Complex network analysis methods can be applied to analyze the structural evolution of granular materials during loading and establish the relationships of mechanical parameters of these materials between micro/meso and macro scales. This articles mainly reviews our research results in recent years on the structural evolution of granular materials and the relationship between microscopic parameters and macroscopic mechanical properties using complex network methods. Firstly

the basic concepts of complex networks (average degree

clustering coefficient

average path length

and force chain) are introduced. Then

the microstructural evolution of granular materials under biaxial conditions and the network contact parameter changes during the initiation and sliding of soil slopes are analyzed. Furthermore

the microstructure evolution of granular materials considering particle shape

intermediate principal stress coefficient

and complex loading paths is discussed. Finally

the mesoscopic structural parameters of the contact network are associated with the macroscopic mechanical properties

and relationships between the state parameters and average degree

the microscopic structural parameters and soil dynamic strength

the average degree as well as shortest path length and yield function of the modified Cam clay model

and the average degree and the ground vertical pressure are established. The parameters in the unified hardening model are modified based on the maximum flow model.