APPLICATION OF CONTACT-FRICTION INTERFACE ELEMENT TO TUNNEL EXCAVATION IN FAULTED ROCK

A simple contact-friction interface element for two-dimensional models is developed here. This model takes nodal contact stresses instead of nodal contact forces as unknowns. The element can simulate frictional slippage, decoupling and re-bonding of two bodies initially mating at a common interface. The method is based on the Finite Element Method and load incremental theory. The geometric and static constraint conditions on contact surfaces are treated as additional conditions and are included in stiffness equations. Since the stiffness matrix is unsymmetric, symmetrizing techniques are discussed in this paper. Consequently, a symmetrical stiffness matrix of the constraint element is established. The new element has the advantages of easy implementation into standard finite element programs and high speed for convergence. As an example of its application, the excavation of a tunnel with soft media and joint interfaces is simulated. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of using this model to perform analyses of discontinuties in rock mass, such as faults, shear zones and joints. (A)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0266352X
• Corporate Authors:

  Elsevier

  The Boulevard, Langford Lane
  Kidlington, Oxford  United Kingdom  OX5 1GB
• Authors:
  • LEI, X Y
  • Swoboda, G
  • Zenz, G
• Publication Date: 1995

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 349-70
• Serial:
  • COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0266-352X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Drilling; Faults; Finite element method; Rock mechanics; Rocks; Tunnels
• ITRD Terms: 3871: Drilling; 4068: Fault (geomorphol); 6490: Finite element method; 4154: Rock; 5757: Rock mechanics; 3374: Tunnel
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Geotechnology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00711169
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Sep 20 1995 12:00AM