Numerical Modelling In Geomechanics

This book is an introduction to numerical analysis in geomechanics and is intended for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate study of the mechanics of porous, jointed rocks and soils. Although familiarity with the concepts of stress, strain and so on is assumed, a review of the fundamentals of solid mechanics including concepts of physical laws, kinematics and material laws is presented in an appendix. Emphasis is on the popular finite element method but brief explanations of the boundary element method, the distinct element method (also known as the discrete element method) and discontinuous deformation analysis are included. Familiarity with a computer programming language such as Fortran, C++ or Python is not required, although programming excerpts in Fortran are presented at the end of some chapters. This work begins with an intuitive approach to interpolation over a triangular element and thus avoids making the simple complex by not doing energy minimization via a calculus of variations approach so often found in reference books on the finite element method. The presentation then proceeds to a principal of virtual work via the well-known divergence theorem to obtain element equilibrium and then global equilibrium, both expressed as stiffness equations relating force to displacement. Solution methods for the finite element approach including elimination and iteration methods are discussed. Hydro-mechanical coupling is described and extension of the finite element method to accommodate fluid flow in porous geological media is made. Example problems illustrate important concepts throughout the text. Additional problems for a 15-week course of study are presented in an appendix; solutions are given in another appendix.

Since the 1990s five books onApplications of Computational Mechanics in Geotechnical Engineering have been published. Innovative Numerical Modelling in Geomechanics is the 6th and final book in this series, and contains papers written by leading experts on computational mechanics. The book treats highly relevant topics in the field of geotechnic

Geomaterials -- materials whose mechanical behavior depends on the pressure to which they are subjected -- include concrete, soils and rocks. The availability of numerical modeling, which has transformed the study of geomechanics, makes possible the application of numerical methods to the materials and topics treated here. These include brittle and ductile materials, water saturated and partially saturated geomaterials, large and small strains, steady state and transient problems, soil dynamics, strain localization and applications related to natural hazards.

In geomechanics, existing design methods are very much dependent upon sophisticated on-site techniques to assess ground conditions. This book describes numerical analysis, computer simulation and modelling that can be used to answer some highly complex questions associated with geomechanics. The contributors, who are all international experts in the field, also give insights into the future directions of these methods. Numerical Analysis and Modelling in Geomechanics will appeal to professional engineers involved in designing and building both onshore and offshore structures, where geomechanical considerations may well be outside the usual codes of practice, and therefore specialist advice is required. Postgraduate researchers, degree students carrying out project work in this area will also find the book an invaluable resource.

Since the 1990s five books on ‘Applications of Computational Mechanics in Geotechnical Engineering’ have been published. Innovative Numerical Modelling in Geomechanics is the 6th and final book in this series, and contains papers written by leading experts on computational mechanics. The book treats highly relevant topics in the field of geotechnics, such as environmental geotechnics, open and underground excavations, foundations, embankments and rockfill dams, computational systems and oil geomechanics. Special attention is paid to risk in geotechnical engineering, and to recent developments in applying Bayesian networks and Data Mining techniques. Innovative Numerical Modelling in Geomechanics will be of interest to civil, mining and environmental engineers, as well as to engineering geologists. The book will also be useful for academics and researchers involved in geotechnics.

In this volume a number of developments on a variety of topics have been reported. These topics include: partially saturated soil; instabilities in soil behaviour; environmental geomechanics; parallel computing; and applications to tunnels, embankments, slopes, foundations and anchors.

In geomechanics, existing design methods are very much dependent upon sophisticated on-site techniques to assess ground conditions. This book describes numerical analysis, computer simulation and modelling that can be used to answer some highly complex questions associated with geomechanics. The contributors, who are all international experts in th

The purpose of this book is to bridge the gap between the traditional Geomechanics and Numerical Geotechnical Modelling with applications in science and practice. Geomechanics is rarely taught within the rigorous context of Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics, while when it comes to Numerical Modelling, commercially available finite elements or finite differences software utilize constitutive relationships within the rigorous framework. As a result, young scientists and engineers have to learn the challenging subject of constitutive modelling from a program manual and often end up with using unrealistic models which violate the Laws of Thermodynamics. The book is introductory, by no means does it claim any completeness and state of the art in such a dynamically developing field as numerical and constitutive modelling of soils. The author gives basic understanding of conventional continuum mechanics approaches to constitutive modelling, which can serve as a foundation for exploring more advanced theories. A considerable effort has been invested here into the clarity and brevity of the presentation. A special feature of this book is in exploring thermomechanical consistency of all presented constitutive models in a simple and systematic manner.