Enhancing efficiency of DEM modeling of particle breakage

In geotechnical practice, the discrete element method (DEM) is gaining wide acceptance as a powerful modelling tool. One field for which DEM is well adapted is that of crushable soils. Grain crushing has been modelled in DEM employing two alternative approaches: the multigenerational approach, in which single particles break and are replaced by new, smaller fragments; or by using agglomerates. The latter, despite being very helpful for the understanding of the micromechanics occurring in a single particle, becomes impractical when applied for modelling large scale problems. This work focuses on the enhancement of model efficiency from code-specific issues, as indicated in a series of simulation of high pressure isotropic compression of crushable sands. A recently developed model for crushable soils using multigenerational approach is adopted. It is shown that the advantageous code implementation adopted allows a considerable savings in computational cost with little influence on the accuracy in terms of grain size distribution evolution and mechanical behaviour.