Bernhard GRUBER
Numerical simulation of the impact problem during rapid impact compaction
In this thesis the effect of the Rapid Impact Compactor on the subsoil is investigated numerically. Thereby, the focus is on the appropriate numerical formulation of the contact between the impact components of the device and the subsoil. Note that the Rapid Impact Compactor is used for middle-deep compaction and the improvement of soils. Based on numerical simulations extensive parameter studies are performed to evaluate wave propagation and compaction effect of this soil improvement method, which hardly can be realized in this extent by means of on-site experimental field measurements. Furthermore, outcomes based on the simplified assumption of impulse loading are compared with results of the actually utilized contact formulation of this impact problem. Modeling of the contact by means of impulse loading is efficient, in particular since the computational effort is reduced significantly.