Three-dimensional network modelling of the influence of microstructure on mass transport in unsaturated soils

Athanasiadis, Ignatios; Wheeler, Simon J.; Grassl, Peter

doi:10.1201/b17395-161

Cited by 1 publication

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“…One significant point to emerge from figure 5 is that the match achieved between model simulations and experimental results was better than in previous network model simulations [10] which did not use the pore volume scaling technique, even though these earlier simulations included substantial tuning of input parameter values to try to achieve the best possible match. This provides encouraging evidence on the usefulness of the pore volume scaling technique.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 80%

Network modelling of fluid retention behaviour in unsaturated soils

2016

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Abstract. The paper describes discrete modelling of the retention behaviour of unsaturated porous materials. A network approach is used within a statistical volume element (SVE), suitable for subsequent use in hydro-mechanical analysis and incorporation within multi-scale numerical modelling. The soil pore structure is modelled by a network of cylindrical pipes connecting spheres, with the spheres representing soil voids and the pipes representing interconnecting throats. The locations of pipes and spheres are determined by a Voronoi tessellation of the domain. Original aspects of the modelling include a form of periodic boundary condition implementation applied for the first time to this type of network, a new pore volume scaling technique to provide more realistic modelling and a new procedure for initiating drying or wetting paths in a network model employing periodic boundary conditions. Model simulations, employing two linear cumulative probability distributions to represent the distributions of sphere and pipe radii, are presented for the retention behaviour reported from a mercury porosimetry test on a sandstone.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 80%