3D Characterization of Microstructure and Strain Localization Due to Large Deformation in Ring Shear Experiments on Sand Using X-ray CT Image Analysis

Abstract This study utilized a ring shear experimental apparatus compatible with microfocus X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging to evaluate the evolution process of structural changes in sandy soil under large deformation. Image analysis of the CT images was used to evaluate the direction of the soil particles, which changed as shear progressed. The strain distribution was obtained using the digital image correlation (DIC) method. The results showed a quantitative correlation between the strain distribution within the shear zone and the direction of the particles. These findings may provide valuable information for modeling the shear zone evolution under large ground deformations.