Abstract
For realistic prediction and assessment of falling trajectories of rock mass using simulation of rock fall and rock mass failure, a modeling technique for the representation of geographical topography of slope, and shape and size of rock mass is required. A method of bonding a large number of particles has been relatively commonly used for modeling of rock fall in three-dimensional distinct element method. This study, however, suggests the application of polyhedron block for more realistic modeling of rock shape and size rather than the conventional method. In this paper, contact detection scheme“common-plane”supporting polyhedron block built in three-dimensional distinct element method, 3DEC, was considered to be effective for the simulation of rock fall and rock failure involved with revolutions and collision with a slope at high speed. Validity and applicability of the method to rock fall and rock failure simulation was then investigated. In addition, 3DEC code was applied to a slope where a road was at risk of rock fall and rock failure. It is shown that the results of simulation provided the process of rock fall as well as trajectories and kinetic energy necessary for the determination of engineering measures.
