Application of the extended distinct element method for collapse simulation of a double-deck bridge

Abstract

The Distinct Element Method (DEM), in which soil is represented as an assembly of numerous discrete particles, does not account for the continuity of the medium. The extended method has another physical structure which represents the effect of the internal material between the particles as mortar of concrete. We simulated the two-dimensional dynamic fracture process of the Cypress Double-Deck Bridge on Interstate 880-Line suffered by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake using this method. Results agree well with the real damage qualitatively and confirmed that this method can simulate the collapse of structures involving discontinuous behavior.