Project Details
Description
Three methods are basically used in the simulation of geotechnical problems: boundary element (BEM), finite
element (FEM) and distinct element (DEM) methods. The choice of method depends on the expected physical
behaviour (predominantly continuous elastic, visco-plastic or discontinuous). Since this may change for different
parts of the domain to be analysed, the best approach is to use a combination of at least two of the above
mentioned methods. Starting from an elastic boundary element analysis, the aim of the project is to develop a
simulation methodology that will identify zones where non-linear, or discontinuous behaviour, is expected to occur,
so as to automatically discretise these zones into either finite or discrete elements. This will ensure that the different
methods are used where they are best suited, without any additional effort required by the user, which will lead to
more accurate and efficient predictions. It is planned to demonstrate the program on two practical examples in
geotechnics: the analysis of a tunnel excavation where zones near the excavation boundary exhibit discontinuous
behaviour and the analysis of the stability of a well bore junction in the petroleum industry. The development of
the simulation program will be significantly speeded up by the availability of an existing BEM program being
developed at the Institute. The work can be seen as a continuation of the FWF project P15523-No7 "Numerical
Simulation of tunnel advance with the BEM".
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 1/03/09 → 31/05/12 |
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