ABSTRACT
Published laboratory experimental test results, and pilot tests performed at Bristol, show that reinforcement of sands with discrete random flexible fibres represents an effective technique for improving their strength and deformation characteristics. The behaviour of fibre reinforced sands is influenced by many factors such as density and stress level, fibre type, concentration and orientation. A two dimensional DEM (Distinct Element Method) biaxial compression simulation of mixtures of sand and fibres is developed to understand how randomly distributed flexible fibres generate a bond within the soil and affect the kinematics of the granular matrix. Sand particles are modelled by rigid disks with conventional contact elements. The fibre element is modelled by connecting small circular particles with a bond contact algorithm, where the strength of the bond is fairly high and rotational freedom of particle is controlled. The specimens have been reinforced with different fibre fractions, but the matrix and fibre properties, initial specimen densities and stress condition have been kept unchanged. The effect of fibre reinforcement is discussed.
