Rational Design of Tunnel Supports: A Computer Model for Rock Mass Behavior Using Interactive Graphics for the Input and Output of Geometrical Data.

Abstract

The report describes a computer program that can model the behavior of assemblages of rock blocks, and visually display this behavior on the screen of a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). There is no restriction on block shapes and no limits to the magnitudes of displacements and rotations that are allowed. The rock geometry is specified by the user, who 'draws' lines on the CRT screen, which is connected to a mini-computer. The program then interprets each closed area between lines as a discrete block, and allows the blocks to move relative to one another, under the action of gravity and forces specified by the user. Joint properties may be specified, and blocks may be 'excavated', fixed and released, or 'reinforced'.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA001602

Entities

People

  • Peter A. Cundall

Organizations

  • University of Minnesota

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Applied Computer Science
  • Cathode Ray Tubes
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Science
  • Computers
  • Displacement
  • Geometry
  • Graphics
  • Interactive Graphics
  • Rotation

Readers

  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.