FE simulation of shear localization along granular soil–structure interfaces using micro-polar elasto-plasticity

The paper presents FE simulation of shear localization along the interface between cohesionless granular soil layer and a rough surface of bounding structure under large shearing movement. The distribution and evolution of static and kinematic quantities are mainly focused regarding infinite layer of micro-polar material under constant vertical pressure and free dilatancy, particularly with advanced large movement of bounding structure. The FE results demonstrate that the displacement magnitude of bounding structure has significant effect on the distribution and evolution of state variables and polar quantities in the granular soil layer.

► The distribution and evolution of static and kinematic quantities are mainly focused regarding infinite layer of micro-polar material.
► FE results demonstrate that displacement magnitude of bounding structure has significant effect on distribution and evolution of polar quantities.
► Here, smooth distributions of void ratio and shear stress components are obtained within the shear band.
► The distribution of state quantities within sheared layer strongly depends on the prescribed micro-polar boundary conditions.
► Enhanced Lade's model, with Cosserat rotations and couple stresses, can simulate properly the localization phenomenon in granular materials.