Numerical analysis of the impact load of falling rock by using the Distinct Element Method

ABSTRACT Theoretical analysis was carried out to clarify the impact load behavior of falling rock by using the Distinct Element Method (DEM). It was found that this method can simulate impact load behavior by comparing experimental with numerical results. The acting direction (mountain side or valley side) of a horizontal impact load was correctly simulated. The reason why the acting direction of horizontal impact load was unstable in the experiments was made clear by the results of numerical modelling. The DEM simulation can be used to estimate the resulting impact loads when the weight of a falling rock is too large to get experimental data.