Modelling cliff collapse and run-out with the material point method [dataset]

This paper proposes a method for modelling the combined collapse and large deformation16 run-out of cliffs using the Material Point Method (MPM). An explicit dynamic MPM formu-17 lation is derived with features key for simulating ductile-brittle fracture dynamics over varying18 timescales. An isotropic non-local plastic-damage scheme is presented that may be used to19 simulate crack initiation and growth leading to brittle collapse of a cliff. The scheme is appli-20 cable to both quasi-static and dynamic cases. The behaviour of the proposed plastic-damage21 model is compared to experimental data utilising numerical shear-box tests. A numerical case22 study is carried out on a real-world chalk cliff to show the model’s applicability to rock-slope23 mechanics in both failure initiation and post-failure run-out.