Discontinuous deformation analysis – A new method for computing stress, strain and sliding of block systems

The method was developed to compute stress, strain, sliding and opening of rock blocks; rigid body movement and deformation occur simultaneously. Input data consist of block geometry loading forces, the deformability constants E and ι/, and the restraint or boundary conditions of the block system. Output data give the movements, deformations, stresses and strains of each block, and the sliding, and detachment or rejoining of blocks. The forces acting on each block, from external loading or contact with other blocks, satisfy the equilibrium equations. Equilibrium is also achieved between external forces and the block stresses. Furthermore, this analysis fulfills constraints of no tension between blocks and no penetration of one block into another. In addition to rock block systems, this same model can be used for other block structures. Examples are masonry walls and arches, multilithic gravity dams, and even crustal plates.