Discrete element analysis of granular soil recovery in a vibrocore

Vibrocoring consists of a vertical, tubular core barrel with a sharp cutting edge at its lower end vibrated into the seabed by a high-frequency, low-amplitude vibratory motor. Through a review of literature and the calibration of a discrete element model to physical vibrocore test results, this study investigated the soil mechanics phenomena influencing the recovery of granular soil in a tubular vibrocore. The accuracy of the numerical results was confirmed through comparison to the physical results using statistical methods.