Numerical methods in rock mechanics

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Numerical methods in rock mechanics

The most commonlyapplied numerical methods for rock mechanics problem are:

§ Continuummethods—the finite difference method (FDM), the finite element method (FEM),and the boundary element method (BEM).
§ Discretemethods—the discrete element method (DEM), discrete fractures network (DFN)methods.
§ Hybridcontinuum/discrete methods.

The choice ofcontinuum or discrete methods depends on many problem specific factors, andmainly on the problem scale and fracture system geometry. The continuumapproach can be used if only a few fractures are present and if fractureopening and complete block detachment are not significant factors. The discreteapproach is most suitable for moderately fractured rock masses where the numberof fractures is too large for the continuum-with-fracture-elements approach, orwhere large-scale displacements of individual blocks are possible. There are noabsolute advantages of one method over another. However, some of the disadvantagesof each type can be avoided by combined continuum-discrete models, termedhybrid models.
In this review, weconcentrate on the states-of-the-art of the capability and utility of thenumerical methods for rock mechanics purposes and note the outstanding issuesto be solved. The emphasis is on civil engineering applications, but theinformation applies to all branches of rock engineering, and is supported hereby a moderately extensive literature reference source.