An extended numerical manifold method for unsaturated soil‐water interaction analysis at micro‐scale

To investigate unsaturated soil-water interaction at micro-scale, this study extends the numerical manifold method (NMM) by incorporating a coupling model considering specific capillary water distribution and force calculation. The soil skeleton is constructed generation algorithm with random polygons. more realistically capture between grains water, mechanics-based geometric proposed to iteratively calculate distribution. forces corresponding are calculated based on Young-Laplace equation. solving framework first verified reproducing characteristic curve of an ideal contact-disk against analytical solutions. further validate ability predict hydraulic behavior real soil, laboratory test Toyoura sand reproduced numerically. Then direct shear performed two-way procedure, in which comparison results regarding strength matric suction presented. Finally, microscopic compression tests conducted two specimens same porosity mean grain diameter but different uniformity coefficients. elucidate that extended potential tool explore behaviors micro-scale.