A REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD OF ANALYSIS TO PROBLEMS IN SOIL AND ROCK MECHANICS

Abstract

The finite element method of analysis has been applied to a wide variety of problems in the realm of soil and rock mechanics during the past few years. This information is published in a number of technical journals in various disciplines, and the paper reviews the developments that are of particular interest to soil engineers. Applications of the method to problems in slope stability, embankments, culverts, pavements, bearing capacity, piles, soil dynamics, seepage and rock mechanics are reviewed. General comments on the state of the art of the subject are made.