Creep Modeling in Excavation Analysis of a High Rock Slope
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 129, Issue 9
Abstract
Based on the distinct element method, a numerical procedure is presented for simulation of creep behavior of jointed rock slopes due to excavation unloading. The Kelvin model is used to simulate viscous deformation of joints. A numerical scheme is introduced to create incremental contact forces, which are equivalent to producing creep deformation of a rock-joint system. The corresponding displacement of discrete blocks due to creep deformation of contact joints can be calculated by equilibrium iteration. Comparisons of results between the numerical model and theoretical solutions of a benchmark example show that the presented model has excellent accuracy for analysis of creep deformation of rock-joint structures. As an application of the model, residual deformations of the high rock slopes of the Three Gorges shiplock due to excavation unloading and creep behavior are investigated. By simulating the actual excavation process, the deformation history of a shiplock slope is studied. Good agreement has been achieved between numerical prediction and field measurements. It demonstrates the effectiveness of the presented model in analysis of the creep deformation due to excavation unloading of high rock slopes.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 129 • Issue 9 • September 2003
Pages: 849 - 857
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 10, 2001
Accepted: Nov 2, 2002
Published online: Aug 15, 2003
Published in print: Sep 2003
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