Hybrid distinct element-boundary element analysis of jointed rock.

A computational scheme is presented for the analysis of stresses and displacements in highly jointed rock surrounding underground excavations. The near-field rock is modelled as a set of distinct element blocks defined by joints. The explicit formulation of the distinct element method is well suited for considering large displacements and rotations, complex joint constitutive behaviour, rock support and reinforcement, and body forces. The far-field rock is modelled as a transversely isotropic continuum through a boundary element scheme. The two methods are coupled together by satisfying the equilibrium conditions of the traction equilibrium and continuity of displacement at the interface between the two domains, at each iteration of the solution process. Verification of the scheme is demonstrated through various analyses of circular excavations in regularly jointed media.
A computational scheme is presented for the analysis of stresses and displacements in highly jointed rock surrounding underground excavations. The near-field rock is modelled as a set of distinct element blocks defined by joints. The explicit formulation of the distinct element method is well suited for considering large displacements and rotations, complex joint constitutive behaviour, rock support and reinforcement, and body forces. The far-field rock is modelled as a transversely isotropic continuum through a boundary element scheme. The two methods are coupled together by satisfying the equilibrium conditions of the traction equilibrium and continuity of displacement at the interface between the two domains, at each iteration of the solution process. Verification of the scheme is demonstrated through various analyses of circular excavations in regularly jointed media.