Integration of rubber particles into sand-structure interface response: a DEM study
Advanced Powder Technology, cilt.37, sa.11, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 37 Sayı: 11
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.apt.2026.105429
- Dergi Adı: Advanced Powder Technology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Microscale response, Rubber, Sand, Shear strength, Structure interface
- Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study investigates the effects of soft rubber particles on the macro- and micro-scale shear response of sand–structure interfaces. Rubber particles were integrated with two configurations: (1) mixed with sand particles and (2) stratified on the structure surface. Surfaces were modeled using two asymmetric roughness forms across three roughness scales. Parameters were calibrated using grain-scale compression and digital image correlation-monitored interface shear experiments. Results show that rubber role is governed by a coupling between roughness characteristics and rubber location. While the mixed configuration improves shear strength under combinations of low rubber content and low roughness scales, the on-surface configuration reduces shear strength. A positive relationship between contact anisotropy and shear strength was established for both rubber configurations. The location of peak rotations shifts above the interface plane in pure sand, where rigid surface textures encapsulate adjacent sand particles. However, the on-surface rubber layer creates a soft cushion that neutralizes surface textures and suppresses sand particle rotations, preventing severe material disturbance during shearing. This controlled particle kinematics allows engineers to strategically implement rubber-coated surfaces to minimize soil damage during structure installations.