A coupled finite element–rigid block method for transient analysis of rock caverns

Abstract

Abstract A coupled finite element–rigid block model for the transient analysis of caverns in jointed media is presented. This coupling permits the modelling of lined openings in a jointed rock mass as well as the propagation of stress waves to the cavern. Both the finite element and the rigid block algorithms employ explicit time integration; an efficient, stable scheme is developed for coupling the two algorithms. Two numerical examples are given: one is a simple validation, the second is a representation of a lined cavern in a sparsely jointed medium.