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Advances in discrete element modelling of underground excavations

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Abstract

The paper presents advances in the discrete element modelling of underground excavation processes extending modelling possibilities as well as increasing computational efficiency. Efficient numerical models have been obtained using techniques of parallel computing and coupling the discrete element method with finite element method. The discrete element algorithm has been applied to simulation of different excavation processes, using different tools, TBMs and roadheaders. Numerical examples of tunnelling process are included in the paper, showing results in the form of rock failure, damage in the material, cutting forces and tool wear. Efficiency of the code for solving large scale geomechanical problems is also shown.

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Acknowledgments

The work has been sponsored by the EU project TUNCONSTRUCT (contract no. IP 011817-2) coordinated by Prof. G. Beer (TU Graz, Austria).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering, Technical University of Catalonia, Gran Capitan s/n, 08034, Barcelona, Spain

    Carlos Labra, Eugenio Oñate & Francisco Zarate

  2. Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Swietokrzyska 21, 00049, Warsaw, Poland

    Jerzy Rojek

Authors
  1. Carlos Labra
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  2. Jerzy Rojek
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  3. Eugenio Oñate
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  4. Francisco Zarate
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Correspondence to Jerzy Rojek.

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Labra, C., Rojek, J., Oñate, E. et al. Advances in discrete element modelling of underground excavations. Acta Geotech. 3, 317–322 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-008-0071-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-008-0071-2

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