Shallow foundation analysis using the discrete element method

This research presents a numerical evaluation of shallow foundation using the discrete element method and parameters calibrated by means of a reduced laboratory model of an idealized soil For this evaluation the Yade software was used to analyze the influence of grain scale parameters mesoscale on the macroscopic behavior of the soil perceived as an assembly of isolated and interacting particles It was observed that despite the need for calibration the discrete element method showed an appropriate qualitative prediction of failure surfaces and a satisfactory quantitative prediction of ultimate load capacity