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The scope of this study is to use a three-dimensional discrete element model to simulate the resilient response of an unbound granular material subjected to sinusoidal loading in a triaxial sample and to compare the simulated results to experimental results. A three-dimensional discrete element model, where each grain interacts with its neighbour grains, allows a micromechanical approach to modelling. By doing the sensitivity analysis on the input parameters the model can be evaluated and insight gained about the factors that affect the resilient behaviour. Uniform spherical grains were used in both the DEM simulations and in the triaxial experiments. Two contact models, linear visco-elastic and Hertzian, and two types of confinement, a uniform cylinder and a flexible membrane, are tested in the simulations. Comparison of the simulation results with the results of similar laboratory experiments shows that the discrete element approach is suitable to model idealised aggregate grains.

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