We are excited to share our latest research, “Numerical Modelling of Expansive Geomaterials: Finite Element Formulation and Constitutive Models,” published in Computers and Geotechnics!
Together with Antonia Nitsch (RUB), Torsten Wichtmann (RUB), and Carlos Grandas (BTU Cottbus), we delve into the challenging behavior of expansive soils, which can swell when in contact with water, leading to significant changes in volume or the development of swelling pressure. We propose a novel finite element framework based on the Theory of Porous Media (TPM), introducing a hydro-mechanically coupled hypoplastic constitutive model. All implemented in the finite element code numgeo.
Some key highlights:
- A three-dimensional hydro-mechanically coupled hypoplastic constitutive model for expansive soils, predicting both swelling strain or swelling stress depending on boundary conditions.
- A mass transfer mechanism handling the transition from free water to swelling water, directly affecting hydraulic conductivity.
- Demonstrated accuracy through laboratory test simulations.
Check out the full article here
An animation of an unconfined swelling test on an Opalinus clay sample between two filter plates with water supply from both top and bottom is shown below.
