This thesis deals with a study of methods sufficient to describe the behavior of bulk materials (homogeneous and non-homogeneous) during their transport by bucket elevators in the application focused on the optimization of the bucket shape and also on the optimization of operating parameters of whole elevator. More specifically, this thesis is based on the studying and creating analytical and numerical computational models which are used for description of flows and deformations especially of particulate materials. Firstly, the thesis is focused on the process of discharging the bucket – the relationship among the shape of the surface of a particulate material and geometry, position and movement of the bucket. The beginning and way of discharge of the bucket will be determined. Secondly, the thesis includes the overall computational model of a bucket elevator which is based on discrete element method and presented in the case study. The goal is to determine the limits of some classical physical and mathematical descriptions.

La presente tesis evalúa el comportamiento mecánico de un suelo arcilloso mezclado con PET triturado. El uso potencial de este material plástico en aplicaciones geotécnicas puede reducir el problema de la eliminación inadecuada y mejorar las características de resistencia y deformación del suelo. Se empleó Tereftalato de polietileno, PET, y suelo arcilloso proveniente de la provincia de Tarapoto. Los parámetros de resistencia al corte que definen las características mecánicas del suelo son el ángulo de fricción y la cohesión. En la ejecución de una obra civil, estos parámetros generalmente no se ajustan a los requerimientos del proyecto, por tal razón se debe buscar una solución para la estabilidad del suelo implicado en cualquier construcción. Esta tesis se realizó en tres etapas, la primera fue la recolección de información, la segunda la fase de laboratorio, llevándose a cabo ensayos de Proctor estándar (densidad – humedad), corte directo (ángulo de fricción y cohesión), limite líquido, limite plástico y granulometría; y por último el análisis de los resultados. El suelo arcilloso utilizado fue mezclado con 5%, 10% y 20% de PET triturado en peso seco. Los porcentajes de PET aumentaron la capacidad de soporte del suelo. / This thesis evaluates the mechanical behavior of a clay soil mixed with crushed PET. The potential use of this waste material in geotechnical applications may ultimately reduce the problem of improper disposal and improve the strength and deformation characteristics of the soil. Polyethylene terephthalate, PET, and clayey soil from the province of Tarapoto were used. The shear strength parameters that define the mechanical properties of soil are the internal friction angle and cohesion. While constructing any civil engineering structure, those parameters usually do not adjust to the requirements of the Project, therefore, there must be a solution for the soil stability in any civil work. This thesis was carried out in three stages, the first was the collection of information, the second the laboratory phase, carrying out standard Proctor tests (density - humidity), direct cutting (angle of friction and cohesion), liquid limit, limit plastic and granulometry; and finally the analysis of the results. The clayey soil used was mixed with 5%, 10% and 20% of crushed PET by dry weight. The percentages of PET increased the soil support capacity. / Tesis