Combined finite-discrete element method modeling of rockslides

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), based on the cohesive zone model, for simulating rockslide problems at the laboratory scale. Design/methodology/approach – The combined FDEM is realized using ABAQUS/Explicit. The rock mass is r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Engineering computations 2016-07, Vol.33 (5), p.1530-1559
Main Authors: Zhou, Wei, Yuan, Wei, Ma, Gang, Chang, Xiao-Lin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerospace engineering
Algorithms
Boundaries
Cohesion
Computer simulation
Crack initiation
Damage
Deformation
Discrete element method
Energy
Engineering
Failure
Failure mechanisms
Finite element method
Fracture mechanics
Friction
Inclination
Laboratories
Laboratory tests
Mathematical models
Mechanical properties
Methods
Propagation
Rock (material)
Rockslides
Shear tests
Simulation
Slope stability
Slopes
Stone
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Summary:Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), based on the cohesive zone model, for simulating rockslide problems at the laboratory scale. Design/methodology/approach – The combined FDEM is realized using ABAQUS/Explicit. The rock mass is represented as a collection of elastic bulk elements glued by cohesive elements with zero thickness. To reproduce the tensile and shear micro-fractures in rock material, the Mohr-Coulomb model with tension cut-off is employed as the damage initiation criterion of cohesive elements. Three simulated laboratory tests are considered to verify the capability of combined FDEM in reproducing the mechanical behavior of rock masses. Three slope models with different joint inclinations are taken to illustrate the application of the combined FDEM to rockslide simulation. Findings – The results show that the joint inclination is an important factor for inducing the progressive failure behavior. With a low joint inclination, the slope failure process is observed to be a collapse mode. As the joint inclination becomes higher, the failure mode changes to sliding and the steady time of rock blocks is shortened. Moreover, the runout distance and post-failure slope angle decrease as the joint inclination increases. Originality/value – These studies indicate that the combined FDEM performed within ABAQUS can simulate slope stability problems for research purposes and is useful for studying the slope failure mechanism comprehensively.
ISSN:0264-4401
1758-7077
DOI:10.1108/EC-04-2015-0082