A Hybrid Discrete Element-Boundary Element Method Of Stress Analysis

The discrete element method is a numerical technique suitable for use in modelling the discontinuum behaviour of jointed rock. The disadvantage of this method, in its application to analysis of underground excavations, is the necessity to discretize the complete problem domain. Since the far-field rock responds to the excavation as an elastic continuum, it may be appropriately represented by the boundary element method. This exploits the inherent advantage of the boundary element method in representing a quasi-infinite domain in terms of its internal surface geometry and associated boundary conditions. The procedures employed in developing a first-generation coupled discrete element-boundary element algorithm are described and the solution to a simple problem verifying the performance of the coupled code is presented. A procedure for numerical treatment of installed support systems is also presented. For the covering abstract of the symposium see TRIS 452576. (Author/TRRL)