James Leak

james leak

Dr James Leak

University Tutor

0131 455 2249

  J.Leak@napier.ac.uk

  

Biography

I completed my bachelors degree in Civil Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University. During this time, I developed a strong interest in Geotechnics. Subsequently, I completed my PhD, studying particle size distribution (PSD) effects and inherent variability in the random specimen generation procedure in the discrete element method (DEM) and their respective impacts on soil behavior.

I specialize in assessing PSDs of granular materials using grading entropy coordinates and the internal stability criteria associated with the method. I am particularly interested in soil fabric effects resulting from PSD. My other research interests include:

• DEM
• Liquefaction susceptibility
• Particle breakage in soils
• Ground remediation techniques
• Force chain buckling mechanisms

I have a strong interest in both teaching and science communication and am currently employed as a lecturer at Edinburgh Napier university. I am always interested in working on projects that demonstrate science and engineering to new audiences.

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4 results

Quantifying Particle Breakage and Its Evolution Using Breakage Indices and Grading Entropy Coordinates

Journal Article
Leak, J., Barreto, D., Dimitriadi, V., & Imre, E. (2022)
Quantifying Particle Breakage and Its Evolution Using Breakage Indices and Grading Entropy Coordinates. Geotechnics, 2(4), 1109-1126. https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics2040052
Particle breakage in soils is a well-recognised behaviour. Conventional methods for quantifying the breakage process rely on calculating the area between the particle size dis...

Revisiting Hardin’s parameters for the quantification of particle breakage – A statistical entropy approach

Conference Proceeding
Leak, J., Barreto, D., Dimitriadi, V., & Imre, E. (2021)
Revisiting Hardin’s parameters for the quantification of particle breakage – A statistical entropy approach. In Powders & Grains 2021 – 9th International Conference on Micromechanics on Granular Mediahttps://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202124907001
It is well recognised that particle breakage in granular materials is affected by stress level, stress path, initial density, and particle size distribution (PSD), amongst oth...

A guide to modeling the geotechnical behavior of soils using the discrete element method

Book Chapter
Barreto Gonzalez, D., & Leak, J. (2021)
A guide to modeling the geotechnical behavior of soils using the discrete element method. In P. Samui, S. Kumari, V. Makarov, & P. Kurup (Eds.), Modeling in geotechnical engineering (79-100). London: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821205-9.00016-2
This article describes the discrete element method (DEM) for the modeling of the geotechnical behavior of soils. Emphasis is made on a description of the algorithms and capabi...

Grading entropy coordinates and criteria for evaluation of liquefaction potential

Conference Proceeding
Barreto Gonzalez, D., Leak, J., Dimitriadi, V., McDougall, J., Imre, E., & Lőrincz, J. (2019)
Grading entropy coordinates and criteria for evaluation of liquefaction potential. In Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering for Protection and Development of Environment and Constructions, (1346-1353). https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429031274
Several methods are commonly used for the evaluation of liquefaction potential in soils. These include criteria based on SPT and CPT tests, shear wave velocity measurements an...

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