Abstract:

During the application of fast Lagrandian analysis of continua in 3 dimensions (FLAC3D), even for some simple irregular geologic bodies, the generation of quasi-3D numerical model with FLAC3D is difficult to construct. A new modeling method is put forward and an interface program of IMAGE-FLAC3D is realized by visual basic language in order to build numerical model of FLAC3D based on pairs of pixel units index numbers (i, j) and give the element different properties as well as different function modules(such as excavation, backfill) based on the color attribute of pixels. Through the interface program of IMAGE-FLAC3D, we can easily generate a microscopic and macroscopic irregular quasi-3D model based on the digital image in a short time. Then a finite difference model of soil-rock mixture and a finite difference model of landslide are developed, which show the feasibility of IMAGE-FLAC3D. The case study shows that the intuition, fastness and automation of modeling can be realized. Finally, the stability of landslide is analyzed by strength reduction method, whose results(such as the safety factor and the location of most dangerous slip surface) are in better agreement with those calculated by limit equilibrium method, which shows the computability of the model from IMAGE-FLAC3D. In a word, this paper gives a typical example that the digital image serves geotechnical engineering.

Key words: digital image, pixel unit, FLAC3D, quasi-3D model, interface program