Search results

This study aims to propose another alternative numerical modelling tool, i.e. ABAQUS, to simulate a fully coupled seepage-deformation analysis in unsaturated slope subjected to rainfall infiltration.

The effect of rainfall infiltration on the response of pore water pressure and factor of safety has been analysed and discussed. The results of this study have also been validated based on the results of field monitoring and previous numerical modelling.

The results from ABAQUS show a better agreement with those from field monitoring compared to other numerical modelling tools.

The procedures adopted in this study can be adopted and used as a guide to model similar slope problems in ABAQUS.

Continua and discontinua coexist in natural rock materials. This paper aims to present an improved approach for addressing the mechanical response of rock masses based on the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) proposed by Munjiza.

Several algorithms have been programmed in the new approach. The algorithms include (1) a simpler and more efficient algorithm to calculate the contact force; (2) An algorithm for tangential contact force closer to the actual physical process; (3) a plastic yielding criterion (e.g. Mohr-Coulomb) to modify the elastic stress for fitting the mechanical behavior of elastoplastic materials; and (4) a complete code for the mechanical calculation to be implemented in Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB).

Three case studies, including two standard laboratory experiments (uniaxial compression and Brazilian split test) and one engineering-scale anti-dip slop model, are presented to illustrate the feasibility of the Y-Mat code and its ability to deal with multi-scale rock mechanics problems. The results, including the progressive failure process, failure mode and trajectory of each case, are acceptable compared to other corresponding studies. It is shown that, the code is capable of modeling geotechnical and geological engineering problems.

This article gives an improved FDEM-based numerical calculation code. And, feasibility of the code is verified through three cases. It can effectively solve the geotechnical and geological engineering problems.