Rock Slide Simulation with the Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 12, Issue 6
Abstract
This paper describes the application of the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) for the simulation of two different rock slides observed at the Alpetto Mine in Cesana Brianza (Italy). Previous numerical modeling conducted to study the stability conditions of the high rock cut are used as comparison for the results obtained. The paper presents how the FDEM simulation was performed and discusses the ability and limits of the currently available combined method to simulate rock slide problems for practical purposes.
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Acknowledgments
We acknowledge the help and advice of Professor Antonio Munjiza (University of London, UK) and Andrea Lisiak and Omid Mahabadi (University of Toronto, Canada). We are also thankful to Geodes Srl (Torino, Italy) who provided the case history data. This work has been partially supported by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada in the form of Discovery Grant No. 341275, held by G. Grasselli.
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© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 19, 2011
Accepted: Dec 14, 2011
Published online: Dec 17, 2011
Published in print: Dec 1, 2012
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