This training is an introduction to continuous modeling with FLAC2D and FLAC3D. At the end of the course, participants will master the graphical interface, documentation and the main modeling steps. Concepts are illustrated using a tunnel excavation example, from building the model geometry to results analysis. This introductory course provides the foundation for more advanced use of the software, which can be covered in more specific training modules.
With the addition of three new constitutive models, FLAC3D now includes 27 built-in constitutive models, not including any options.
This Concrete model is a plastic-damage model where damage is based on fracture-energy and modulus degradation. Damage may be both extension and compression. It is compatible to Mohr-Coulomb yielding criteria.
The Columnar-Basalt (COMBA) model accounts for the presence of up to four arbitrary orientations of weakness (ubiquitous joint) in a non-isotropic elastic matrix. The model can be applied to model quadrangular (hexagonal) columnar basalt with cross-joints by specifying that two (three) of the ubiquitous joints are oriented along the column axis, and another along the cross-joints.
The model's elastic behavior accounts for the compliance of the column matrix and that of the joints. The criterion for failure on the planes consists of a strain hardening/softening Coulomb envelope with tension cutoff; the strain hardening/softening behavior can be specified (using a table) for joint cohesion, friction, dilation, and tension. In addition, an amplification factor can be applied to joint dilation that depends on the angle between a set direction (i.e. the column mean axis) and the direction of slip on the joint.
Creep on weak planes is available with the Creep Option.
The Von-Mises model has a yield envelope based on a von-Mises criterion. The position of a stress point on this envelope is controlled by an associated flow rule for shear failure. This model is suitable for metal-like materials and includes optional kinematic hardening. This model may be applied to both for solid zones or ground support structural elements.
The Plastic-Hardening (PH) model is a shear and volumetric hardening constitutive model for the simulation of soil behavior. FLAC3D 9 uses a new implementation based on the new Brick algorithm which considers the unloading-reloading strain-dependent stiffness modulus. This overcomes shortcomings in the previous algorithm which demonstrated poor performance for nested hysteretic loops (e.g., overshooting problem), making the PH model a more practical dynamic model.
The Ubiquitous-Anisotropic Model combines the Anisotropic (Transversely) Elastic Model and the ubiquitous-joint model. In FLAC3D 9, this model has been improved through the addition of a Mohr-Coulomb matrix option. The joint behavior in both cases is based on a Mohr-Coulomb law.