Lower Bound Limit Analysis of Non-Persistent Jointed Rock Masses Using Mixed Numerical Discretization

The bearing capacity of a non-persistent jointed rock mass containing a rock bridge is investigated by combining the lower bound limit analysis theory, a mixed numerical discrete method, and linear mathematical programming. A mixed numerical discrete method is proposed to divide non-persistent jointed rock masses in which rigid block elements are used to simulate the rock blocks, whereas the finite element method is used to simulate the intact rock bridges. A linear mathematical programming model for the ultimate bearing capacity is constructed and solved using the interior point algorithm. The proposed formulation is validated by application to three rock slopes.