Discrete element simulation of the dynamic compaction for rock-filled embankment considering block stone gradation and shape
XU Ping1, 2, LUO Yanghao1, QIAO Shifan3*, DONG Hui1, 2, CHEN Bin1, 2, HE Jiaxiong1
(1. College of Civil Engineering, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, Hunan 411105, China; 2. Key Laboratory of Geotechnical Mechanics and Engineering Safety of Hunan Province, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, Hunan 411105, China; 3. School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410075, China)
Abstract：To analyze the differences in the dynamic compaction process and effects of rock-filled embankments under the conditions of heavy hammer with low drop height and light hammer with high drop height, a discrete element model was developed that accounts for the shape of block stones and particle breakage. By comparing and analyzing the displacement, stress response, and particle breakage characteristics of the rock-filled embankment under the two conditions, the construction parameters and effective reinforcement ranges for dynamic compaction were determined. The results indicate that: (1) The analysis of tamping times, crater depth, and heave deformation characteristics under both conditions shows high consistency with field test measurements, demonstrating that the established discrete element model for dynamic compaction can effectively analyze the reinforcement effect of rock-filled embankments; (2) The critical vertical displacement area and horizontal displacement area of the block stone fillers, caused by the impact energy of dynamic compaction, exhibit pear-shaped and apple-shaped profiles, respectively. The effective vertical reinforcement depths for dynamic compaction using heavy hammer with low drop height and light hammer with high drop height are approximately 4.9 m and 4.5 m, respectively, while the effective lateral reinforcement widths are approximately 3.9 m and 3.7 m, respectively; (3) The impact energy from dynamic compaction leads to significant particle fragmentation within the block stone fillers, with the fragmentation development process occurring as follows: initial state→local fragmentation→through fragmentation→overall fragmentation; (4) The reinforcement effect of dynamic compaction using heavy hammer with low drop height is superior to that of light hammer with high drop height. The heavy hammer with low drop height not only effectively reinforces the block stone fillers in the shallow areas of the embankment but also significantly improves the compaction effect in the deeper areas. These research findings provide a basis for the design of construction parameters and the evaluation of reinforcement effects in dynamic compaction projects involving rock-filled embankments in mountainous areas.
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2026, Vol. 45 
