Lower bound theory of 3-D plastic limit analysis and its application

This paper describes the lower bound theory of 3-D plastic limit analysis. The static stress field is established by means of 3-D finite element technique. Based on the lower bound principles of limit analysis, a mathematical model is established by means of finite element method. The lower bound solution of the model is obtained by nonlinear programming. As an example, the bearing capacity of a homogeneous slope is analyzed, and the comparison between lower bound limit analysis and classical plasticity theory illustrates the correctness of the method.