Discrete-Element Modeling of Strain Localization in Granular Medium at Passive Pressure Application to a Retaining Wall

3D discrete-element modeling is used to analyze passive pressure applied by dense soil to a retaining wall. The soil particles have spherical shapes with the radii selected from the normal distribution. The calculation of tangential forces between the particles takes into account the sliding friction and rolling resistance. The surface roughness of the retaining wall has influence on localization of shear strains in the granular medium and on the pressure applied to the wall by the granular material. The calculation results are compared with the classical solution of the limit state theory.