Abstract: A numerical investigation model using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) was established by the particle flow code in two dimensions (PFC2D) to simulate the biaxial shear tests on non\|crushable circular and non\|circular particles and crushable non\|circular particles. Physical biaxial shear tests were also performed on the sand samples. The objective of biaxial shear tests with both numerical and physical models is to evaluate the effect of particle crushing on the geotechnical properties of granular soils. It is concluded that particle crushing positively affects the peak strength and volumetric strain of sand. The effect of particle shape on shear strength is more significant at higher confining pressures than at lower confining pressures. The rate of particle crushing is strongly affected by the magnitude of the confining pressures. Based on the recorded location of the particle breakage and on the distribution of the displacement field in the numerical simulations, the microscopic regularity of evolution of the particle crushing and the location of breakage zones were identified.