ABSTRACT
In geotechnical engineering, there are two approaches to solve mechanical property of soils. One is the use of continuum mechanics and the other is that of theory of granular materials. In case of numerical analysis, finite element method (FEM) is in the former category while distinct element method (DEM) is the latter ones. Even if either of those approaches is chosen, it can be said that the precise discussion on the strain field in the soil is very important in order to characterize the deformation or the failure of soils. Especially, for the discussion on the failure of soils, the strain localization in the soil is one of key issues. There are some research activities, which tried to investigate strain field including displacement property. As for the experimental studies, element test such as triaxial compression or plane strain tests and model loading test have been conducted and the movements of the surface of the soils were traced (Yamamoto et al. 2001 and Nielsen et al. 2003). However, the strain field obtained is restricted to in two dimensions.
