SM5 SM5

TECHNICAL NOTES 421

rgy by cataJyzing CalladiCllt Geotcchlt; cal JOllrnal , Vol. 7, 1970, pp . 106-112.

carbon is picked 10. Silverman. M. P., and Lundgren , D. G., "Studies on the Chemoautotrophic Iron
13acterium Ferrobacillus-Ferrooxidans ," Jountul of Bu cteriology, Vol. 77, 1959. pp.
ring rocks. It is
M2-M7,
tawa heave sites 11. Zajic. J . E., " Microbial Biogeodtemistry, " Academic Press Inc .. New York. N. Y. ,
nt is not known. 1969.
. and heave will

indicate that the

'es and have not
1 in Fig. I shows
he lumpy nature
he bumps being
The jarosite is
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD ACCURACY FOR W AVE

lrosite but lined

PROPAGATION PROBLEMS

lases of heave .
'I seem to grow
Iphide oxidation By Roger L. Kuhlemeyer,t A. M. ASCE and John Lysmer/ M. ASCE
generate a Jow
Ich as marcasite
INTROOUCTION
f sulphuric acid
in reaction with
i . If the gypsum
The finite element method is being used extensively to study the soil-structure
e side-pinakoid, interaction problem when either the soiJ or the structure is subjected to a dynamic
force . Transient forces. such as earthquake forces, usually contain a fairly wide
weight of rock band of significant frequencies, and a reJiable procedure for choosing the finitc
:ssure sufficient elcment mesh for analysis of these transient probJems has not been avaiJabJe.
'urrent research The standard technique of assessing the adequacy of the finite eJement mesh
oxidizing speci is simpJy to vary systematically the mesh size and the eJement size , which
mations. is an expensive procedure when the problem size is large. A major phy.sical
restriction of this "brute force" method is that computer core sizes and costs
limit the maximum number of finite eJements (and, consequently, the minimum
element dimension) that may be considered.
A comprehensive study of using the finite element discrete parameter modcl
gations of Alum of a continuum for the analysis of transicnt loading wave propagation problems
(in Norwegian).
has been presented by Shipley, et aI. (7). 11 was observed that the finite element
models behave like low pass filters having defini te passing bands and cutoff
C'alladian Minillg frequencies and that the cutoff frequencies depend upon the wave type and
finite element mesh. It was noted also that waves propagating through a contin
onship of Pyrite
uum at frequencies above the cutoff frequency cannot propagate through the
Australia," Pro
pp.l,I13-1,124. finite element mesh associated with the particular cutoff frequency.
,wedish BlIilding It is the purpose of this paper to present the results of a study concerning
the accuracy of displacements caused by a single, harmonic, one-dimensional
0 11 to GeologiCll1 elastic wavc propagating through a finite element mesh. In order to attain the
[ 0Slo Region , " Note.-This paper is part of the copyrighted 10umal of the Soil Mechanics and Founda
tions Division , Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 99, No .
n Billings Shale SM5. May , 1973. Manuscript was submitted for review for possible publication on August
ai JOllrnal , Vol. 5 , 1971.
I Asst. Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Calgary , Calgary. Alberta, Canada.
lawa, Canada," ' Assoe . Prof. of Civ . Engrg ., Univ. of Califomia, Berkeley, Calif.
422 MAY 1973 SM5 SM5 TECHN1CAL
objective. it is necessary to develop a finite model of the semi-infinite constrained A finite element analysis was perform
rod shown in Fig. l(a) . A valid finite model will be shown to consist of a axisymmetric problems using rectangular i
finite portion of the rod with a dashpot attached. as shown in Fig. l(b) . Modeling tent mass matrix (1) rather than the lun
the finite portion of the rod with finite elements as shown in Fig. I(c) (in both problem types ; the lumping of mass
which L is conveniently chosen equal to one wavelength. . of the elastic wave) each rectangular element into four equal s
and varying the number of elements per wavelength, permits the desired accuracy has the properties of: (1) A linear variatiOl
assessment, provided the dashpot perfectJy absorbs the theoretical wave energy. and (2) a second order displacement vai
To the best of the writers' knowledge , a detailed study of a single harmonic the element. The stiffness matrix and c
elastic wave propagating in a finite element system has not been published . strain element were derived by Clough (2
The basic mesh accuracy criterion to be presented herein should be very benefi of the corresponding matrices for the a
Kuhlemeyer (5) and will not be repeated
matrix. [K]. and the consistent mass mal
whereas a lumped mass matrix is a diagon
The dashpot representation of the sem
'." force [C] {li'} exists in the equation of m
of the finite element system. The dam~
composed of the boundary dashpot consta
area A over which they are applied; ,
exce'pt f~r those terms corresponding to
nation of the appropriate area, A i ' is mo
case than for the plane strain case. The
plane strain case is accomplished easily
the sides horizontally constrained exactly n
ically, the length of the rod is also arbitra
i
a)
a) SEMI INFINITE b) MATHEM4T!CAL MOOE L c) FINIT E ELE MENT MOOEL
the area associated with a given nodal poil
CONS TRAINED ROD is applied) may be obtained by summinl
cross-sectional area . Therefore. in Fig. I(
FIG. 1.-Representation of Elastic. Constrained. Homogeneous Rod and interior nodal points is simply 11 /2
for the more complicated axisymmetric ca
cial for performing economical. accurate finite element dynamic analyses; in of motion defining the dynamic behavior o
the writers' opinion, the accuracy of some published analyses is questionable . excited. constrained, semi-infinite rod is ti

FINITE MODEL OF INANITE ROD

[M{il} + [C] {iv} + [K] {w} = {P}e ''''
in which {P} = the exciting force vect(
The dashpot constant required in designing the finite model shown in Fig. of the problem a displacement excitation
I(c). such that perfect absorption of the normally incident elastic wave is attained, Fig. I). The solution to Eq. 2 was obtainl
can be determined from one-dimensional wave propagation theory. The solution i.e .. no time discretization error enters int,
for an elastic wave propagating with velocity c in a homogeneous rod is well Solutions for both the plane strain case
known (4,8) and the stress on the wavefront is given by: tained; the results for both cases were ide
(J" = p CIV . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . (I) matrix. but differed by an insignificant
at nodal points. Only the plane strain resu
in which IV = the particle velocity; and p = the mass density . For the vertically
excited, horizontally constrained rod shown in Fig. I(a), the wave velocity, ERROR ANALYSIS
c, is that of a P-wave. The stress defined by Eq. 1 may be applied to the
rod by a dashpot as shown in Fig. I(b) and is an energy absorbing mechanism The accuracy of the finite element meti
that maintains the theoretical time-independent stress equilibriuum such that depends upon proper modeling of the ela:
the finite rod behaves dynamically as a semi-infinite rodo It is very simple the basic criterion governing the accuracy
to apply the dashpot idea to a finite element representation of the finite rod length in the d irection of propagation. I,
as shown in Fig. I(c) for absorption of the P-wave at the lower boundary. by:
 SM5 SM5 TECHNICAL NOTES 423
lite constrained
A finite el.ement analysis was performed for both the plane strain and the
o consist of a
axisymmetric problems using rectangular elements. The effect of using a consis
I(b) . Modeling
tentO mass matrix (I) rather than the lumped mass matrix was evaluated for
[J Fig. I(c) (in
both problem types; the lumping of mass was accomplished simply by dividing
e elastic wave)
each rectangular element into four equal subrectangles. The rectangular element
:sired accuracy
has the properties of: (I) A linear variation of displacement along element sides;
11 wave energy.
and (2) a second order displacement variation (linear strain variation) within
ingle harmonic
the element. The stiffness matrix and consistent mass matrix for the plane
een published. strain element were derived by Clough (2); these two matrices and derivations
be very benefi
of the corresponding matrices for the axisymmetric case were presented by
Kuhlemeyer (5) and will not be repeated herein. In essence, both the stiffness
8: .1.., matrix, [KJ, and the consistent mass matrix, [M], contain off-diagonal terms,
whereas a lumped mass matrix is a diagonal matrix .
The dashpot representation of the semi-infinite rod implies that a damping
force [C] {li'} exists in the equation of motion describing the dynamic behavior
of the finite element system. The damping matrix [C] is a diagonal matrix
composed of the boundary dashpot constants , pc, multiplied by the appropriate
area, A I ' over which they are applied ; ali terms in the [C] matrix are zero
except for those terms corresponding to the boundary nodal points. Determi
nation of the appropriate area, A i ' is more complicated for the axisymmetric
case than for the plane strain case. The procedure for determining Ai for the
plane strain case is accomplished easily because a rod of unit thickness with
the sides horizontally constrained exactly represents the physical system; theoret
ically, the length of the rod is also arbitrary. Since the rod is of unit thickness,
T Y.OOEL the area associated with a given nodal point (area over which the dashpot stress
is applied) may be obtained by summing one-half of each adjacent element
cross-sectional area. Therefore, in Fig. l(c) the area associated with the exterior
us Rod
and interior nodal points is simply h / 2 and h, respectively. The procedure
for the more complicated axisymmetric case is available (5). The general equation
ic analyses; in of motion defining the dynamic behavior of the finite model of the harmonicaily
questionable. excited, constrained, semi-infinite rod is therefore given by:
[M{ii>} + [C] {iv} + [K} {w} = {P}e iw t . .. .. .. . .. . .. . (2)

in which {P} = the exciting force vector . For convenience, in the solution
shown in Fig. of the problem a displacement cxcitation boundary condition was applied (see
ave is altained, Fig. I). The solution to Eq. 2 was obtained using the com pie x vector method,
r. The solution i.e . , no time discretization error enters into the solution.
IUS rod is well
Solutions for both the plane strain case and the axisymmetric case were ob
tained ; the results for both cases were identical when using the consistent mass
. . . . . . (I) matrix, but differed by an insignificant amount when the mass was lumped
at nodal points. Only the plane strain results are presented herein.
the vertical! y
wave velocity, ERROR ANAlYSIS
lpplied to the
ng mechanism The accuracy of the finite element method for dynamics problems obviousJy
um such that depends upon proper modeling of the elastic waves propagating in the system;
s very simple the basic criterion governing the accuracy is found to be the ratio of the element
the finite rod length in the directon of propagation, /, divided by wavelength , , as defincd
undary. by:
 TECHNICAL NO
424 MAY 1973 SM5 SM5
I mass matrix , respectively . Since the [inite elf
1= . (3) ment field much more accurately lhan lhe st
,
less accurate than the displacements .
Results are presented for the four cases of I, equal to one-fourth, one-sixth, The foregoing results were obtained usi
one-eighth , and one-twelfth. lt is intuitively obvious that the displacements over involves assuming constant strain deformati.
one wave length , , cannot be modeled with less than four elements per wave linear variation within the element. Thereforc
length. constant strain triangle would be less accurate
Homogeneous Rod.-The percent error in displacements obtained using each using higher order finite elements would be
type of mass matrix is presented in Fig. 2. The case of I, equal to one-half results. From the results it is very clcar tH
was also analyzed using the consistent mass matrix, and the results were in transient problems cannot be modeled unlel
small. The maximum element dimension sh
~ I WAVEl ENGTH ()..) equal to, or less than, one-fourth when cai~
1 frequency; I, would also depend upon the . ty~
o: +1 0
o
o:
Two-Material Rod.-An analysis parallehng
o:
UJ geneou s case was also conducted considerin
I
Z res ults were similar to the aforementlOned, U
UJ
U
o: in a large error while a value , I" of one-twelftt
"'o -5 value for engineering purposes . Also, it was c\
Q) RE SLl L TS US ING CONSISTENT MA SS MA TRIX
provides a decreased accuracy as the. system
while a value, I,., of one-twelfth provldes con
results were obtained for the two-Iayered s)
+1 0
or less than about one-sixth (the accuracy c
rods because of waves traveling in each direi
layers) . Since the general two- or three-dime l
a far more com pIe x superposition of wave en
that meaningful solutions can be obtained onl
from the writers ' experience (6) in solving tW
finite element method , a maximum value of I,e
I and should be calculated based upon the sI
Z
W
or shear wave) propagating in the material.
~ - 20
"'o
CONCLUSIONS

- 30
b) RESULTS USI NG LUMPED MASS MATRIX The constrained rod is the simplest of ali
LEGE.ND - :.:,-- J, =fz ---:r=t propagating in semi-infinite systems because
- --I, =-i its direction is known . Therefore, the stress d
is known and may be applied to the base o~
FIG. 2.-Effect of Element Siz_Homogeneous Rod finite rod by a s ystem of the finite element
the accuracy of the finite element method for
error by 135% . which verifies that the absolute maximum, I" is about one-fourth. uum in steady-state wave propagation proble
The length to width ratio, 1/ h. governing element shape was maintained at Re ults were presented for the steady-sta
a constant value of four for ali cases. the semi-infinite elastic constrained rod ; both t
From Fig . 2 it is clear that a ratio, I" of one-sixth represents the maximum cases were analyzed. The error in the displa
allowable element size when the lumped mass matrix is used, and would involve rod was shown tu vary between 4% and 1% fo
a maximum error of about 15% in calculated displacements . Whcn the consistent one-sixth and one-twelfth, respectively, of
mass matrix is used, the maximum ratio of I, can be increased to one-fourth, propagating downward to infinity . A maximum
but the results would be meaningful only for simple systems, as will be shown of the wavelength of the slowest body wave
later. When the element size is reduced to a ratio, I" of one-twelfth. the error is recommended (based upon experience) for a
is roughly 1% and 3% for solutions using the consistent mass matrix and lumped ai layered media.
 SM5 SM5 TECHNICAL NOTES 425

mas S matrix, respectively. Since the finite element method models the displace
. . . . . . . . . . . (3)
ment field much more accurately than the stress field, stresses would be even
less accurate than the displacements.
, one-fourth, one-sixth, The foregoing results were obtained using the rectangular element, which
the displacements over involves assuming constant strain deformation along the element sides and a
~ur elements per wave- linear variation within the element. Therefore, results obtained using the simple
constant strain triangle would be less accurate and, alternatively, results obtained
ItS obtained using each using higher order finite elements would be more accurate than the preceding
of [, equal to one-half results. From the results it is very de ar that the high frequency content in
nd the results were in transient problems cannot be modeled unless the element dimension is very
small. The maximum element dimension should correspond to a value of [,
equal to, or less than, one-fourth when calculated for the highest significant
frequency; I, would also depe nd upon the type of mass matrix utilized.
Two-Material Rod.-An anal ysis paralleling that presented herein for the homo
geneous case was also conducted considering a two-material rod (5), and the
results were similar to the aforementioned, i.e., a ratio, I"~ of one-fourth results
in a large error while a value, I" of one-twelfth reduces the error to a permissible
value for engineering purposes . Also, it was dear that the ratio, I" of one-fourth
provides a decreased accuracy as the system becomes more complex (layered)
while a value, I" of one-twelfth provides consistently good results; meaningful
results were obtained for the two-Iayered system only when I, was equal to

~
or less than about one-sixth (the accuracy can be decreased in multi material
rods because of waves traveling in each direction within each of the bounded
layers). Since the general two- or three-dimensional dynamic problem involves
a far more complex superposition of wave energy, the foregoing results suggest
that meaningful solutions can be obtained only if I, is less than about one-eighth;
from the writers' experience (6) in solving two -dimensional problems using the
finite element method, a maximum value of I, equal to one-eighth is recommended
and should be calculated based upon the slowest elastic body wave (P-wave

\ or shear wave) propagating in the material.

CONClUSIONS

The constrained rod is the simplest of ali problems involving elastic waves
propagating in semi-infinite systems because only one wave type exists, and
its direction is known . Therefore, the stress due to the propagating plane wave
is known and may be applied to the base of the finite rod. Representing the
ous Rod finite rod by a system of the finite elements permits a rigorous analysis of
the accuracy of the finite element method for approximating the elastic contin
is about one-fourth. ullm in steady-state wave propagation problems.
was maintained at Results were presented for the steady-state response of a finite model of
the semi-infinite elastic constrained rod; both the homogeneous and two-material
ents the maximum cases were analyzed . The error in the displacement field for the homogeneous
and would involve rod was shown to vary between 4% and 1% for element lengths varying between
Whe n the consistent one-sixth and one-twelfth, respectively. of the wavelength of the elastic wave
propagating downward to infinity. A maximum element length equal to one-eighth
of the wavelength of the slowest body wavc propagating in the elastic material
is recommended (based upon experience) for analysis of two- or three-dimension
ai layered media.
 SM5 TECHNICAL NOT
426 MAY 1973 SM5
c = velocity of stress wave;
The foregoing percent error pertains to use of the consistent mass matrix;
e = base of naturat logarithm;
the use of a lumped mass matrix increased the percent error by approximately
h= width of finite elements perpendicular
a factor of three. This finding that the consistent mass matrix provides a better
i= imaginary unit;
accuracy than the lumped mass matrix is in disagreement with some statements
[K] = stiffness matrix for finite element syst
in the literature, ' i.e., Clough (3) states, "Experience shows that the lumped
L = length of finite part of infinite rod usei
mass formulation must be used to obtain reliable results in any wave propagation I= Icngth of finite elements in direction o
problem." The writers' results presented herein and more recently conducted
1,= ratio;
research simply indicate that reliable results can be obtained using the consistent [M] = mass matrix for finite element system;
mass formulation . The reason for disagreement may be related to the different
{P} = excitation force vector;
methods employed to solve the differential equation of motion. Clough 's conclu
t= time;
sion may be primarily based upon experience with the solution methods of:
IV = particle velocity ;
(I) Mode superposition; and (2) step-by-step integration in the solution of tran
1) = displacement amplitude of harmonic E
sient problems; both of these methods usually involve approximations that are
and of stress wave;

additional to the space discretization finite element approximation. Further accu

\ = wavelength of stress wave;

racy studies that separate the effects of the various approximations are required
v = Poisson's ratio ;

in order to further clarify the disagreement. The major benefit of using the
p = mass density;

lumped mass matrix to solve transient problems is usually considered to be

(J' = stress; and

the computer storage space saving; there is no significant difference in computer

w = circular frequency.

storage requirements when solving steady-state dynamics problems if the com

plex vector method is employed.

ApPENOIX I.-REFERENCES

I. Areher. l. S .,"C n 'istent Mass Matrix for Distributed Systems," JOImla1 of the Struetu
ral Dil'ision, ASCE, Vol. 89, No. ST4. Proc. Paper 3591 , Aug .. 1963. pp. 161-1 78.
2. Clough, R. W. , "The Finite Element Method in Pla ne Stress Analysis , " Proceedings,
Second Conference on Ele ctronic Computation, ASCE , Pittsburgh, Pa .. Sep!.. 1960.
pp. 345- 378. SHEAR STRENGTH OF
3. C1'ough . R . W .. "Analysis of Structural Vibrations and Dynamic Res ponse." Reccllt
Advances in Matrix Methods ill Stru etural AlIlllysis llnd Desig/I. Proceedings of the SUMES TAIL ,
U.S.-Japan Semi/lar, Aug .. 1969, The University of Alabama Press. Huntsvillc. Ala ..
1971.
4. Kolsky. H .. Stress Wal'es in Solids, Dover Publications. Inc .. New York. N.Y .. 1963. By James V. Hamel' and James W. GunderSl
5. Kuhlemeyer. R. L., "Vertical Vibrations of Footings Embedded in Layercd Media,"
thesis presentcd to the University of California, at Bcrkeley , Calif., in 1969, in partial
fulfillment of the requircmcnts for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
INTROOUCTION
6. Lysmer, l ., and Kuhlemcyer. R. L., "Finitc Dynamic Model for Infinite Media."
Joumal of the Engilleering Mechani es Dil'ision, ASCE, Vol. 95 , No. EM4, Proc. Paper
6719. Aug., 1969, pp. 859-877. Tailings are wastc products from mining a
7. Shipley , S. A .. Leistncr , H. G . , and Jones. R. E ., " Elastic Wave Propagation-A and Kealy (3) recently presented data on the
Comparison Betwcen Finite Eleme nt Predictions and Exact Solutions." proeeedings, mines and gave examples of the use of tailings
International Symposium on Wave Propagation and Dynamic Properties of Earth Ma
teriais, Univcrsity of New Mexieo Press. Albuquerque, N.M .. Aug., 1967, pp. 509-519.
The purpose herein is to present data on the :
8. Timoshenko, S., and Goodier, J. N .. Theory of Elasticity, MeGraw-Hill Book Co. , (slimes) from Homestake Mining Company ' s g(
Inc. , New York, N.Y., 1951. mines 5,800 tons of gold ore per day. Appro
tailings and 2,380 tons of slimes are produced
ApPENOIX 1I.-NoTATION the ore. Eighty pcrcent of the sand tailings are
~ .-This pap e r i, part of the copyrightcd Juurr
The following symbols are used i/l this paper: tions Division . Proeccdings of the Ameriean Soei,
SM5 . May, 1973. Manuscript was submitted for rc
A, = area over which dashpot stress is applied; cember 13 . 1972 .
I Project Engr .. General Analyties. Inc., Monrocv
[C] = damping matrix;
' Mining Engr .. Midland Coai Co .. Tnvoh. 111.
Cp = a product. pe;
 SM5
of the consistent mass matrix;
~ percent error by approximately
nt mass matrix provides a better
,agreement with some statements
~erience shows that the lumped
e results in any wave propagation
in and more recently conducted
I be obtained using the consistent
t may be related to the different
ltion of motion. Clough 's conclu
: with the solution methods of:
It gration in the solution of tran
im olve approximations that are
ent approximation. Further accu
ious approximations are required
The major benefit of using the
:m is usually considered to be
:ignificant difference in computer
! dynamics probJems if the com-
Ited YSlems'" JOl/mal of r/le Stl"ll ctu
:r 3591. Aug. , 1963. pp. 161-178.
Plane Slress Anal ys is . " Proceedings,
ASCE. Pittsburgh. Pa .. Sep!. , 1960.
~nd Dynamic Response." R,'ccnt
dI arul Design, Proceedings of rhe
of labama Press , Hu nls ville, Ala.,
IIions . lnc .. New York, N. Y., 1963.
~ Embeddcd in Layered Media,"
I Berl..eley, Calif.. in 1969, in partial
lO! or Philosophy.
,namic Model ror [nfinite Media ,.
5CE, VaI. 95. No. E M4, Proc. Pap~r
"Ela lic Wave Propagalion-A
Exacl Solulions," Prvceedillgs,
. Propcrties of Earlh Ma
, Aug .. [967, pp. 509-519 .
McGraw-Hill Book Co ..
SM5 TECHNICAL NOTES 427
c = velocity of stress wave;
e = base of natural logarithm;
h = width of finite elements perpendicular to direction of wave propagation;
I = imaginary unit;
[K] = stiffness matrix for finite element system;
L = length of finite part of infinite rod used in finite model;
I = length of finite elements in direction of wave propagation;
I, = ratio;
[M] = mass matrix for finite element system;
{P} = excitation force vector;
t = time;
li' = particle velocity;
= displacement amplitude of harmonic excitation boundary displacement
and of stress wave;
I. = wavelength of stress wave;
v = Poisson ' s ratio;
p = mass density;
(J = stress; and
w = circular frequency.
SHEAR STRENGTH OF HOMESTAKE
SLIMES T AlLINGS
By James V. Hamel l and James W. Gunderson, Z Associate Members, ASCE
INTRODUCTION
Tailings are waste products from mmmg and mineral extraction. Pettibone
and Kealy (3) recently presented data on the properties of tailings from nine
mines and gave examples of the use of tailings in two civil engineering projects.
The purpose herein is to present data on the shear strength of silt size tailings
(slimes) from Homestake Mining Company's gold mine in Lead, S.D. Homestake
mines 5,800 tons of gold ore per day. Approximately 3.420 tons of sand size
tailings and 2,380 tons of slimes are produced each day in extracting gold from
the ore . Eighty percent of the sand tailings are returned to the mine for backfill .
NOle.-Thi~ paper is part of lhe copyrighrcd lournal of lhe SOII Mechanic~ and Founda
lions Division. Proceedings of lhe American SocielY of Civil Engineers , Vol. 99. No.
S 1\15 , Mal'. 1'J73. Manuscripl was submilled for rcview for possiblc publicalion on De
cembcr n. 1972.
I Projecl Engr.. General Analylics, Inc .. Monroeville. Pa.
~ Mining Engr. , Midland Coai Co .. Trivoli. 111.