Concrete, Rock, Metal

With the addition of three new constitutive models, FLAC3D now includes 27 built-in constitutive models, not including any options.

CONCRETE CONSTITUTIVE MODEL

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.

COLUMNAR-BASALT CONSTITUTIVE MODEL (COMBA)

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.

Example of columnar basalt rock.
Different plastic state behavior is seen around a tunnel in columnar basalt with three joint sets relative to the dip angle indicated.

VON-MISES CONSTITUTIVE MODEL

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.

IMPROVED PLASTC-HARDENING (PH) MODEL

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 new PH model Brick algorithm improves its hysteretic performance making it a more practical dynamic model.

IMPROVED UBIQUITOUS-ANISOTROPIC MODEL (CANISO)

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.

Verification models showing excellent agreement between the CANISO model (points) and analytical solutions (lines).

Latest News
  • Now Available from ITASCA: Innovative Machine Learning Tool for FLAC3D/FLAC2D V9.2 Experience the Future of Geotechnical Modeling with ITASCA Software V9.2: Introducing Machine Learning Models...
    Read More
  • Experience the Future of Geotechnical Modeling with ITASCA Software V9.2 Experience the Future of Geotechnical Modeling with ITASCA Software V9.2: Introducing Machine Learning Models and...
    Read More
  • Thank You to our Summer Interns ITASCA Minneapolis is lucky to have welcomed nine amazing and dedicated summer interns in our...
    Read More

Upcoming Events
3 Dec
Webinar: 3DEC Day
Join us on the 3rd of December for 3DEC Day! Dr. Jim Hazzard, ITASCA Software Manager, will present: What is 3DEC, when to use it, and ... Read More