Robust algorithms for limit load and shear strength reduction methods

Abstract

This paper is focused on continuation techniques and Newton-like methods suggested for numerical determination of safety factors within stability assessment. Especially, we are interested in the stability of slopes and related limit load and shear strength reduction methods. We build on computational plasticity and the finite element method, but we mainly work on an algebraic level to be the topic understandable for broader class of scientists and our algorithms more transparent. The presented algorithms are based on the associated plasticity to be more robust. For non-associated models, we use Davis-type approximations enabling us to apply the associated approach. A particular attention is devoted to the Mohr-Coulomb elastic-perfectly plastic constitutive problem. On this example, we explain some important features of the presented methods which are beyond the algebraic settings of the problems. We also summarize the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive solution and some implementation details.