[ MSc Data ] - Isadora Vieira dos Santos

The behavior of rock masses is highly complex, as discontinuities significantly impact the system. In this context, the recent failure of the rock mass at Mirante dos Canyons Park in Capitólio city/Brazil highlights the critical need to understand the key phenomena and mechanisms associated with such problems. Thus, this study proposes the use of High Aspect Ratio Finite Elements to numerically analyze problems involving fractured rock slopes. These elements can simulate the behavior of discontinuities, such as fissures and fractures, by means of a frictional damage model, integrating them into the original mesh at the fracture location. Consequently, the failure process takes into account the influence of pre-existing fractures. This technique has been widely applied to tackle fractures in concrete structures, petroleum engineering, and desiccation cracks in soil; however, its potential has not yet been fully explored or extended to investigate rock slopes. The proposed frictional damage model was implemented in the finite element software CODE_BRIGHT and numerical experiments were conducted to validate the application of the technique. Furthermore, the study aims to enhance the computational capabilities of the software by implementing suitable constitutive models to accurately simulate the rock mass behavior.