New developments in the analysis of large scale 3-D rock mechanics problems using coupled Finite Element/Boundary Element methods

The paper deals with an efficient simulation methodology that can be employed for the modeling of large scale 3-D problems in rock mechanics. The methodology used involves not only the coupling of finite and boundary element methods but also the use of infinite plane strain boundary elements. With this approach the effort in generating the mesh and computing the results is reduced considerably. An example of application is shown where the solution effort without the new simulation model would have been prohibitive.