With support from LOC3G, Mr. Chengshun Shang from CIMNE, Spain, has been visiting UC Davis, United States, since mid-February 2025 to collaborate with Professors Jason DeJong and Alejandro Martinez. At the outset of the exchange, Chengshun and the UC Davis team shared their research backgrounds, establishing a solid foundation for effective collaboration.
Chengshun’s work focuses on developing a DEM-based numerical framework to simulate cemented sands with varying strength characteristics. The UC Davis team, renowned for its expertise in biocemented sand experimentation, provided a valuable environment for Chengshun to deepen his understanding of experimental techniques and the underlying mechanisms. Under the guidance of Professors DeJong and Martinez, he constructed a discrete element model informed by 3D CT scan data. This model enables accurate simulation of cemented volume distribution and cemented contact areas, with the goal of uncovering the microscale mechanical behavior of biocemented sands. The simulations indicate that specimens with higher levels of cementation exhibit more pronounced strain localization.
In addition, with continued support from LOC3G, Chengshun presented his latest research findings in a poster session at the ICBBG 2025 conference.