An efficient technique for generating homogeneous specimens for DEM studies

A new technique, designated as the Multi-layer with Undercompaction Method (UCM), capable of generating homogeneous specimens for DEM studies is presented herein. The specimen are compacted in several layers using undercompaction criteria based on average planar void ratio. The proposed approach was compared to other available methods and was proven to generate very homogeneous specimens provided a nonlinear average undercompaction criterion was used. Furthermore, the UCM method was efficient for a variety of density conditions ranging from very loose to dense states. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.