The application of three-dimensional DDA with a spherical rigid block to rockfall simulation

This paper deals with the force-based assessment of collapse mechanisms and strengthening interventions of the historic masonry castle “Bussi sul Tirino” (Abruzzi, Italy) using rigid block limit analysis (RBLA). The structure, which is a fortified palace dating back to the 11th century, has experienced severe earthquakes over the centuries and was hit once again in 2009 by the L’Aquila earthquake. Based on the historical analysis and the results of in situ investigations, a spatial rigid block model of an entire structural unit was generated using the in-house software LiABlock_3D. The software is a MATLAB® based tool for three-dimensional RBLA, which provides as outputs collapse failure modes and collapse load multipliers. In addition, a specific routine was developed for the purpose of the study to compute the participating mass ratio and the spectral acceleration that activated the failure mechanisms. The results of the numerical analysis were used to address three different retrofitting interventions, based on the use of connection elements and ties that, according to the minimum intervention principle, progressively enhanced the seismic capacity. Comparisons in terms of seismic safety indices are finally provided in order to give a quantitative measure of the effectiveness of the adopted retrofitting strategies.

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Estimation of rockfall hazard using a GIS-based three-dimensional rockfall simulation model

Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece ◽

10.12681/bgsg.17223 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 1934

Author(s):

S. Charalambous ◽

M. Sakellariou

Keyword(s):

Simulation Model ◽

Stochastic Analysis ◽

Seismic Event ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Mountainous Areas ◽

Land Planning ◽

Rockfall Hazard ◽

Rockfall Simulation ◽

Gis Environment

Rockfall is a very common geomorphological process, yet a major hazard mainly in mountainous areas or along man-made slopes, potentially threatening lives, settlements, equipment, facilities and road infrastructure. In Greece, rockfalls are considered to be one of the most common forms of landslide as well as the most common failure mode likely to be triggered by a seismic event. Rockfall hazard assessment is requisite for both safety purposes (countermeasure design), as well as for land planning purposes. In this paper, a new three-dimensional rockfall simulation model, developed in GIS environment, is proposed as a tool for assessing rockfall hazard for a local- or even a regional-scale area. The application provides stochastic analysis, three-dimensional visualization and animation of rockfalls, by taking advantage of the capabilities offered by GIS. By means of case studies we evaluate the simulation model as a tool assisting spatial analysis and planning, which can be used in decision-making and design concerning road infrastructures, or even a large technical work, such as a dam.

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Nonlinear Dynamics of a Rigid Block on a Rigid Base

Journal of Applied Mechanics ◽

10.1115/1.2787209 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

pp. 55-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

R. N. Iyengar ◽

D. Roy

Keyword(s):

Stability Boundary ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Melnikov Function ◽

Rigid Base ◽

Rigid Block ◽

Stable And Unstable Manifolds ◽

Melnikov Functions ◽

Unstable Manifolds ◽

Simulation Results ◽

The Stability

The planar rocking of a prismatic rectangular rigid block about either of its corners is considered. The problem of homoclinic intersections of the stable and unstable manifolds of the perturbed separatrix is addressed to and the corresponding Melnikov functions are derived. Inclusion of the vertical forcing in the Hamiltonian permits the construction of a three-dimensional separatrix. The corresponding modified Melnikov function of Wiggins for homoclinic intersections is derived. Further, the 1-period symmetric orbits are predicted analytically using the method of averaging and compared with the simulation results. The stability boundary for such orbits is also established.

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Application of a Three-Dimensional Rigid Block Model to the Limit Analysis of Large Scale Masonry Panels

Proceedings of the Twelfth International Conference on Computational Structures Technology ◽

10.4203/ccp.106.76 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

F. Portioli ◽

C. Casapulla ◽

L. Cascini

Keyword(s):

Limit Analysis ◽

Large Scale ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Rigid Block ◽

Block Model

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Basic rockfall simulation with consideration of vegetation and application to protection measure

Natural Hazards and Earth System Science ◽

10.5194/nhess-9-1835-2009 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 1835-1843 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

H. Masuya ◽

K. Amanuma ◽

Y. Nishikawa ◽

T. Tsuji

Keyword(s):

Three Dimensional ◽

Simulation Method ◽

Performance Based Design ◽

Hazard Mapping ◽

Protection Measure ◽

Protection Measures ◽

Rockfall Simulation ◽

Dimensional Simulation ◽

Estimation Of Risk

Abstract. The estimation of risk due to rockfall is often done empirically. As a rational and effective method towards performance-based design of protection measures, a three-dimensional simulation method helps to describe the motion of rockfall on a slope and to consider the effect of vegetation probabilistically. This document details a typical simulation method and analyses the manner of rockfalls paired with interference of vegetation and other factors. As application, an actual slope is analyzed where rockfall occurred during the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Finally, the validity and the benefits of the shown method are the basis for a hazard mapping for rockfall and the planning of measures.

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