Computational Geomechanics Including Consolidation

Abstract

A review is presented of the role of computational mechanics in geotechnical engineering. Included are discussions of the conventional deterministic techniques used for numerical modeling in geomechanics and a brief discussion of the stochastic techniques for dealing with the uncertainties encountered in geotechnical practice. Considerable emphasis is given to the methods commonly used for the solution of boundary and initial value problems. Significantly, the chapter also includes a discussion of the limitations of the various numerical modeling techniques. Constitutive modeling of soil and rock mass behavior and material interfaces is an essential component of this type of computing, and so a review of recent developments and capabilities of constitutive models for geomaterials is also included. Problems involving the interaction of the ground with other engineering structures are also addressed. Some of the concepts described in the paper are illustrated with examples taken from research and practice. Emphasis has been placed on the mechanical behavior of soil, but it is noted that many of the models and techniques described also have application in rock mechanics and rock engineering.