Computation of collapse loads in geomechanics by finite elements

Abstract

Recent interest in bifurcation and localisation in geomechanics has led to a re-examination of traditional collapse calculations using finite element methods. This paper reviews some of the important aspects of calculations of this type from a practical viewpoint. Examples of collapse predictions in applications of both bearing capacity and slope stability with strain softening are presented. It is shown that localised zones of shear deformation can be modelled without any artificial inducements such as weak elements or applied displacement fields.