From discrete to continuous numerical identification of a geomaterial with an internal length

A geomaterial called TexSol and composed of sand and wires was investigated by numerical experiments in order to determine its geometrical and mechanical parameters, such as tortuousness of the wire, anisotropy and characteristic length. This stage is essential for studying a material with an obvious non-local behavior. Investigations by discrete elements highlighted that the characteristic length was dependant on the loading level. These simulations provided access to variables that standard physical experiments cannot provide. Some parameters of a continuous model of TexSol were identified through discrete numerical experiments using a classic procedure. The other parameters were determined by finite element method updating.