Author(s)

P. Prochazka & M. Valek

Abstract

Homogenization of grain structure P. Prochazka & M. Valek 1 Introduction In some recent papers of the authors, localization and ho- mogenization of typical composites and fiber-reinforced con- cretes were presented, using the BEM as an extraordinarily prospective tool, [6], [7]. Particularly, in geotechnical engineering one meets the prob- lem of large deformation of mass when assessing tailing dams, weak soil slopes, and also when studying the stability of tunnel face. The classical numerical methods (the BEM, the FEM) fail because of "too stiff" behavior of the approximations. In this field, a couple of methods starting with engineering views were put forward, the most suitable for geotechnical applica- tions appears the PFC-code, [2], [3]. The body of the earth is simplified and a set of balls (circles in 2D), which may be in mutual contact, is created instead of the standard contin- uum. The balls are either rigid or elastic. They represent a typic

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