Numerical analysis methods of complicated deformation : coupling method and manifold method

Abstract

Rock masses are always dissected by joints, faults, cracks or other discontinuities which control the failure and sliding of the masses. The complicated structure of rock mass leads to a complicated non-linear mechanical behaviour. For modeling of real problems controlled by rock masses, it is important to develop a realistic numerical method for modeling the complicated non-linear behaviour which may include both continuous and discontinuous deformation. The theory of complicated deformation (which include both continuous and discontinuous deformation) is less developed as compared with continuous deformation or discontinuous deformation. The main objective of this thesis is to develop a comprehensive approach to complicated deformation analysis. First of all, Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) and Finite Element Method (FEM) are coupled with special consideration on compatibility along the interface and applied to coal extraction analysis. Secondly, Numerical Manifold Method (NMM) which embraces the widely used FEM and joint or block oriented DDA in a unified form is extended to Wilson non-conforming element to increase the accuracy of analysis. Finally, three dimensional NMM based on tetrahedron element and hexahedron element are also developed and applied to complicated engineering problems. Through the present study, realistic modeling of the complicated response from rock mass can be modeled with various techniques which is important for complicated geotechnical problems.