Abstract The scale effect of rockfill exists objectively and is influenced by many factors. The existing test results conducted by different researchers show different and even reverse trends. By employing the stochastic granular discontinuous deformation method(SGDD) considering particle breakage,the mesoscopic mechanism of rockfill scale effects is studied,and attempting to explain the reasons leading to different test results. This research mainly focuses on the effects of degree of compaction control standard and particle properties on scale effects of rockfill. The simulation results show that particle shape and grading have great influence on compaction capacity of rockfill,so the degree of compaction controlled by relative density is much more reasonable. With the increasing of maximum particle size,the uniformity coefficient of rockfill increases;particles provide a higher degree of interlocking and bring about a higher initial tangent modulus. The scale effects on rockfill strength is much more complicated,which is related with scaling method,degree of compaction control standard and particle?s own properties. The shear strength of rockfill comes from shear dilation,particle breakage and particle rearrangement. Under the influences of external factors,these three mechanisms of action will eliminate and replace each other. The final response depends on which factor is dominant. The attempt to find a universal model to describe the properties of scaled rockfill and to extrapolate the mechanical parameters of prototype rockfill is rarely practical. The research aimed at specific rockfill can be conducted.
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Received: 04 May 2012
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