Trapdoor configuration effects on stress-redistribution and arching of granular media through DEM

The increasing utilization of underground spaces underscores the need for innovative approaches to mitigate stress redistribution and surface irregularities in buried structures. This study examines the mechanisms of stress redistribution and soil arching under diverse trapdoor configurations. These configurations are defined by variations in sample height, boundary conditions, symmetry, yielding width, and static trapdoor portions. The findings revealed that the normalized vertical stresses are highly sensitive to the width of the yielding portion, with larger sample widths intensifying stress redistribution over static trapdoors. A fully developed soil arch, dictated by sufficient sample height and yielding width, eliminates differential surface settlement. Contrary to expectations, the width of the static trapdoors has minimal influence on the arching pattern. Under asymmetrical conditions, the wider side of the yielding zone plays a decisive role in determining the soil cover required to mitigate surface deformations. These results advance understanding of soil-structure interactions, offering critical design insights to enhance the stability and efficiency of buried structures in modern geotechnical engineering.