Kinematic element method

The kinematic element method (KEM) or method of kinematic elements is a new calculation method for geotechnical stability problems. It is used to calculate solids in the fracture state. This is why the term "rigid body fracture method" is also common.

The method is used, for example, for embankment failure investigations as an alternative to the slip circle method according to DIN 4084 or for ground failure verifications. The slip circle method is often imprecise if the actual fracture body (or failure mechanism) does not form a circular slip surface. This often happens when the loads, geometric boundary conditions or sliding layers force a fracture shape that deviates from the theoretical shape on which the process is based. Much more general fracture mechanisms can be modeled with the kinematic element method.

The solid continuum to be calculated, for example a slope , is divided into several fracture bodies (three to five or sometimes more are common). Then the elastic properties of the fracture bodies, the equilibrium conditions and the kinematic displacement and movement possibilities of the fracture bodies are formulated. The existing safety factor against failure is calculated. The shape of the fracture body is varied until a minimum safety factor is found. This then indicates the existing security.

The term "Kinematic Element Method" is sometimes used, an Anglicism derived from the English expression "Kinematical Element Analysis (KEA)".

literature

• Peter Gussmann: Kinematical elements method. The method of kinematic elements . Institute for Foundation Engineering and Soil Mechanics, Stuttgart 1986, ISBN 3-921837-25-1 .
• Ulrich Smoltczyk : Geotechnical Basics ( Grundbau-Taschenbuch ; Vol. 1). 6th edition Verlag Ernst, Berlin 2001, ISBN 3-433-01445-0 .

Web links

• Kinematical Element Analysis (PDF; 512 kB)