Three-dimensional distance potential discrete element method for the numerical simulation of landslides

Abstract

The study focuses on the kinetic process of landslides, including associated travel trajectory and endangered area. A three-dimensional distance potential discrete element method for the movement process of landslides is developed in this work. Benefited from a new definition of the distance potential function with a clear physical meaning, a holonomic system of the calculation algorithm for the contact interaction is established, accounting for the influence of the tangential contact force. Performance of the new approach is validated with well-known benchmarks, which consist of a block impact simulation, a sliding/toppling test of a joint rock slope, and block response to induced acceleration in the foundation. The results are in good agreement with the analytical solutions, showing an ability of the newly method in capturing the microscopic mechanical behaviors and macro-motion characteristics of individual blocks. After the verification of the overall performance by three cases, the proposed method is applied to simulate the Tangjiashan Landslide trigged by the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008.