Upper Bound Limit Analysis of Anisotropic Soils

In this paper, a novel discretization method in σ-τ space is developed to calculate the upper bound limit loads and failure modes of anisotropic Mohr-Coulomb materials. To achieve this objective, the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion is linearized in σ-τ space, which allows for upper bound solution of soils whose cohesion and friction coefficient varying with direction. The finite element upper limit analysis formulation using the modified anisotropic yield criterion is then developed. Several examples are given to illustrate the capability and effectiveness of the proposed numerical procedure for computing rigorous upper bounds for anisotropic soils.