Elastic response of laterally loaded rock sockets using 3D finite element analyses

摘要

The paper presents a numerical study of the elastic response of laterally loaded rock sockets.rnSockets are loaded at the top with transverse forces and bending moments and the corresponding displacementsrnand rotations are calculated. 3D finite element analyses are carried out to investigate the effects of shaft length,rnrelative stiffness of socket to rockmass and the ratio of the applied moment to shear force. The rockmass isrnassumed to be linearly elastic, as rock sockets rarely reach the rockmass strength. However, socket-groundrninterface elements are used along the periphery and at the socket base in order to simulate separation and lift-uprneffects on the response. The results of the analyses are compiled in semi-empirical dimensionless relationshipsrngiving the socket stiffness in terms of the important parameters.The produced results showsignificant differencesrncompared to the results of numerical analyses reported by Carter & Kulhawy (1992) where separation and lift-uprneffects were not included.