Comparing Itasca’s Approach to Limit Equilibrium

Itasca’s finite volume (FV) approach uses the shear strength reduction (SSR) method for numerical modeling. This formulation is far superior to more traditional limit equilibrium (LE) methods and offers several advantages over finite element (FE) methods as well.

  • Produce mechanics-based failure mechanisms
    • No need to specify a range of trial surfaces in advance
    • Revealing failure mechanisms that were not originally appreciated—including multiple or complex mechanisms
    • Can model more complex ground behavior (e.g., stress-dependent material behavior, soil saturation, groundwater flow)
    • Enhanced judgment from seeing realistic mechanisms
  • Observe displacement progression
    • Deformations at the “failure state” are kinematically valid
    • Is the Service Limit State more critical than the Ultimate Limit State?
  • Incorporate ground support
    • Full soil-structure interaction (beams, sheet pile walls, piles, liners, anchors, etc.)
    • LE can’t address deformable structures fully
    • Create a safety map (FoS contours)
  • Apply to complex sites and issues
    • Ability to use advanced exploration data, such as CPTu
    • Ability to use advanced monitoring data (including rate effects)
    • Using the output and visualizations to help describe risk for strength, permeability, and deformation problems
    • Better understanding of project risk/confidence for decision-making
    • Evaluation of the effectiveness of proposed designs

In addition to continuum modeling, Itasca also offers engineering analysis using its DEM software—UDEC and 3DEC for jointed and blocky rock, and PFC for brittle intact rock, granular, or synthetic rock mass (SRM) engineering as well as for fundamental research.

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Upcoming Events
29 Oct.
Getting Started with 3DEC
Objectives of the training: Understand the 3DEC numerical approach and the types of problems it can solveKnow how to manipulate the 3DE... Read More
5 Nov.
Python in Itasca Software
This course provides an overview of the Python programming language in Itasca software.The course covers major applications of Python t... Read More
19 Nov.
Getting Started with FLAC2D/FLAC3D
This training is an introduction to continuous modeling with FLAC2D and FLAC3D. At the end of the course, participants will master the ... Read More