Long-term response of granular materials subjected to repetitive mechanical loads: Engineering implications

Wonjun Cha , Sang Yeob Kim , Young Chan Kim , Junghee Park

Abstract

This study investigates the long-term response of granular materials subjected to repetitive mechanical loads through integrated experimental and numerical approaches. Repetitive Ko-loading tests, triaxial tests, and simple shear tests reveal two critical asymptotic states governing system behavior: (1) a terminal void ratio controlling volumetric stabilization, and (2) stressobliquity- dependent shear modes transitioning between shakedown and ratcheting. Results demonstrate that repetitive loading alters the coefficient of earth pressure through fabric evolution, quantified via shear wave velocity-stress relationships. Granular degradation analyses show particle abrasion dominates at low-stress/high-cycle conditions, while fines content critically influences deformation response through threshold fines fractions. A new dimensionless shear stress ratio successfully predicts long-term shear response between shakedown and ratcheting. Hybrid numerical modeling combining conventional constitutive model with empirical strain accumulation reduces computational errors and enhance convergency to conventional methods for high-cycle simulations.

Key Words

energy geosystems; ratcheting; repetitive mechanical loads; shakedown; terminal void ratio

Address

Wonjun Cha — Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
Sang Yeob Kim — Department of Fire and Disaster Prevention, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju, 27478, Republic of Korea Chan Kim
and Junghee Park — Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea

PDF Viewer

Preview is limited to the first 3 pages. Sign in to access the full PDF.

← Back to Volume 42, No. 6