Finite element applications in the analysis on non-Linear problems in geomechanics

The analysis of two materially non-linear problems in geomechanics has been performed using a displacement-based two-dimensional finite element formulation. In the first problem, the stability of residual soils overlaying cavitose bedrock has been investigated. An associative plasticity model has been selected to represent the behavior of the residual soils. Numerous combinations of cavity radius and overburden thickness have been considered. The results have indicated that for thick soil layers, the soil adjacent to the cavity is stable for anticipated cavity radii. In the second problem, the stress-deformational response of flexible pavement systems has been considered. A linear elastic model has been assumed to represent the behavior of the asphaltic concrete layer. A stress-hardening and a stress-softening model have been used to represent the behavior of the base course and the subgrade, respectively. The effects of layer thicknesses and material parameters have been identified.