Abstract：Hollow cylinder apparatus is a valuable tool to investigate the stress-strain relation of granular materials in complex state. Based on the three-dimensional discrete element method(3D-DEM)，the stacked rigid wall technique is introduced to simulate behavior of hollow cylinder samples in complex stress path. The mechanical response of hollow cylinder sample can be observed in the fixed principal stress rotation including micro-response. The superiority of this technique is discussed，which suggests that the boundary could capture the localization effect of soil sample. Finally，the stress-strain relationship and its micro-parameters evolution are presented in the certain shearing direction. Compared to the results of lab test，the simulation can reasonably capture the stress-strain behavior and dilatancy of the sand. Further，the micro-parameters，including evolution of the stress and strain localization，porosity and void ratio are investigated. The capability and limitation of the hollow cylinder are discussed. In conclusion，the DEM technique as an alternative tool does complement the element test and provide the possibility to investigate the macro- and micro-scopic behavior of granular materials.
2014, Vol. 33 
