Linear mathematical assumptions for procedures in other branches of engineering have little relevance for geoengineering, which must accommodate non-linear behaviors. Contributors to eight papers apply the breakthrough numerical modeling Distinct Element Method (Cundall, late 1960s). The design philosophy for structures or excavations in geotechnical engineering is different from that followed for fabricated materials like steel and concrete. The designer has little data both with regard to geological weaknesses and strength and deformation characteristics of materials before finalizing the designs. Also these characteristics vary from place to place. In-situ stresses due to gravity and tectonics and transient forces imposed due to rainfall and earthquakes make the matter more complicated. The pore waters carry the load initially before passing it on to the solids. For the analytical procedure, to be realistic, it should account for large displacements and non-linear behaviour including strain-softening. Because of these considerations, the designers have followed procedures based on simplifying assumptions such as linear, small strain, elastoplastic behaviour. Numerical procedures based on such assumptions, though very popular in other branches of engineering, have made little impact in geo-engineering. An attempt has been made in this book to compile the recent use of distinct element codes for solutions of some of the problems in geomechanics — particularly those involving excavations. It is hoped that it will provide an opportunity for the fraternity of geotechnical engineers to appreciate the opening of new frontiers in the use of computers for solving more challenging geotechnical problems.

Since the 1990s five books on ‘Applications of Computational Mechanics in Geotechnical Engineering’ have been published. Innovative Numerical Modelling in Geomechanics is the 6th and final book in this series, and contains papers written by leading experts on computational mechanics. The book treats highly relevant topics in the field of geotechnics, such as environmental geotechnics, open and underground excavations, foundations, embankments and rockfill dams, computational systems and oil geomechanics. Special attention is paid to risk in geotechnical engineering, and to recent developments in applying Bayesian networks and Data Mining techniques. Innovative Numerical Modelling in Geomechanics will be of interest to civil, mining and environmental engineers, as well as to engineering geologists. The book will also be useful for academics and researchers involved in geotechnics.

Linear mathematical assumptions for procedures in other branches of engineering have little relevance for geoengineering, which must accommodate non-linear behaviors. Contributors to eight papers apply the breakthrough numerical modeling Distinct Element Method (Cundall, late 1960s). The design philosophy for structures or excavations in geotechnical engineering is different from that followed for fabricated materials like steel and concrete. The designer has little data both with regard to geological weaknesses and strength and deformation characteristics of materials before finalizing the designs. Also these characteristics vary from place to place. In-situ stresses due to gravity and tectonics and transient forces imposed due to rainfall and earthquakes make the matter more complicated. The pore waters carry the load initially before passing it on to the solids. For the analytical procedure, to be realistic, it should account for large displacements and non-linear behaviour including strain-softening. Because of these considerations, the designers have followed procedures based on simplifying assumptions such as linear, small strain, elastoplastic behaviour. Numerical procedures based on such assumptions, though very popular in other branches of engineering, have made little impact in geo-engineering. An attempt has been made in this book to compile the recent use of distinct element codes for solutions of some of the problems in geomechanics — particularly those involving excavations. It is hoped that it will provide an opportunity for the fraternity of geotechnical engineers to appreciate the opening of new frontiers in the use of computers for solving more challenging geotechnical problems.

This book presents some fundamental concepts behind the basic theories and tools of discrete element methods (DEM), its historical development, and its wide scope of applications in geology, geophysics and rock engineering. Unlike almost all books available on the general subject of DEM, this book includes coverage of both explicit and implicit DEM approaches, namely the Distinct Element Methods and Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) for both rigid and deformable blocks and particle systems, and also the Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) approach for fluid flow and solute transport simulations. The latter is actually also a discrete approach of importance for rock mechanics and rock engineering. In addition, brief introductions to some alternative approaches are also provided, such as percolation theory and Cosserat micromechanics equivalence to particle systems, which often appear hand-in-hand with the DEM in the literature. Fundamentals of the particle mechanics approach using DEM for granular media is also presented.· Presents the fundamental concepts of the discrete models for fractured rocks, including constitutive models of rock fractures and rock masses for stress, deformation and fluid flow· Provides a comprehensive presentation on discrete element methods, including distinct elements, discontinuous deformation analysis, discrete fracture networks, particle mechanics and Cosserat representation of granular media· Features constitutive models of rock fractures and fracture system characterization methods detaiing their significant impacts on the performance and uncertainty of the DEM models

The first single work on DEM providing the information to get started with this powerful numerical modelling approach. Provides the basic details of the numerical method and the approaches used to interpret the results of DEM simulations. It will be of use to professionals, researchers and higher level students, with a theoretical overview of DEM as well as practical guidance.Selected Contents: 1.Introduction 2.Use of DEM in Geomechanics 3.Calculation of Contact Forces 4.Particle Motion 5.Particle Types 6.Boundary Conditions 7.Initial Geometry and Specimen Generation 8.Time Integration and Discrete Element Modelling 9.DEM Interpretation: A Continuum Perspective 10.Postprocessing: Graphical Interpretation of DEM Simulations 11.Basic Statisti

NUMGE 2018 is the ninth in a series of conferences on Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering organized by the ERTC7 under the auspices of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE). The first conference was held in 1986 in Stuttgart, Germany and the series continued every four years (1990 Santander, Spain; 1994 Manchester, United Kingdom; 1998 Udine, Italy; 2002 Paris, France; 2006 Graz, Austria; 2010 Trondheim, Norway; 2014 Delft, The Netherlands). The conference provides a forum for exchange of ideas and discussion on topics related to numerical modelling in geotechnical engineering. Both senior and young researchers, as well as scientists and engineers from Europe and overseas, are invited to attend this conference to share and exchange their knowledge and experiences. This work is the first volume of NUMGE 2018.

Analysis and Design Methods

The subject of thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled processes in fractured rock masses has close relevance to energy-related deep earth engineering activities, such as enhanced geothermal systems, geological disposal of radioactive waste, sequestration of CO2, long-term disposal of waste water and recovery of hydrocarbons from unconventional reservoirs. Despite great efforts by engineers and researchers, comprehensive understanding of the thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled processes in fractured rock mass remains a great challenge. The discrete element method (DEM), originally developed by Dr. Peter Cundall, has become widely used for the modeling of a rock mass, including its deformation, damage, fracturing and stability. DEM modeling of the coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in fractured rock masses can provide some unique insights, to say the least, for better understanding of those complex issues. The authors of this book have participated in various projects involving DEM modeling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes during treatment of a rock mass by fluid injection and/or extraction and have provided consulting services to some of the largest oil-and-gas companies in the world. The breadth and depth of our engineering expertise are reflected by its successful applications in the major unconventional plays in the world, including Permian, Marcellus, Bakken, Eagle Ford, Horn River, Chicontepec, Sichuan, Ordos and many more. The unique combination of the state-of-the-art numerical modeling techniques with state-of-the-practice engineering applications makes the presented material relevant and valuable for engineering practice. We believe that it is beneficial to share the advances on this subject and promote some further development.

In this fully up-to-date volume, important new developments and applications of discrete element modelling are highlighted and brought together for presentation at the First International UDEC/3DEC Symposium.Papers covered the following key areas:* behaviour of masonry structures (walls, bridges, towers, columns)* stability and deformation of tunne

This book presents recent research into developing and applying computational tools to estimate the performance and safety of hydraulic structures from the planning and construction stage to the service period. Based on the results of a close collaboration between the author and his colleagues, friends, students and field engineers, it shows how to achieve a good correlation between numerical computation and the actual in situ behavior of hydraulic structures. The book’s heuristic and visualized style disseminates the philosophy and road map as well as the findings of the research. The chapters reflect the various aspects of the three typical and practical methods (the finite element method, the block element method, the composite element method) that the author has been working on and made essential contributions to since the 1980s. This book is an advanced continuation of Hydraulic Structures by the same author, published by Springer in 2015.