Abstract: The composite element method(CEM), as one kind of the numerical simulation method, has very high efficiency in modeling. It is suitable for the dynamic design of rock slopes, which can realize quick adjustments of structural planes, reinforcement treatments and excavation surfaces in the model. The algorithms for structural planes and reinforcement treatments have been completed in the CEM. However, the simulation of the excavation surfaces and process has not yet been studied. In this study, the excavation model is set up by using the new algorithm and taking the CEM for simulating excavation surfaces for references. Moreover, the relevant program is coded with FORTRAN. Based on an example of rock slop excavation, the simulated results of the new CEM method are compared with the finite element method, and the validity of the proposed excavation simulation method is proved.

Key words: rock slope, slope excavation, composite element method, dynamic design, numerical simulation