Numerical Methods And Constitutive Modelling In Geomechanics

Numerical Methods and Constitutive Modelling in Geomechanics

Numerical Methods and Constitutive Modelling in Geomechanics

The solution of stress analysis problems through numerical, computer oriented techniques is becoming more and more popular in soil and rock engineering. This is due to the ability of these methods to handle geometrically complex problems even in the presence of highly nonlinear material behaviour, characterizing the majority of soils and rocks, and of media consisting of two or more phases, like saturated and partially saturated soils. Aim of this book is to present to researchers and engineers working in the various branches of geomechanics an updated state of the research on the development and application of numerical methods in geotechnical and foundation engineering. Particular attention is devoted to the formulation of nonlinear material models and to their use for the analysis of complex engineering problems. In addition to the constitutive modelling, other topics discussed concern the use of the finite element and boundary element methods in geomechanics; the dynamic analysis of inelastic and saturated soils; the solution of seepage, consolidation and coupled problems; the analysis of soil-structure interaction problems; the numerical procedures for the interpretation of field measurements; the analysis of tunnels and underground openings.

Constitutive Modelling in Geomechanics

The purpose of this book is to bridge the gap between the traditional Geomechanics and Numerical Geotechnical Modelling with applications in science and practice. Geomechanics is rarely taught within the rigorous context of Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics, while when it comes to Numerical Modelling, commercially available finite elements or finite differences software utilize constitutive relationships within the rigorous framework. As a result, young scientists and engineers have to learn the challenging subject of constitutive modelling from a program manual and often end up with using unrealistic models which violate the Laws of Thermodynamics. The book is introductory, by no means does it claim any completeness and state of the art in such a dynamically developing field as numerical and constitutive modelling of soils. The author gives basic understanding of conventional continuum mechanics approaches to constitutive modelling, which can serve as a foundation for exploring more advanced theories. A considerable effort has been invested here into the clarity and brevity of the presentation. A special feature of this book is in exploring thermomechanical consistency of all presented constitutive models in a simple and systematic manner.