Discrete elements

Quantification of anisotropy in fabric using numerical techniques

Granular materials like sandy and gravely soils are composed of an assembly of individual particles. A given soil deposit or specimen has a specific arrangement of individual particles, clumps of particles, and void spaces. This spatial arrangement, along with the orientation of interparticle contacts, encompasses the basis of the soil fabric concept. Experimentally soil, fabric can be quantified by non-destructive methods such as image microscopy and X-ray computed tomography. While these state-of-the-art methods provide accurate and useful information, they require specialized equipment and analysis methods.