Numerical and experimental study of a representative volume of conglomerate.

The elaboration of constitutive models that describe the soils of our region is presented as an important challenge for the modern practice of engineering in Ecuador and, in particular, in our province. The constitutive modeling combined with numerical methods such as the finite elements method provides a powerful tool for the simulation of soil behavior, without having to resort to simplified models. In this way, the complex behavior that characterizes soils can be described. This also allows to validate simplified models and determine their application range. The project aims to numerically model a representative element of land corresponding to the conglomerates that emerge in the city of Cuenca. Therefore, these can be conglomerates of glacier or alluvial origin. For this, there will first be an experimental part where a representative constitutive element and the mechanical characteristics that define each of the elements that are being part of the conglomerates will be defined. With these data, a numerical model of the representative volume will be implemented, from which the relationship between effort and deformation of this type of soil will be obtained. For this, simulations will be made using the finite elements method and the average compound response will be calculated using homogenization theory.

6th UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION