant is carried out two stages. In first stage, unsaturated soil specimen consolidated to target net normal stress and matric then sheared second stage. Matric usually controlled axis-translation prin...