Numerical Modelling of Masonry Dams Using the Discrete Element Method

2016 ◽  
pp. 171-199
Author(s):  
Eduardo Martins Bretas
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modelling ◽  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Seismic Analysis ◽  
Failure Mechanisms ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Structural Safety ◽  
Structural Behaviour ◽  
History Of ◽  
Numerical Tool ◽  
Element Method

This work concerns the numerical modelling of masonry dams using the Discrete Element Method. It begins with a review of the history of masonry dams and their behaviour. A numerical tool based on the Discrete Element Method developed specifically for the structural assessment of masonry dams is then presented. The mechanical calculations performed by the tool are discussed in detail, together with the approach used for the modelling of passive anchors and the modules for seismic analysis and hydromechanical analysis. Structural and hydraulic analyses of a diverse set of existing masonry dams conducted using the tool are then presented. The Discrete Element Method is shown to be capable of reproducing the structural behaviour of masonry dams and identifying their likely failure mechanisms as required for structural safety evaluations.

scholarly journals Numerical modelling of suffusion by discrete element method: a new internal stability criterion based on mechanical behaviour of eroded soil

2017 ◽  
Vol 140 ◽  
pp. 10011
Author(s):  
Nadjibou Abdoulaye Hama ◽  
Tariq Ouahbi ◽  
Said Taibi ◽  
Hanène Souli ◽  
Jean-Marie Fleureau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modelling ◽  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Mechanical Behaviour ◽  
Stability Criterion ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Internal Stability ◽  
Element Method

scholarly journals Seismic Analysis of the Bell Tower of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi on Kaptol in Zagreb by Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 373
Author(s):  
Ivan Balić ◽  
Hrvoje Smoljanović ◽  
Boris Trogrlić ◽  
Ante Munjiza
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Seismic Analysis ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Masonry Building ◽  
Bell Tower ◽  
The Church ◽  
Good Agreement ◽  
Element Method ◽  
Francis Of Assisi

The paper presents a failure analysis of the bell tower of the church of St. Francis of Assisi on Kaptol in Zagreb subjected to seismic activity using the finite-discrete element method—FDEM. The bell tower is a masonry building, and throughout history it has undergone multiple damages and reconstructions. It was significantly damaged during the earthquake in Zagreb which occurred on 22 March 2020 with a magnitude of 5.5. The analysis was performed on a simplified FDEM 2D numerical model which corresponds to the structure in its current pre-disaster state and the structure after the proposed post-disaster reconstruction. The obtained results showed a good agreement of the crack pattern in the numerical model and the cracks that occurred due to these earthquakes. In addition, the conclusions based on the conducted analysis can provide a better insight into the behaviour and serve as guidelines to engineers for the design of such and similar structures.

Analysis of Time-Dependent Soil Behavior above High-Filled Cut-and-Cover Tunnels Using Discrete Element Method

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng Li ◽  
Guoqiang Han ◽  
I-HSUAN HO ◽  
Li Ma ◽  
Balasingam Muhunthan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Load Transfer ◽  
Earth Pressure ◽  
Vertical Displacement ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Structural Safety ◽  
Dependent Behavior ◽  
Element Method

Abstract In the Northwest Loess Plateau of China that is full of mountains and deep valleys, high-filled cut-and-cover tunnels (HFCCTs) not only satisfy transportation demands, but they create usable land as well. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the feasibility of HFCCTs, but the time-dependent behavior of the significant backfill needed for HFCCTs has not been adequately examined. Settlement can be severely underestimated due to the time-dependent behavior of ultra-high backfill, and the earth pressure becomes redistributed accordingly. Therefore, the ability to predict the long-term behavior of backfill on HFCCTs is necessary to ensure the long-term safety of the structure. Using a discrete element method (DEM), the changes in vertical earth pressure (VEP), vertical displacement, and load transfer mechanisms above an HFCCT were investigated in this study under scenarios with and without considering backfill creep. The results show that the differential displacement of the soil and the surface settlement obviously increase due to creep and the subsequent cycles of primary and secondary consolidation. Moreover, the stress surrounding the HFCCT is redistributed, causing both the stress concentration and slope effect to weaken over time, but the VEP increases significantly. The micromechanical parameters also change correspondingly. Our results clearly show that the creep of high backfill soil must be considered carefully in HFCCT projects to ensure structural safety.

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