Modelling strain localization in granular materials using micropolar theory: mathematical formulations

It has been known that classical continuum mechanics laws fail to describe strain localization in granular materials due to the mathematical ill‐posedness and mesh dependency. Therefore, a non‐local theory with internal length scales is needed to overcome such problems. The micropolar and high‐order gradient theories can be considered as good examples to characterize the strain localization in granular materials. The fact that internal length scales are needed requires micromechanical models or laws; however, the classical constitutive models can be enhanced through the stress invariants to incorporate the Micropolar effects. In this paper, Lade's single hardening model is enhanced to account for the couple stress and Cosserat rotation and the internal length scales are incorporated accordingly. The enhanced Lade's model and its material properties are discussed in detail; then the finite element formulations in the Updated Lagrangian Frame (UL) are used. The finite element formulations were implemented into a user element subroutine for ABAQUS (UEL) and the solution method is discussed in the companion paper. The model was found to predict the strain localization in granular materials with low dependency on the finite element mesh size. The shear band was found to reflect on a certain angle when it hit a rigid boundary. Applications for the model on plane strain specimens tested in the laboratory are discussed in the companion paper. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Discontinuous analysis of softening solids under impact loading

Softening solids are analysed under impact loading using a new numerical method which allows displacement discontinuities to propagate arbitrarily through a finite element mesh. The Dirac‐delta distributions that arise in the strain field of classical continuum theory in the presence of strain softening are interpreted as discontinuities in the displacement field. A new finite element procedure with Heaviside jumps added to the underlying displacement interpolation basis is able to capture displacement jumps independent of the spatial discretisation. The amplitudes of displacement jumps are represented by extra degrees of freedom at existing nodes. Numerical results for mode‐I and mode‐II failure due to impact loading are presented. The numerical results highlight the objectivity of the approach with respect to spatial discretisation under dynamic loading conditions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

泥岩渗流-应力耦合蠕变损伤模型研究(Ⅱ):数值仿真和参数反演

进一步分析了第Ⅰ部分[1]提出的泥岩渗流-应力耦合蠕变损伤模型。在连续损伤力学理论和比奥(Biot)理论的基础上,导出了考虑渗流-应力-损伤耦合的蠕变损伤有限元格式,建立了弹性预测、塑性修正、损伤修正-渗透系数修正的数值分析框架,编制了非线性有限元分析程序。根据监测的衬砌长期变形数据,采用优化反分析法获得了蠕变损伤模型中的待定参数,并应用于比利时核废料库施工过程中泥岩巷道围岩渗流-应力耦合过程、损伤演化以及长期稳定性分析,研究结果表明,泥岩开挖后渗透性明显增大,约为原岩的120倍,蠕变效应导致泥岩裂隙和渗透性自愈合,约3.5年后渗透性基本恢复到原岩的数量级,围岩中部的蠕变明显大于顶部和底部。研究成果对软岩隧洞长期稳定性的预测与预报具有一定的参考意义。     

Modelling strain localization in granular materials using micropolar theory: numerical implementation and verification

Implementation and applications for a constitutive numerical model on F‐75 silica sand, course silica sand and two sizes of glass beads compressed under plane strain conditions are presented in this work. The numerical model is used to predict the stress versus axial strain and volumetric strain versus axial strain relationships of those materials; moreover, comparisons between measured and predicted shear band thickness and inclination angles are discussed and the numerical results compare well with the experimental measurements. The numerical model is found to respond to the changes in confining pressure and the initial relative density of a given granular material. The mean particle size is used as an internal length scale. Increasing the confining pressure and the initial density is found to decrease the shear band thickness and increase the inclination angle. The micropolar or Cosserat theory is found to be effective in capturing strain localization in granular materials. The finite element formulations and the solution method for the boundary value problem in the updated Lagrangian frame (UP) are discussed in the companion paper. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Overview of continuum and particle dynamics methods for mechanical modeling of contractional geologic structures

Mechanically-based numerical modeling is a powerful tool for investigating fundamental processes associated with the formation and evolution of both large and small-scale geologic structures. Such methods are complementary with traditional geometrically-based cross-section analysis tools, as they enable mechanical validation of geometric interpretations. A variety of numerical methods are now widely used, and readily accessible to both expert and novice. We provide an overview of the two main classes of methods used for geologic studies: continuum methods (finite element, finite difference, boundary element), which divide the model into elements to calculate a system of equations to solve for both stress and strain behavior; and particle dynamics methods, which rely on the interactions between discrete particles to define the aggregate behavior of the system. The complex constitutive behaviors, large displacements, and prevalence of discontinuities in geologic systems, pose unique challenges for the modeler. The two classes of methods address these issues differently; e.g., continuum methods allow the user to input prescribed constitutive laws for the modeled materials, whereas the constitutive behavior ‘emerges’ from particle dynamics methods. Sample rheologies, case studies and comparative models are presented to demonstrate the methodologies and opportunities for future modelers.     

Block fracturing analysis using nodal‐based discontinuous deformation analysis with the double minimization procedure

As a hybrid method, the nodal‐based discontinuous deformation analysis (NDDA) greatly improves the stress accuracy within each DDA block by coupling a well‐defined finite element mesh inside the DDA block; at the same time, the NDDA inherits the unique block kinematics of the standard DDA method. Each finite element mesh line inside the DDA block is treated as a potential crack, which enables the transformation of the block material from continuum to discontinuum through the tensile and shear fracturing mechanism. This paper introduces a double minimization procedure into the NDDA method to further improve the accuracy of the stresses evaluated at the finite element mesh lines and thus to obtain a more realistic fracture model. Three numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the improved stress accuracy by the implemented double minimization procedure and the accuracy and capability of the enhanced NDDA method in capturing brittle fracturing process. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Estimation of crack opening from a two‐dimensional continuum‐based finite element computation

Damage models are capable of representing crack initiation and mimicking crack propagation within a continuum framework. Thus, in principle, they do not describe crack openings. In durability analyses of concrete structures however, transfer properties are a key issue controlled by crack propagation and crack opening. We extend here a one‐dimensional approach for estimating a crack opening from a continuum‐based finite element calculation to two‐dimensional cases. The technique operates in the case of mode I cracking described in a continuum setting by a nonlocal isotropic damage model. We used the global tracking method to compute the idealized crack location as a post‐treatment procedure. The original one‐dimensional problem devised in Dufour et al. [4] is recovered as profiles of deformation orthogonal to the idealized crack direction are computed. An estimate of the crack opening and an error indicator are computed by comparing finite element deformation profiles and theoretical profiles corresponding to a displacement discontinuity. Two estimates have been considered: In the strong approach, the maxima of the profiles are assumed to be equal; in the weak approach, the integrals of each profile are set equal. Two‐dimensional numerical calculations show that the weak estimates perform better than do the strong ones. Error indicators, defined as the distance between the numerical and theoretical profiles, are less than a few percentages. In the case of a three‐point bending, test results are in good agreement with experimental data, with an error lower than 10% for widely opened crack (> 40µm). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Precise integration method for solving the seepage-stress coupling problem in rock mass with singular possibilities of the coupling matrix

Seepage-stress coupling is a key problem in the field of geotechnical engineering, and the finite element method is one of the main methods to study seepage-stress coupling in rock masses. However, the finite element method has issues of poor stability, low efficiency, and low accuracy in the simulation of the seepage-stress coupling problem. In this paper, the homogeneous saturated rock mass is taken as the object to deduce the control equation based on the Biot's theory. Considering the singularity of the coupling matrix, the discrete equation is converted into a precise integral format, and the equation is solved by the precise integration method to avoid instability and low precision. The precise integration method in this paper has good numerical stability, fast convergence speed, and high simulation accuracy, which effectively facilitates the rapid and stable numerical simulation of the seepage-stress coupling problem using the equivalent continuum medium model. The validity and accuracy of the precise integration method for seepage-stress coupling problems are verified by numerical examples.     

Three‐dimensional finite element analysis of lined tunnels

This paper describes finite element procedures that have been developed to model the ground movements that occur when a shallow tunnel is installed in a clay soil. This study is part of a wider project concerned with the development of new methods to predict the likely extent of damage to surface structures caused by nearby shallow tunnelling. This particular paper, however, is concerned only with the numerical model of tunnel installation. The structural liner is an important component of this tunnel installation model; two different ways of modelling the liner (based on continuum elements and shell elements) are discussed in the paper. A test problem consisting of the installation of a lined tunnel in an elastic continuum is used to investigate the merits of these different approaches. When continuum elements are used to model the liner, the numerical results agree well with an analytical solution to the problem. When shell elements are used to model the liner, however, the results were found to be significantly influenced by the particular formulation adopted for the shell elements. Example analyses, involving incremental tunnel construction in a clay soil where the soil is modelled using a kinematic hardening plasticity model, are described. These analyses confirm that a thin layer of continuum elements may be used, satisfactorily, to model tunnel linings in a soil–structure interaction analysis of this sort. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

层状岩体地下洞室的Cosserat理论有限元分析

采用一般有限元对互层岩体进行数值分析研究时,要求的单元数量多、建模工作量大;并且难以反映层状岩体的弯曲变形特性。针对这种岩体Cosserat介质模型是一种很有用的有限元等效模型。首先对基于平面应变问题的Cosserat介质理论及扩展模型简略介绍,然后导出了模型的Mohr-Coulomb塑性屈服条件。再利用Matlab平台编制有限元程序,并对地下洞室工程进行数值模拟。将所得结果与传统连续介质法的结果进行对比。结果表明,基于Matlab的Cosserat有限元程序的有效性及解决互层岩体这类问题的适用性与优越性。     

Formulation of discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) — an implicit discrete element model for block systems

Continuum-based numerical methods have played a leading role in the numerical solution of problems in rock mechanics and engineering geology. However, for fractured rocks, a continuum assumption often leads to difficult parameters to define and over-simplified geometry to be realistic. In such case, discrete representations of fractures and individual blocks must be adopted. In this paper, a newly emerged member in the family of discrete element methods (DEM), the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA), is presented, including its variational principle, governing equations, solution techniques and contact representation and detection algorithms. Its relative advantages and shortcomings are compared with the explicit distinct element method and the finite element method. An example of the analysis of tunnel stability is provided to demonstrate the capability of this new method.     

Coupled theory of mixtures for clayey soils

In this work, elasto-plastic coupled equations are formulated in order to describe the time-dependent deformation of saturated cohesive soils (two-phase state). Formulation of these equations is based on the principle of virtual work and the theory of mixtures for inelastic porous media. The theory of mixtures for a linear elastic porous skeleton was first developed by Biot (Theory of elasticity and consolidation for a porous anisotropic solid, Journal of Applied Physics, 1955, 26, 188–185). An extension of Biot's theory into a nonlinear inelastic media was performed by Prevost (Mechanics of continuous porous media, International Journal of Engineering Science, 1980, 18, 787–800). The saturated soil is considered as a mixture of two deformable media, the solid grains and the water. Each medium is regarded as a continuum and follows its own motion. The flow of pore-water through the voids is assumed to follow Darcy's law. The coupled equations are developed for large deformations with finite strains in an updated Lagrangian reference frame. The coupled behavior of the two-phase materials (soil-water state) is implemented in a finite element program. A modified Cam-clay model is adopted and implemented in the finite element program in order to describe the plastic behavior of clayey soils. Penetration of a piezocone penetrometer in soil is numerically simulated and implemented into a finite element program. The piezocone penetrometer is assumed to be infinitely stiff. The continuous penetration of the cone is simulated by applying an incremental vertical movement of the cone tip boundary. Results of the finite element numerical simulation are compared with experimental measurements conducted at Louisiana State University using the calibration chamber. The numerical simulation is carried out for two cases. In the first case, the interface friction between the soil and the piezocone penetrometer is neglected. In the second case, interface friction is assumed between the soil and the piezocone. The results of the numerical simulations are compared with experimental laboratory measurements.     

A 2D coupled finite element and boundary element scheme to simulate the elastic behaviour of jointed rocks

In this paper a coupled finite and boundary element formulation is developed for the analysis of excavation in jointed rock. The presence of joints in the rock mass has been included implicitly by treating it as an appropriate anisotropic elastic continuum. The boundary element formulation for an anisotropic medium is briefly discussed. Good agreement has been found between numerical and analytical solutions for several example problems, demonstrating the accuracy of the present formulation. Numerical solutions are also presented for the problems of a deep circular tunnel and a basement excavated in a variety of jointed rock masses.     

三维边界元与二维有限元的耦合模拟技术

根据地下水模拟中某些实际问题的需要，尝试了一种三维边界元（３Ｄ－ＢＥＭ）和二维有限元（２Ｄ－ＦＥＭ）相结合的数值模拟方法。在局部均质的三维流明显的区域，用３Ｄ－ＢＥＭ模拟；而在大部分非均质的以二维流为主的区域，用２Ｄ－ＦＥＭ模拟。在二者公共的内边界上，通过水流的连续性条件把二者耦合成一个体系。这种方法发挥了二者各自的长处。     

Analysis of strength and moduli of jointed rocks

This paper deals with two aspects of jointed rock mass behavior, first the finite element modeling of a jointed rock mass as an equivalent continuum, second the comparison of empirical strength criteria of a jointed rock mass. In finite element modeling the jointed rock properties are represented by a set of empirical relationships, which express the properties of the jointed medium as a function of joint factor and the properties of the intact rock. These relationships have been derived from a large set of experimental data of tangent elastic modulus. It is concluded that equivalent continuum analysis gives the best results for both single and multiple jointed rock. The reliability of the analysis depends on the estimation of joint factor, which is a function of the joint orientation, joint frequency and joint strength.Empirical strength criteria for jointed rocks, namely Hoek and Brown, Yudhbir et al., Ramamurthy and Arora, Mohr–Coulomb have been incorporated in a nonlinear finite element analysis of jointed rock using the equivalent continuum approach, to determine the failure stress. The major principal stress at failure, obtained using Ramamurthy's criteria, compares very well with experimental results.     

Rock slope stability assessment using finite element based modelling – examples from the Indian Himalayas

Numerical modelling of rock slides is a versatile approach to understand the failure mechanism and the dynamics of rock slopes. Finite element slope stability analysis of three rock slopes in Garhwal Himalaya, India has been carried out using a two dimensional plane strain approach. Two different modelling techniques have been attempted for this study. Firstly, the slope is represented as a continuum in which the effect of discontinuities is considered by reducing the properties and strength of intact rock to those of rock mass. The equivalent Mohr-Coulomb shear strength parameters of generalised Hoek-Brown (GHB) criterion and modified Mohr-Coulomb (MMC) criterion has been used for this continuum approach. Secondly, a combined continuum-interface numerical method has been attempted in which the discontinuities are represented as interface elements in between the rock walls. Two different joint shear strength models such as Barton-Bandis and Patton’s model are used for the interface elements. Shear strength reduction (SSR) analysis has been carried out using a finite element formulation provided in the PHASE². For blocky or very blocky rock mass structure combined continuum-interface model is found to be the most suitable one, as this model is capable of simulating the actual field scenario.     

Deformation and fracturing behaviour of discontinuous rock mass and damage mechanics theory

The mechanical behaviour of a rock mass is strongly affected by discontinuities such as faults and joints. In this paper, a damage mechanics theory is proposed which deals with some sets of discontinuities distributed in a rock mass, for example, joint systems. In this theory, the distributed discontinuities are characterized by a second-order symmetric tensor, called the damage tensor. By introducing the damage concept, the deformation and fracturing behaviour of the rock mass can be reated in a framework of continuum mechanics. A numerical procedure is developed in order to implement the damage mechanics model by using the finite element method. The theory and numerical analysis are applied to several laboratory tests and a practical underground opening problem. Numerical results are compared with measured data.     

Experimental and numerical study of sand–steel interfaces

Experimental and numerical studies on and sand–steel interfaces are presented. Emphasis is laid on the effect of boundary conditions of the whole system and of localized deformation. The experiments with different roughness of steel surface, sand density, normal stress and grain size are carried out in a plane strain apparatus, a parallely guided direct shear apparatus and in a planar silo model with a movable bottom and parallel steel walls. During the test in the plane strain apparatus the localized zone is observed with the help of X-rays. The results indicate a significant effect of wall roughness and boundary conditions of the whole system on the wall friction angle and the thickness of the localized zone along the steel surface. An elastoplastic constitutive model established within the framework of a Cosserat continuum, capable of describing isotropic hardening, softening and dilatancy, is implemented in a finite element code. The model differs from the conventional theory of plasticity due to the presence of Cosserat rotation and couple stress using the mean grain diameter as the characteristic length. Finite element simulations of simple shear tests are presented. The additional boundary condition along the steel plate, characteristic of the Cosserat continuum, allows for modelling the different roughness of the steel plate with consideration of grain rotations. A comparison between the numerical calculations and the experimental results shows acceptable agreement.     

Implicit integration algorithm for Hoek-Brown elastic-plastic model

A realistic strength criterion often used to describe the yielding behaviour of a jointed rock mass at a continuum level is the well-known Hoek and Brown criterion. This paper is concerned with a 3-D stress generalization of the Hoek-Brown failure criterion by means of an elliptical functional which leads to a smooth deviatoric trace in the stress space. For its incorporation into a finite element analysis involving plasticity calculations, the formulation of an implicit stress integration algorithm is presented. The key computational methodology alludes to the notion of consistent tangent modulus and implicit return mapping schemes (radial and closest point return) for stress integration in a finite element analysis. Within the context of non-linear elastoplastic analysis, it is found that formulation of such consistent modulus and success into achieving numerical efficiency are closely intertwined. Indeed, the procedure results into accurate and rapid convergence of the displacement finite element scheme during the search for equilibrium. This means that considerable savings in computational time can be achieved for large scale problems. Numerical examples which focus on the Hoek-Brown plasticity model are presented in order to fully appreciate the robustness of the algorithm, and hence the viability of such method to practical problems.     

Numerical analysis of rafts on visco-elastic media using eigenvector expansions

Problems of a raft on a visco-elastic continuum may be converted to equivalent elastic problems by means of a Laplace transformation. In this paper a numerical solution of the equivalent problem is obtained by finite element or other techniques. This solution is converted into the form of an eigenvector expansion and then transformed into a numerical solution to the original problem by inverting the Laplace transform. This form of solution has the advantage of applying to any visco-elastic model, and of requiring little additional computation as a result of changing the visco-elastic model, the relative raft-soil stiffness or the load pattern. The application of the method is illustrated by results for circular rafts, strip footings of finite length and rectangular rafts, and particular attention is paid to a realistic soil creep function which is asymptotic to a linear function of log time.