Combined DEM-FDM modelling of encased stone column

Combination of the continuum-based numerical methods and the discrete element method (DEM) could be a powerful way of simulating complex problems. This approach benefits from the capabilities of both methods. The main feature of the discrete element method is that the soil grains are considered as individual particles without need to impose any behaviour law in modelling the medium. The limitation of this method is, however, its high computational demand. In continuum based methods, on the other hand, it is impossible to trace micro scale phenomena. According to these facts, combining continuum and discrete methods is an optimal way in approaching geotechnical problems which deal with granular soils. In this approach, the coarse grain zone (medium) is modelled using DEM and the surrounding media are modelled using the continuum methods. Stone columns that are widely used for improving and/or increasing the strength of weak soils could be modelled using this type of coupled simulation. The Coarse aggregates present in the stone column make it appropriate for the coupled modelling. In this paper, the ordinary and encased stone columns have been simulated by combining 2D DEM and finite difference method (FDM). Clump technique was employed to achieve the interlocking of aggregate particles in DEM, and the surrounding cohesive soil was modelled using FDM. The obtained results were validated by the reported experimental results in the literature, indicating that the coupled DEM-FDM method is a robust way to simulate stone columns.