Modeling of the Irreversible Deformation of Soils and Rock Masses by the Methods of the Theory of Elasticity

Abstract

We analyze the existing algorithms, models, and procedures of evaluation aimed at the investigation of the irreversible processes of land-sliding and deformation of soils and rock masses. We establish the advantages both of the Cundall procedure [based on the cyclic (in time) scheme of evaluation of the incremental strain rates according to Newton's second law of motion and the levels of stresses and strains according to generalized Hooke’s law] and of the Coulomb–Mohr strength model modified by introducing the ultimate tensile strength. The dissipation of the kinetic energy caused by the temporal disbalance of forces is described by the introduction of damping forces proportional to the active forces and strain rates. The novelty of results of our investigations is explained by the combination of the indicated algorithms and models on the basis of the finite-difference scheme of numerical analyses guaranteeing the possibility of reliable calculations of large irreversible deformations of rocks, which makes it possible to reproduce the actual history of their landslides and deformations beyond the level of ultimate strength. The practical significance of performed investigations is confirmed by the comparison of accumulated data with the data of geodesic observations of the landslides of ground slopes.