Dynamic lattice element modelling of cemented geomaterials

Abstract

Cemented geomaterial due to inherent porosity and composition difference has many stress localization spots. These spots when they exceed the material limit locally form centres for crack nucleation and propagation. A vast pool of numerical and analytical methods is available, but these methods fail to solve the problem of wave motion at the granular level. The problem offers a daunting task in static or pseudo-dynamic loading but becomes highly challenging in a dynamic loading scenario. Here, in this paper, we present the lattice element method from the family of discrete element method to solve the problem of mechanical waves in rock mass or cemented granular material under dynamic excitation. The method offers a robust solution to the problem of crack initiation and propagation in a dynamic loading scenario. The lattice element method is capable of handling the nucleation, propagation, coalescence and branching of the cracks with relative ease. The method could be extended to impact loading and multiphysics scenarios in a straight-forward manner.