This thesis focuses on transport properties and durability of liquid crystalline polymers (LCP)and fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) with regard to application in industrial process equipment.In the first part of the study the possibility of using a thermotropic LCP of type Vectra A950as lining material for FRP process equipment was investigated. Its performance wascompared to that of a fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP) with respect tochemical and permeation resistance. Transport property and chemical resistance data wereestablished for different types of LCP film (compression molded, uniaxially and biaxiallyoriented film) exposed to selected chemicals chosen to represent typical industrial processenvironments. Annealing of the LCP, which may reduce the disclination density and henceimprove the barrier properties, induced a crystallinity increase, but did not significantlyimprove the barrier and chemical resistance properties. Different surface treatments toincrease the bonding between the LCP and FRP were explored. The conclusion was that LCPhas potential to serve as lining material for FRP in contact with water, organic solvents andnon-oxidizing acid environments, although certain issues, such as jointing techniques, stillhave to be evaluated. The second part of the study focused on transport and long-termproperties of commercial thermoset and FRP materials for industrial process equipment inaqueous environments (50 – 95 °C, water activity 0.78 – 1, exposure time ≤ 1000 days). Thewater transport properties in different thermosets were related to their chemical structureusing the solubility parameter concept. The transport of water in the thermosets with differentchemical structures could be predicted from the water activity, regardless of the actual type ofionic or non-ionic solute in the solution. An empirical relationship, independent of boththermoset chemistry and temperature, was established to describe the water concentration inthe thermoset as a function of water activity and the water concentration in pure water. Inlong-term, the water concentration in the thermosets increased with exposure time. Thisseemed to be primarily related to stress relaxation processes induced by water absorption andcertain leaching effects. The effects of hydrolysis seemed to be small. The glass fibrereinforcement may to various extents affect the water transport properties by capillarydiffusion and additional absorption around fibre bundles. The extent of such processesseemed to depend on temperature, water activity and the type of thermoset and reinforcement.The present work may be a useful contribution to an increased understanding of water effectsand durability of FRP process equipment. However, open questions still remain for a morecomprehensive durability analysis. / QC20100629

Nasslaufende Lamellenkupplungen finden im Automobil immer mehr Anwendungen. Im Bezug auf die steigenden Motorleistungen, die Gewichtsoptimierungsmaßnamen und die hohen Ansprüche an Fahrdynamik nimmt die geforderte Leistungsdichte einer nasslaufenden Lamellenkupplung ständig zu. Die Lamellenkupplung wird oft nahe an ihrer Belastungsgrenze ausgelegt. Außerdem wachsen gleichzeitig die Anforderungen an ihre Schaltdynamik, das Komfortverhalten und die Lebensdauer. Schwerpunkt dieser Arbeit ist die Modellierung und Simulation von Reibung und Verschleiß nasslaufender Lamellenkupplungen, insbesondere der mit dem Papierreibbelag. Ein umfassendes Verständnis für die Reibungsvorgänge und Verschleißmechanismen stellt die Grundvoraussetzung für eine optimale Entwicklung der nasslaufenden Lamellenkupplung dar. Zur Lösung der gestellten Aufgabe werden die wichtigsten Einflussgrößen auf das tribolgische System der Lamellenkupplung charakterisiert und die Wirkungen der tribologischen Beanspruchungsgrößen identifiziert. Zudem werden verschiedene Simulationsmodelle mit unterschiedlicher Modellierungstiefe erstellt. Dazu gehören Reibmodelle, Wärmeflussmodelle sowie Lebensdauermodelle, wobei die Reib- und Wärmeflussmodelle für die Lebensdauermodelle benötigt werden. Die hergeleiteten Modelle werden in die Simulationsumgebung implementiert und mit Hilfe eines Prüfstandsversuches verifiziert. Die validierten Modelle können für die Systemoptimierung und die Lebensdauerabsicherung der nasslaufenden Lamellenkupplungen effizient eingesetzt werden. Dies kann eine deutliche Reduktion der Entwicklungszeit sowie der Versuchskosten ermöglichen.

Les géosynthétiques (GSY) sont des matériaux polymériques utilisés dans la construction d’ouvrages géotechniques et environnementaux, en remplacement et/ou en complément de matériaux naturels. Dans les installations de stockage de déchets non dangereux (ISDND), les GSY sont utilisés comme dispositif d’étanchéité et de drainage (barrière de sécurité) afin de prévenir les infiltrations de lixiviats vers la nappe phréatique.De nos jours, la rareté des sites adaptés à la construction de nouvelles ISDND conduit de nombreux opérateurs à opter pour la création de casiers de stockage en appui sur d’anciens casiers. Dans ces ouvrages en rehausse (extensions d’ISDND), une barrière de sécurité est généralement disposée entre les anciens casiers et les nouveaux casiers. Toutefois, dans cette configuration spécifique, les risques d’instabilité au glissement translationnel de l’ouvrage sont favorisés par la présence de plusieurs interfaces GSY représentant autant de surfaces de glissement préférentielles. Par ailleurs, ces risques sont accentués par le caractère compressible des déchets qui favorise l’apparition de tassements différentiels et/ou d’effondrements localisés (formation de cavités) sous la barrière de sécurité, susceptibles d’engendrer une perte d’intégrité (tensions / déformations excessives) de cette dernière. Dès lors, la compréhension des mécanismes associés à ces phénomènes de glissement translationnel et de déformation des GSY apparait capitale pour la réussite d’un tel projet.Dans ce contexte, les travaux objet du présent mémoire de thèse se sont attachés à mieux appréhender le comportement mécanique des systèmes GSY et de leurs interactions. Cette analyse a été effectuée sous l’angle de la stabilité au glissement translationnel (à l’échelle de l’ouvrage : grande échelle) et de l’intégrité structurelle des GSY au sein des barrières de sécurité sur cavité (petite échelle).Pour y parvenir, une analyse multi-approches associant étude analytique, modélisation numérique et étude expérimentale a été mise en oeuvre.Tout d’abord, le volet analytique a porté sur une analyse comparative de dix méthodes utilisées pour l’évaluation de la stabilité au glissement translationnel et de huit méthodes de dimensionnement des GSY de renforcement sur cavité. Ces études comparatives ont permis non seulement d’évaluer les écarts entre ces méthodes, mais aussi d’identifier celles qui se prêtent le mieux à une application en extension d’ISDND.Ensuite, une Méthode Rationnelle de Modélisation des systèmes Géosynthétiques (MeRaMoG) a été développée afin de prendre en compte fidèlement le comportement mécanique des GSY et de leurs interfaces (notamment la non-linéarité du comportement en traction des GSY). Grâce à la MeRaMoG qui a été validée expérimentalement, les mécanismes intervenant et contrôlant les phénomènes de glissement et de déformation des barrières de sécurité sur talus et sur cavité ont été investigués.Enfin, un Dispositif Expérimental grande-échelle pour l’étude de la Performance des GSY de renforcement sur Cavité (DEPGeC) a été développé. Le DEPGeC est un prototype permettant de simuler le comportement mécanique des GSY sur une cavité rectangulaire et sous une contrainte de confinement pouvant atteindre 100 kPa. L’utilisation du DEPGeC a permis d’évaluer l’influence de la contrainte de confinement, de la raideur du GSY de renforcement et d’un ancrage rigide sur les déformations des GSY. / Geosynthetics (GSYs) are polymeric materials that are used in engineering and environmental constructions to replace or in addition to natural materials. In landfills, GSYs are used as a lining system to prevent leachate infiltration into groundwater.Nowadays, the scarcity of suitable sites to establish new landfills leads more and more landfill owners to build new landfill cells over older ones. In such type of construction commonly called piggy-back landfill, a new GSY lining system is often implemented between old and new cells. However, in this specific configuration, the risk of translational instability of the construction is increased since the lining system involved several interfaces with low shear strength. Such instability is related to the failure of the various interfaces within the GSY lining system and hence to the sliding of GSY layers on each other. Moreover, the potential occurrence of differential settlements and / or localized collapses (cavity) which are related to the compressible nature of the waste within the old cell could tear (excessive tensile forces / strains) the GSY lining system under the overload of the new waste. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms controlling translational slip phenomena and deformation of GSYs is essential to ensure a proper design of such a project.In this context, this PhD thesis focused on better understanding of the mechanical behaviour of GSY systems and their interactions. The study was conducted using firstly a global analysis (large scale, all over the piggy-back landfill) of the lining system in terms of translational slips between the various GSYs. Secondly, this study investigated the integrity of the GSY lining system subjected to a cavity (small scale analysis).To achieve this goal, a multi-approaches investigation involving analytical study, numerical modelling and experimental study was performed.First, the analytical part focused on a comparative analysis based on ten methods used to assess the factor of safety of translational slip and on eight methods used for the design of GSY reinforcement over cavities. These comparative studies have not only assessed the differences between these methods, but also identified those best suited to be applied in the context of piggy-back landfills.Then, a rigorous method (MeRaMoG) that addressed the key aspects of the mechanical behaviour of GSYs and interfaces (e.g., the nonlinear axial stiffness of GSYs), was developed for the numerical modelling of multi-layered geosynthetic systems. Through MeRaMoG which was experimentally validated, the mechanisms controlling the translational slip and deformation of the geosynthetic lining system on side slopes and cavity were investigated.Finally, a new large-scale testing device (DEPGeC) was developed to assess the efficiency of a GSY reinforcement to bridge a cavity. The DEPGeC is a prototype that was used to simulate the mechanical behaviour of multi-layered GSY systems over a rectangular cavity and under a confining load of up to 100 kPa. Using the DEPGeC, the influence of the applied vertical load, the stiffness of the GSY reinforcement and a perfect anchorage on the deformations of GSY, was investigated.

The analysis of adhesion mechanisms between mortar lining and porous substrates has been the target of innumerous researchers due to its importance in ensuring system performance. Based on the theoretical reference of the topic, this work of experimental nature aimed to analyze the influence of the superficial topography of ceramic blocks in bonding slurry mortars and their relationship with the set of characteristics of fine aggregates that make up slurry mortars. Initially, the substrates and component materials of the mortars were characterized according to the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards; afterwards, characterization tests of fresh and hardened mortars were carried out. In the testing phase, the blocks received the slurry mortars. The experimental variables studied were: three types of ceramic blocks (ceramic sealing block with smooth surfaces, ceramic sealing block with horizontal grooved surfaces, and ceramic sealing block with vertical grooved surfaces); and two types of slurry mortars (one was prepared with coarse sand and the other with medium sand). Thus, six interfaces were evaluated through aspects of bonding strength and permeability and absorption by the pipe method. In order to observe the extent of adhesion and involvement of the grains of sand through the paste of the slurry mortars, interface analyses were conducted through observation by magnifying glass and petrographic microscope. The characteristics of the sands that influence the performance of fresh and hardened slurry mortars were analyzed, with emphasis on the textural parameters of the sands, which were evaluated with the aid of petrographic analysis. Results showed that there is direct correlation between the extent of adhesion provided by the grooves of the blocks, and bond tensile strength, made possible by the fluid nature of the slurry mortar. Therefore, this indicates the strong influence of the type of ceramic block on results of bond strength. On the other hand, the study of the characteristics of the sands, represented mainly by the granulometric composition, density, unitary mass, void content, degrees of roundness and sphericity, and mineralogy, proved to be useful in order to understand the role of the fine aggregates in the performance of the slurry mortar. Additionally, we observed that the tensile bonding strength was higher for the slurry mortars with coarse sand than with medium sand, when comparing the same type of block, although the tests have pointed to non-significant differences. This fact can be explained by the small difference between some of the characteristics of the sand used; however, the coarse sand studied seems to provide greater integration of the grains involved by the mortar paste, which was indicated by the degree of roundness. Moreover, it was also possible to observe direct relations in achieving results when comparing the permeability and absorption by the pipe method with the initial rate of absorption test (IRA) and extended IRA test. The final observation is that the basic treatment using slurry mortar can provide several benefits: increased roughness of the base, increased tensile bonding strength, adjustment of the suction capacity. This way, it was possible to homogenize the absorption of water by the substrate, thus avoiding different screeding times and performance for the lining layer. Thus, the treatment of the base with the use of slurry mortar can increase the performance and durability of the mortar lining. / A análise dos mecanismos de aderência entre argamassas de revestimento e substratos porosos tem sido alvo de muitos pesquisadores, devido à importância que tem para garantir o desempenho do sistema. Com base no referencial teórico sobre o tema, este trabalho de natureza experimental teve como objetivo principal analisar a influência da topografia superficial de blocos cerâmicos na aderência de argamassas de chapisco e a sua relação, ainda, com o conjunto de características dos agregados miúdos que compõem as argamassas de chapisco. Inicialmente, os substratos e os materiais componentes das argamassas foram caracterizados através do grupo de normas da Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas; na sequência, foram realizados ensaios de caracterização das argamassas nos estados fresco e endurecido. Na fase de testes, os blocos receberam as argamassas de chapisco. As variáveis experimentais estudadas foram: três tipos de blocos cerâmicos (bloco cerâmico de vedação com faces lisas, bloco cerâmico de vedação com faces ranhuradas horizontais, e bloco cerâmico de vedação com faces ranhuradas verticais); e dois tipos de argamassas de chapisco (uma elaborada com areia grossa e outra com areia média). Dessa forma, surgiram seis interfaces que foram avaliadas através de aspectos relacionados à resistência de aderência à tração e à permeabilidade e absorção pelo método do cachimbo. Na intenção de observar a extensão de aderência e o envolvimento dos grãos de areia pela pasta das argamassas de chapisco, foram feitas análises da interface através da observação por lupa estereoscópica e microscópio petrográfico. Foram pesquisadas as características das areias que influem no desempenho das argamassas de chapisco em seu estado fresco e endurecido, com ênfase nos parâmetros texturais das areias, avaliados com auxílio da análise petrográfica. Os resultados mostraram que há correlação direta entre a extensão de aderência, proporcionada pelas ranhuras dos blocos cerâmicos e a resistência de aderência à tração, possibilitada pela natureza fluida da argamassa de chapisco, indicando, assim, a forte influência do tipo de bloco cerâmico nos resultados de aderência à tração. De outro lado, o estudo das características das areias, representadas, principalmente, pela composição granulométrica, massa específica, massa unitária, índice de vazios, graus de arredondamento e esfericidade e mineralogia revelou-se útil no sentido de compreender o papel dos agregados miúdos perante o desempenho das argamassas de chapisco. Notou-se que a resistência de aderência à tração foi maior para as argamassas de chapisco com areia grossa do que com areia média, quando se compara um mesmo tipo de bloco, embora os testes tenham apontado diferenças não significativas. Esse fato pode ser explicado pela pouca diferença entre algumas das características das areias utilizadas; porém, a areia grossa estudada parece proporcionar um maior entrosamento dos grãos envolvidos pela pasta da argamassa, indicado pelo grau de arredondamento. Foram observadas, ainda, relações diretas na obtenção de resultados quando se compara a permeabilidade e absorção pelo método do cachimbo com o ensaio do índice de absorção inicial de água (AAI) e AAI estendido. A constatação final é de que o tratamento de base através do emprego de chapisco pode proporcionar vários benefícios: aumento da rugosidade da base, aumento da resistência de aderência à tração e regulagem da capacidade de sucção. Possibilitando, com isso, homogeneizar a absorção de água por parte do substrato, evitando diferentes tempos de sarrafeamento e desempeno para a camada de revestimento. Assim, o tratamento da base com uso do chapisco pode aumentar o desempenho e a durabilidade dos revestimentos de argamassa.

Cette thèse vise à étudier le comportement de revêtement articulé du tunnel en développant une nouvelle approche numérique à la Méthode de Réaction Hyperstatique (HRM) et la production des modèles numériques en deux dimensions et trois dimensions à l'aide de la méthode des différences finies (FDM). L'étude a été traitée d'abord sous charges statiques, puis effectuée sous charges dynamiques. Tout d'abord, une étude bibliographique a été effectuée. Une nouvelle approche numérique appliquée à la méthode HRM a ensuite été développée. En même temps, un modèle numérique en deux dimensions est programmé sur les conditions de charge statique dans le but d'évaluer l'influence des joints, en termes de la distribution et des caractéristiques des joints, sur le comportement du revêtement articulé de tunnel. Après cela, des modèles complets en trois dimensions d'un seul tunnel, de deux tunnels horizontaux et de deux tunnels empilés, dans lesquels le système des joints est simulé, ont été développés. Ces modèles en trois dimensions permettent d'étudier le comportement non seulement du revêtement du tunnel, mais encore le déplacement du sol entourant le tunnel lors de l’excavation. Un modèle numérique en trois dimensions simplifié a ensuite été réalisé afin de valider la nouvelle approche numérique appliquée à la méthode HRM.Dans la dernière partie de ce mémoire, la performance du revêtement articulé du tunnel sous chargements dynamiques est prise en compte par l’analyse quasi-statique et dynamique complète en utilisant le modèle numérique en deux dimensions (FDM). Un modèle HRM a également été développé prenant en compte des charges quasi-statiques. Les différences de comportement de tunnel sous chargements statiques et sismiques sont mises en évidence et expliquées. / This PhD thesis has the aim to study the behaviour of segmental tunnel lining by developing a new numerical approach to the Hyperstatic Reaction Method (HRM) and producing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical models using the finite difference method (FDM). The study first deals with under static loads, and then performs under dynamic loads. Firstly, a literature review has been conducted. A new numerical approach applied to the HRM has then been developed. At the same time, a 2D numerical model is programmed regarding static loading conditions in order to evaluate the influence of the segmental joints, in terms of both joint distribution and joint stiffness characteristics, on the tunnel lining behaviour. After that, full 3D models of a single tunnel, twin horizontal tunnels and twin tunnels stacked over each other, excavated in close proximity in which the joint pattern is simulated, have been developed. These 3D models allow one to investigate the behaviour of not only the tunnel lining but also the displacement of the ground surrounding the tunnel during the tunnel excavation. A simplified 3D numerical model has then been produced in order to validate the new numerical approach applied to the HRM. In the last part of the manuscript, the performance of the segmental tunnel lining exposed to dynamic loading is taken into consideration through quasi-static and full dynamic analyses using 2D numerical models (FDM). A new HRM model has also been developed considering quasi-static loads. The differences of the tunnel behaviour under static and seismic loadings are highlighted.

Le rôle des constituants au sein des matériaux de friction pour garniture de frein est encore mal connu du fait, d’une part de la complexité des formulations de ces matériaux composites organiques, d’autre part de la sollicitation induite par le freinage qui engendre de multiples phénomènes physiques. Il s’avère donc particulièrement difficile d’établir les liens entre la composition d’une garniture et ses performances. Les travaux ont concerné une garniture de frein industrielle pour véhicule poids lourd. Une étude préalable a été réalisée du point de vue de sa microstructure et de ses constituants, de ses propriétés, de son élaboration et de ses performances en freinage. La démarche expérimentale adoptée a reposé sur le développement i) d’une formulation « modèle », déduite de la formulation industrielle par simplification de la composition, ii) d’un essai d’usure représentatif de sollicitations de freinage, pour aborder le fonctionnement tribologique des constituants dans une configuration simplifiée. Deux constituants ont été plus particulièrement étudiés, des particules de laiton et des fibres de verre introduites dans la formulation modèle prise en référence. L’analyse des performances a porté sur la compréhension des liens entre les mécanismes de frottement et d’usure, la microstructure et les propriétés des matériaux et leur comportement tribologique / The role of the constituents within friction materials for brake lining still largely unknown due to the complexity of these organic composite formulations and to the induced solicitation by braking which generates multiple physical phenomena. Therefore, it is especially difficult to establish the relationship between the composition of a brake lining and its performance. The work has concerned an industrial brake lining for heavy vehicle. A preliminary study was conducted in terms of its microstructure, constituents, properties, elaboration and its braking performance. The experimental approach was based, on the one hand, on the development of a “model” formulation, derived from the simplification of the industrial one and, on the other hand, on a specific wear test representative of braking solicitations, to take up the tribological behaviour of constituents in the framework of a simplified configuration. Brass particles and glass fibres have been particularly studied, introduced into the model formulation taken as a reference. The analysis of performance has focused on understanding the relationship between friction and wear mechanisms, microstructure and properties of materials, and their tribological behaviour

Les matériaux composites organiques pour garniture de frein à friction sont le fruit d’une élaboration complexe, composée d’une succession d’étapes (mélange de constituants, préformage à froid, moulage à chaud, post-cuisson) ce qui rend difficile la maitrise du lien entre procédé, propriétés et comportement de ces matériaux en particulier du fait des synergies entre les constituants formant le mélange d’une part, et entre la composition et le procédé de fabrication d’autre part. Les travaux de thèse se sont focalisés sur deux étapes de fabrication, le moulage à chaud et la post cuisson, avec l’objectif de mieux comprendre l’influence de certains paramètres du procédé de fabrication sur les performances des matériaux : la température et la durée de moulage à chaud, la durée de post cuisson. L’analyse a porté sur la compréhension des liens entre la microstructure, les propriétés, le comportement tribologique et les mécanismes de frottement et d’usure, par le biais d’une démarche expérimentale fondée sur des formulations matériaux simplifiées ainsi que sur des essais d’usure élémentaires, spécifiques aux sollicitations de freinage / Organic composite friction materials for brake lining result from a complex elaboration made up of successive stages (mixture of constituents, cold preforming, hot molding, post-curing) that makes difficult the mastery of the link between process, properties and behaviour of friction material, especially because of synergies between constituents on one hand, and between composition and manufacturing process on the other hand. Two manufacturing stages were involved in this study, the hot molding and the post-curing, with the aim of a better understanding of the influence of certain parameters of the manufacturing process: the temperature and the duration of hot molding, and the duration of post curing. The analysis has focused on the understanding the relationship between microstructure, properties, tribological behaviour and friction and wear mechanisms of materials.The experimental approach was based on the development of simplified formulations of friction material, and on an elementary wear test specifically designed for braking loadings

This work deals with elemental analysis of inorganic materials, that are presented by blast furnace slag and geopolymeric material containing fly-ashes. In the theoretical part there are explained principles of elemental analysis of inorganic materials. Ways of dissolution of samples, optical emission spectroscopy and electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis are commented. In experimental part the ICP analysis of oxide standards is described. The standards were used for estimation of EDS-correction factors. Then follow the preparation, proving and use of standards in analysis of blast furnace slag. The work is finished by exact analysis of concentration profiles of elements in interface of phases in geopolymeric material.

The static solution at the new building mountain hotel The thesis deals with design and static calculation of pool tank, which is supported by columns and walls. Pool tank is designed as swimming pool with plan dimension 25 x 10 meters and with changing depth from 1,2 to 1,8 meters. The support of pool tank is in distance 5,02 x 5,05 meters. The adjacent ceiling is placed on the walls of tank and separates pool and technical areas. The calculations of inner forces were realized by computational programm for two models a) without decline of supports, and model b) with decline of supports. The design of reinforcement is performed for the bottom and walls of tank. The deformations modeling was made at the other part of the thesis. All results were evaluated and summarized at the conclusion. Drawing documentation was made subsequently.

L’Agence nationale pour la gestion des déchets radioactifs (l’Andra) en France propose un nouveau type de voussoirs de tunnel pour les ouvrages très profonds. Pour éviter des segments de tunnel trop épais, ils proposent d’intégrer une couche de matériau granulaire sur l’extrados d’un voussoir moins épais. Cette approche prétend utiliser la grande compressilibité de la couche granulaire constituée de particules broyables et les transferts de charge interne au matériau granulaire pour réduire l’épaisseur du voussoir tout en gardant des performances mécaniques importantes. Un segment de tunnel avec une telle conception est appelé un VMC monobloc compressible (brevet en instance de l’Andra & CMC). Il s’agit d’un nouveau type de revêtement de tunnel particulièrement innovant.Cette thèse est consacrée à la création d’un modèle numérique capable de reproduire le comportement mécanique d’un couche granulaire très compressible à l’aide de la méthode aux éléments discrets (DEM) en 3D. Le milieu granulaire est constitué de particules d’argile cylindriques creuses appelées textitcoques. Chaque coque est un tube de 2 cm de long avec un diamètre de 2 cm. La faible épaisseur de la coque cylindrique la rend essentiellement constituée de vide entourée d’une fine couche d’argile. Dans le modèle, un cluster sécable (la coque) est généré à l’aide de clumps sphéro-polyédriques allon- gées . Ces clumps, appelés secteurs, sont associés entre eux en utilisant deux lois de contact adhésives. Si la combinaison des forces de contact normales et tangentielles satisfait un critère de charge spécifique, la coque se casse au niveau de l’interface entre les deux secteurs. L’outil DEM Rockable mis au point pour cette recherche peut fonctionner sur ces particules fragiles. Les propriétés mécaniques des coques, composé de 12 à 24 secteurs, sont ajustées à l’aide d’essais de compression radiale uniaxiale (verticale). Les expériences à l’échelle du grain sur les coques en argile cuite ont servi de référence. Nous avons déterminé la plage réelle de rupture et sa distribution statistique (Weibull). Les paramètres numériques et mécanique ainsi obtenus ont été validés avec succès dans le cas de la compression radiale d’une coque contrainte latéralement.Dans un premier temps, l’étude des assemblages de coques porte sur la caractérisation expérimen- tale des échantillons avec un controle sur les variables d’état initiales telles que la densité et l’orienta- tions des coques. La reconstruction 3D à partir de tomographies à rayons X d’échantillons de coques carottés dans l’extrados d’un voussoir nous a permis de caractériser l’anisotropie de l’orientation des particules. Il s’agit là d’une information précieuse pour la génération d’échantillons numériques ayant les caractéristiques initiales pertinentes. Deuxièmement, des simulations DEM de compressions oedo- métriques sur des échantillons de ⟨2 000⟩ coques sont réalisées. Une étude paramétrique permet de mettre en évidence le rôle des variables d’état initiales. Un ensemble bien choisi de variables initiales et des paramètres DEM correctement adaptés permettent d’obtenir des simulations prédictives pertinentes pour une comparaison avec les expériences de laboratoire. Une analyse micro-mécanique de l’effet de la proportion des grains cassés sur les contraintes locales exercées sur les coques (et les fragments) est effectuée. Il est observé que la rupture des coques entraîné une compressibilité élevée du matériau. Par conséquent, la réponse mécanique en déformation est considérée comme une conséquence directe de l’évolution de la rupture des particules. Pour finir, un modèle analytique de prédiction de la re- lation Contrainte↔Déformation est proposé dans le cas de la compression oedométrique. Ce modèle prédictif tient compte des variables internes du milieu granulaire comme la résistance mécanique en compression des coques. / The National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management (FR Andra) in France suggested a new way to design a tunnel lining, especially, beneficial in the case of very deep tunnels. To avoid very thick tunnel segments, they propose to integrate a layer of granular material on the extrados of the thinner lining. This approach takes the advantages of the compressible capacity of the crushable particles and the load transfer in the granular material. A tunnel segment with such design is called a Mono-block Compressible Arch-segment VMC (Andra’s & CMC’s pending patent) and is an innovative new type of tunnel linings.This PhD dissertation is dedicated to the creation of a numerical model capable of reproducing the mechanical behaviour of this compressible granular layer using 3D Discrete Element Method (DEM). The granular packing is made of the brittle hollow coarse-size cylindrical particles, called shells. Each shell is a 2 cm long tube with a diameter of 2 cm. Its small thickness makes the cylindrical shell mainly made of void surrounded by a thin layer of clay. In the model, a breakable cluster (shell) is generated using sphero-polyhedral elongated clumps. These clumps, called sectors, are glued together using two adhesive contact force laws. If the combination of the normal and tangential contact forces exceeds a suitable failure criterion, a de-clustering of the shell (breakage) occurs. The DEM tool Rockable devel- oped for this research can operate on such crushable particles. The mechanical properties of the shell model, composed of 12 to 24 sectors, are adjusted in the case of a uniaxial (vertical) radial compres- sion of shells. The preceding grain-scale experiments on the true shells made of baked clay serve as a reference. We determine the true range of the failure tensile load and its statistical Weibull distribu- tion. The user-specified parameters is then successfully validated in the case of radial compression of a horizontally constrained shell.Firstly, the macroscopic study of shell assemblies focuses on the experimental characterisation of the samples with a control of the initial state variables like a number density and a spatial arrangement of shells (shells orientations). 3D reconstruction from X-ray tomographies of the original coated shells samples extracted from the extrados of a tunnel segment help us to characterise the anisotropy of the shells orientation. This is a piece of valuable information to the generation the numerical samples of shells with relevant initial features. Secondly, a series of DEM oedometric tests on ⟨1 000 : 2 000⟩ shells is simulated. A parametric study successfully leads to the understanding of each internal state variable role. A well-chosen set of initial variables with properly adapted DEM parameters give the relevant predictive simulations for a final comparison with the experimental oedometer tests. Thanks to a discrete insight into the micromechanics, the evolutions of the breakage level, the orientation anisotropy and the local stresses exerted on the shells (and/or the fragments) are quantified during the compression. The breakage of the shells result in high compressibility of the material. Therefore, the mechanical response is seen as a consequence of the breakage evolution. Finally, an analytical model is suggested in order to predict the Stress↔Void ratio relationship knowing the initial state of the sample and the tensile strength of the constituents: the shells.