Computer Analysis of Dry-Stone Walls using Distinct Element Code

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.G. Dickens ◽  
M.G. Mansell ◽  
P.J. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Computer Analysis ◽  
Distinct Element ◽  
Distinct Element Code ◽  
Stone Walls

scholarly journals Buckling Failure Mechanism of a Rock Dam Foundation Fractured by Gentle Through-Going and Steep Structural Discontinuities

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (13) ◽  
pp. 5426
Author(s):  
Donghui Chen ◽  
Huie Chen ◽  
Wen Zhang ◽  
Chun Tan ◽  
Zhifa Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Method ◽  
Failure Mechanism ◽  
Shear Failure ◽  
Distinct Element ◽  
Mechanism Analysis ◽  
Rock Masses ◽  
Dam Foundation ◽  
Deformation Features ◽  
Universal Distinct Element Code ◽  
Distinct Element Code

The failure mechanism analysis of dam foundations is key for designing hydropower stations. This study analyses the rock masses in a sluice section, which is an important part of the main dam of the Datengxia Hydropower Station currently built in China. The stability of the sluice rock masses is predominantly affected by gentle through-going soft interlayers and steep structural fractures. Its foundation failure mechanism is investigated by means of a numerical method, i.e., Universal Distinct Element Code (UDEC) and the geomechanical model method. The modeling principle and process, and results for the rock dam foundation are introduced and generated by using the abovementioned two methods. The results indicate that the failure mechanism of the foundation rock masses, as characterized by gentle through-going and steep structural discontinuities, is not a conventional type of shear failure mechanism but a buckling one. This type of failure mechanism is verified by analyzing the deformation features resulting from the overloading of both methods and strength reduction of the numerical method.

scholarly journals Formation, breaching and flood consequences of a landslide dam near Bujumbura, Burundi

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 1867-1890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Léonidas Nibigira ◽  
Hans-Balder Havenith ◽  
Pierre Archambeau ◽  
Benjamin Dewals
Keyword(s):  
Distinct Element ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Landslide Dam ◽  
Propagation Time ◽  
Universal Distinct Element Code ◽  
Landslide Process ◽  
Distinct Element Code ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Flood Intensity

Abstract. This paper investigates the possible formation of a landslide dam on the Kanyosha River near Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, as well as the interplay between the breaching of this landslide dam and the flooding along the river. We present an end-to-end analysis, ranging from the origin of the landslide up to the computation of flood waves induced by the dam breaching. The study includes three main steps. First, the mass movement site was investigated with various geophysical methods that allowed us to build a general 3-D model and detailed 2-D sections of the landslide. Second, this model was used for dynamic landslide process modelling with the Universal Distinct Element Code. The results showed that a 15 m high landslide dam may form on the river. Finally, a 2-D hydraulic model was set up to find out the consequences of the breaching of the landslide dam on flooding along the river, especially in an urban area located downstream. Based on 2-D maps of maximum water depth, flow velocity and wave propagation time, the results highlight that neglecting the influence of such landslide dams leads to substantial underestimation of flood intensity in the downstream area.

Optimizing Method of Main Caverns in Large Underground Water-Sealed Storage Caverns

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang An ◽  
E-chuan Yan ◽  
Xing-ming Li ◽  
Shao-ping Huang
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Distinct Element ◽  
Strength Criterion ◽  
Axial Direction ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Underground Water ◽  
Land Resource ◽  
Maximum Displacement ◽  
Distinct Element Code

Abstract As a main method of petroleum strategic reserve in China, underground water-sealed storage cavern owns lots of outstanding advantages, such as low operating costs, high safety, and land resource conservation. Main caverns are important structure in underground project and the layout parameters and excavation scheme will have significant impact on overall project quality. The optimization method of main cavern layout and excavation scheme was put forward by a proposed large-scale underground water-sealed cavern project in China. First, based on field survey results, the Hoek-Brown strength criterion combined with rock mass quality Q classification system was used to estimate the equivalent mechanical parameters of rock mass. Second, the numerical experiments were carried out by relying on 3 Dimensions Distinct Element Code (3DEC). The discontinuous medium model was adopted, and displacements of key points, maximum displacement values and volume of the plastic zone were used as evaluation indicators. Axial direction, buried depth, spacing and excavation scheme of main caverns have been optimized. Results showed that axial direction should adopt NW325°, buried depth of cavern roof should locate at -100m, and distance between adjacent main caverns should be 1.5 times the span (36m). The “jump excavation” mode was recommended in construction. That is, the caverns on both sides should be excavated first, and the middle cavern should be excavated later. This mode could effectively reduce the interaction effect between caverns. This method has the characteristics of easy data acquisition and strong operability. It could be used to guide design and construction of similar projects . As a main method of petroleum strategic reserve in China, underground water-sealed storage cavern owns lots of outstanding advantages, such as low operating costs, high safety, and land resource conservation. Main caverns are important structure in underground project and the layout parameters and excavation scheme will have significant impact on overall project quality. The optimization method of main cavern layout and excavation scheme was put forward by a proposed large-scale underground water-sealed cavern project in China. First, based on field survey results, the Hoek-Brown strength criterion combined with rock mass quality Q classification system was used to estimate the equivalent mechanical parameters of rock mass. Second, the numerical experiments were carried out by relying on 3 Dimensions Distinct Element Code (3DEC). The discontinuous medium model was adopted, and displacements of key points, maximum displacement values and volume of the plastic zone were used as evaluation indicators. Axial direction, buried depth, spacing and excavation scheme of main caverns have been optimized. Results showed that axial direction should adopt NW325°, buried depth of cavern roof should locate at -100m, and distance between adjacent main caverns should be 1.5 times the span (36m). The “jump excavation” mode was recommended in construction. That is, the caverns on both sides should be excavated first, and the middle cavern should be excavated later. This mode could effectively reduce the interaction effect between caverns. This method has the characteristics of easy data acquisition and strong operability. It could be used to guide design and construction of similar projects .

Research on Mining Technological Parameters of 7# Thin Coal Seam in Liuquan Mine

2012 ◽  
Vol 629 ◽  
pp. 937-942
Author(s):  
Dong Sheng Zhang ◽  
Xu Feng Wang ◽  
Yang Zhang ◽  
Jin Liang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Coal Seam ◽  
Distinct Element ◽  
Horizontal Displacement ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Surrounding Rock ◽  
Technological Parameters ◽  
Thin Coal Seam ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Universal Distinct Element Code ◽  
Distinct Element Code

Aimed at the specific geological conditions of 7# thin coal seam in Liuquan Mine, this paper used the methods of numerical calculation and theoretical analysis to determine the reasonable technological parameters of high-grade conventional mining face. The numerical simulation software of UDEC (Universal Distinct Element Code) was used to contrast and analyse the characteristics of surrounding rock stress distribution and overlying rock horizontal displacement under the condition of different length of coalface, then it was indicated that the surrounding rock deformation was less when length of coalface was 110 m which was advantageous for roof control; according to the conditions of roof and floor, the roof support strength was being calculated systematically to determine the row space of props being 700×1200 mm; the main equipments of coalface was assorted, and reasonable work manner in coalface and gob processing measure was put forward, which provided guidance for efficient mining in thin coal seam.

scholarly journals Formation, breaching and flood consequences of a landslide dam near Bujumbura, Burundi

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Léonidas Nibigira ◽  
Hans-Balder Havenith ◽  
Pierre Archambeau ◽  
Benjamin Dewals
Keyword(s):  
Flood Hazard ◽  
Distinct Element ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Landslide Dam ◽  
Propagation Time ◽  
Universal Distinct Element Code ◽  
Landslide Process ◽  
Maximum Water ◽  
Distinct Element Code

Abstract. This paper investigated the possible formation of a landslide dam on the Kanyosha River near Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, as well as the interplay between the breaching of this landslide dam and the flooding along the river. We present an end-to-end analysis, ranging from the origin of the landslide up to the computation of flood waves induced by the dam breaching. The study includes three main steps. First, the mass movement site was investigated with various geophysical methods that allowed us to build a general 3D model and detailed 2D sections of the landslide. Second, this model was used for dynamic landslide process modelling with the Universal Distinct Element Code. The results showed that a fifteen-meter-high landslide dam may form on the river. Finally, a 2D hydraulic model was setup to find out the consequences of the breaching of the landslide dam on flooding along the river, especially in an urban area located downstream. Based on 2D maps of maximum water depth, flow velocity and wave propagation time, the results highlight that neglecting the influence of such landslide dams leads to substantial underestimation of flood hazard in the downstream area.

Cutting Simulation of Laser Assisted Milling of Silicon Nitride Ceramics Using PFC2D

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinwei Shen ◽  
Shuting Lei
Keyword(s):  
Silicon Nitride ◽  
Distinct Element ◽  
Cutting Temperature ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Particle Flow Code ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Cutting Simulation ◽  
Nitride Ceramics ◽  
Ceramic Machining ◽  
Distinct Element Code

Since laser assisted milling (LAMill) exhibits complicated characteristics in ceramic machining, this paper applies a distinct-element code, PFC2D (Particle Flow Code in Two-Dimensions), to conduct cutting simulation of laser assisted slab milling and explore its machining mechanism. The microstructure of a β-type silicon nitride ceramic (β-Si3N4) is modeled at grain scale. Clusters are used to simulate the rod-like grains of β-Si3N4. Parallel bonds are employed to represent the connection between intergranular glass phase and grains. A temperature-dependent PFC specimen is created for simulation of LAMill. A special milling cutter is designed for improving the computing efficiency. Simulation results show that the cutting force is strongly related to crack formation and propagation. The specific cutting energy decreases as the cutting temperature increases.

Preliminary Study on the Progressive Failure of a Layered Rock Slope under Explosions

2006 ◽  
Vol 306-308 ◽  
pp. 1461-1466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y.Q. Liu ◽  
Hai Bo Li ◽  
H.C. Dai ◽  
Jun Ru Li ◽  
Qing Chun Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Critical Point ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Progressive Failure ◽  
Distinct Element ◽  
Failure Process ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Layered Rock ◽  
Universal Distinct Element Code ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Distinct Element Code

The progressive failure process of a layer rock slope under explosions is simulated using two-dimensional Universal Distinct Element Code (UDEC). It is shown that the failure process of the slope can be divided into three phases, the formation and growth of local failure area as well as coalescence of sliding plane. In addition, the displacement components of a critical point of the slope are also suggested to be a progressive process.

scholarly journals A "Total Slope Analysis" methodology applied to an unstable rock slope in Washington, USA

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 63-72
Author(s):  
A. Strouth ◽  
E. Eberhardt ◽  
O. Hungr
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Distinct Element ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Slope Analysis ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Path Distance ◽  
Distinct Element Code ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Unstable Rock

A "Total Slope Analysis" methodology, that combines several numerical techniques, is adopted to investigate an unstable rock slope in Washington State, USA. For this specific study, the distinct-element code UDEC is used to assess the stability and potential failure volume of the rockslide. Once the potential rockslide volume has been estimated and failure mechanism assessed, the runout path, distance and velocity are assessed using the dynamic or rheological flow model DAN3D. Site investigation and data reconnaissance plays an important role for both stages in the "Total Slope Analysis", including outcrop mapping, aerial photograph interpretation, scanline joint surveys and 3-D laser scanning. The results of the "Total Slope Analysis" can be directly applied to assessment and mitigation of the landslide hazard, greatly aiding engineering judgment by providing key qualitative and quantitative insights into the risk analysis.

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