Dear
Referring the Plaxis manual and figure 1, we can define the precipitation in the sloped area and by considering the coupled flow-deformation analyses, we can define the deformation on the sloped area and, also, the pressure on the wall of the structure A. Is that right?
Now, if the structure, for example, is 10 m far away from the toe of the sloped area (referring figure 2), could the Plaxis continue calculating the displacements of the sloped area after the failure? Could the Plaxis continue to evaluate the changes of the deformed shape of the area and to follow the advancing front of the failed material until the 10 m distance between the toe of the sloped area and the structure is filled out by the failure granular materials and it reaches the structure? And, finally, could the Plaxis evaluate the pressure against the reached wall of the structure A?
We would need to model the debris flow, so accordingly, we are wondering if Plaxis can do that.
Thanks so much
Can anybody help me to answer the question from the Plaxis team?
Thanks
Hi Amir,
I am afraid that PLAXIS is not suitable to model debris flow now since it is based on small strain and continuum theories. It cannot be used for post-failure. An updated mesh approach helps to deal with a larger deformation as the mesh is updated after each calculation step but still should not be used for after failure. Without elements between the slope and wall (structure A), no pressure transmits from the deformed slope to the wall surface.