A Discrete Element Method-Based Simulation of a Block Toppling Failure on an Inclined Surface

The particle-based discrete element method is used to simulate a block's failure on an inclined surface. The particles were generated in polygons and bonded using a parallel bond model to simulate blocks with different width-to-length ratios on an inclined surface. The size of the particles can influence block movement (e.g., toppling or sliding) on the inclined surface. By decreasing the particle size, the interlocking forces between the particles are reduced, and slip occurs between the block and inclined surface. Reducing the particle size, however, increases the analysis time, especially when the number of particles is too high. Introducing smooth joints eliminates the effect of overriding particles (dilation) caused by local particle orientations. As a result, the effect of the two surfaces' asperities will be removed, especially when larger particles are utilized to reduce the analysis time.