Flac3D Grid Generation With Ansys+Civilfem

FLAC3D Grid Generation with ANSYS+CivilFEM
Prepared by:
Bharath Mukundakrishnan and Thomas L. Ruen
Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.
708 South Third Street, Suite 310
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
USA
November 1, 2002
Ref: 8506
-1-
1.0
GRID GENERATION ................................................................................................ 2
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.4.1
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.7.1
1.7.2
1.8
1.8.1
1.8.2
1.8.3
1.8.4
1.8.5
1.8.6
1.9
1.9.1
1.9.2
1.9.3
1.9.4
1.9.5
GENERAL COMMENTS ........................................................................................... 2

SOLID MODEL GENERATION .................................................................................. 3
FLAC3D MESH FROM ANSYS+CIVILFEM MESH ................................................... 4
GEOMETRY TESTS IN FLAC3D .............................................................................. 7
Geometric Parameters: Orthogonality, Aspect Ratio, Face Planarity ....... 7
GRID GENERATION USING RATIOS ........................................................................ 11
EXAMPLE OF A GRADED GRID .............................................................................. 14
ANSYS+CIVILFEM MESH EXPORTED AND ATTACHED IN FLAC3D ..................... 16
Several sub-grids attached together ........................................................... 16
Circular tunnels embedded in a grid .......................................................... 19
CREATION AND MESHING OF TUNNEL INTERSECTION GEOMETRIES....................... 24
Building and meshing an intersection between two perpendicular tunnels24
Building and meshing three tunnels perpendicular to each other.............. 27
Building and meshing tunnel intersection with ratios ................................ 30
Building and meshing multiple, intersecting tunnels and shafts ................ 33
Building and meshing tunnel intersection at 45 angle.............................. 36
Building and meshing tunnel intersection at 45 with different radii ........ 41
MISCELLANEOUS EXAMPLES................................................................................ 43
Importing and using an IGES surface to extrude and mesh a volume ....... 43
Import of *.SAT format files (ASIC format) from AutoCAD ...................... 46
A quarter ellipse model............................................................................... 48
A cubic volume cut by an arbitrary surface................................................ 51
Building and meshing a tunnel extruded along a given path ..................... 54
-2-
1.0
GRID GENERATION
1.1
General Comments
Grid generation in FLAC3D is accomplished using five basic primitives (brick, wedge,
pyramid, cylinder and tetrahedron) that are built in as a part of the software. In addition,
special geometries, such as tunnel intersections, are built into the software based on the five
basic primitives. The built-in models, although useful, do not cover the entire spectrum of
problems. Sometimes it is easier to create the model geometry defining curves, surfaces and
volumes and then use a meshing process to convert the geometrical entities into discrete
points and elements in space for analysis. A solid modeler can be used to accomplish the
building of geometry, which can then be used as an input for a meshing utility to mesh the
geometry. ANSYS+CivilFEM1 is one such software program that can help in both building
and meshing the geometry.
It is relatively easy to create solid models, but meshing the created model is a complex
process. Meshing a 3D model depends on the type of element used. It is possible to mesh
almost any complicated solid model with a basic three-dimensional element, namely
tetrahedron. But if the solution analysis requires the model to be meshed with a certain type
of element, then meshing can become an involved process. FLAC3D requires that all
elements be hexahedrons in order to provide accurate solutions for plasticity.
ANSYS+CivilFEM provides capabilities to build solid model geometry using two different
approaches and also provides tools to mesh these geometries. The user can choose the eight
noded SOLID45 element from the database of built-in elements to mesh the created solid
model into hexahedral zones. This element can automatically degenerate into a wedge type
element or a tetrahedron.
The resultant mesh from ANSYS+CivilFEM can be exported into a FLAC3D format data file
that translates the nodal positions into FLAC3D gridpoint positions and ANSYS+CivilFEM
primitives to FLAC3D primitives. ANSYS+CivilFEM detaches the problem of meshing
from the problem of building the solid model.
With any numerical method, the accuracy of the result depends on the grid used to represent
the physical system. In general, finer meshes (more zones per unit volume) lead to more
accurate results. Furthermore, the aspect ratio (ratio of the smallest length to largest length in
a zone) also affects accuracy. When creating model geometry with FLAC3D, it should be
kept in mind that the greatest accuracy is obtained for a model with equal, square zones. If
1. ANSYS+CivilFEM is available from Ingeciber, S.A. For purchasing information visit http://www.ingeciber.com/eng/index.htm
-3the model must contain different zone sizes, then a gradual variation in size should be used
for maximum accuracy; this factor is important enough that a special option is provided in
the GENERATE command in FLAC3D whereby zone sizes can be arranged to increase or
decrease by a constant ratio along any grid line. ANSYS+CivilFEM has the capability to
specify ratios while meshing a solid model and thus control the size of elements generated.
As a general rule, the aspect ratio of a zone should be kept as close to unity as possible.
Anything above 5:1 is potentially inaccurate.
The purpose of this document is to show the potential application of ANSYS+CivilFEM as a
grid generator for FLAC3D. Several example grids are given to illustrate the types of
geometries that can be considered for grid generation. All save files (*.db) and several script
files (*.log) from ANSYS+CivilFEM v6.1 are provided for the examples in this document.
Also, FLAC3D data files (*.dat) exported from the ANSYS+CivilFEM models are provided.
All files are compressed in the file CIVILFEM_DAT. ZIP.
1.2
Solid Model Generation
There are two approaches available in ANSYS+CivilFEM to model any given geometry.
One approach is called the bottom-up approach, and the other is called the top-down
approach (also called the constructive solid-geometry approach). The bottom-up approach
can be used for very complex geometries that cannot be defined using conic sections or by
simple Boolean operations of basic solid primitives. Points, lines, areas and volumes can be
created to describe the model geometry using this approach. The constructive solid-geometry
approach, on the other hand, is used to create models using basic primitives provided by
ANSYS+CivilFEM and applying Boolean operations on these primitives to construct a
model. The approach that should be used is dependent on the complexity of the model and
perhaps the resourcefulness of the user. Users should refer to ANSYS+CivilFEM manuals for
guidance on solid modeling.
Once a solid model has been created, it should be meshed to generate nodes and elements to
fill in the solid. Hexahedral meshing of the solid geometry may require extra effort with subdivision, addition and subtraction of volumes. It should be noted that ANSYS+CivilFEM can
generate tetrahedral meshing very easily with the least input from the user.
There are two types of meshing: mapped meshing, and sweep meshing for creating zones in
3D volumes. Mapped meshing involves filling a model volume with the chosen element.
Any geometry that needs to be map-meshed must be made topologically equivalent to certain
basic shapes, which can be trivially meshed with the chosen element. ANSYS+CivilFEM
has tools that allow volumes, areas and lines to be manipulated so that they conform to some
basic topological entity that can then be easily meshed. Mapped meshing guarantees the
-4same type of element throughout the solid model. Sweep meshing is a technique in which a
particular area (called a source area, which can be automatically determined or manually
specified) of a volume is meshed and the mesh pattern is swept through the whole volume up
to a target surface (automatically determined or manually specified) interpolating the pattern
within the volume. Internally the meshing algorithm meshes the source area such that the
resulting 3D element formed by sweeping corresponds to the element chosen by the user.
(For FLAC3D grid generation, the 3D element chosen can only be a SOLID45 element.)
Sweep meshing can be used effectively to mesh complicated geometries. However, in a
complex model, sweep meshing may have to be done one volume at a time, specifying the
source and target areas manually. The user should take care to ensure that resulting elements
at the interface share the same nodes in order that the model properly transfers forces and
other quantities across the meshed volume in FLAC3D. Also, see the ATTACH command
in the FLAC3D command reference manual.
1.3
FLAC3D mesh from ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh
Figure 1 shows the ANSYS+CivilFEM v 6.1 screen that has the FLAC3D export option.
Figure 1
ANSYS+CivilFEM to FLAC3D export option. CivilFEM

Preprocessor menu has to be invoked, for this option to work in
ANSYS+CivilFEM v 6.1
Any model geometry meshed with a SOLID45 element in ANSYS+CivilFEM can be
-5imported into FLAC3D. ANSYS+CivilFEM export option does not recognize other types of
elements. SOLID45 can automatically degenerate into a wedge or a tetrahedron.
ANSYS+CivilFEM creates a script file that generates gridpoints from the nodal positions of
the meshed geometry. This is done by issuing a number of GENERATE point commands to
create gridpoints. ANSYS+CivilFEM then generates FLAC3D primitives using these newly
created gridpoints. This is done by issuing a series of GENERATE zone commands for
FLAC3D zone generation. Since a SOLID45 element in ANSYS+CivilFEM has eight nodes
and can degenerate into a wedge or a tetrahedron, only the GENERATE zone brick,
GENERATE zone wedge or GENERATE zone tet commands are used in the script file.
The format of the output data file created by ANSYS+CivilFEM is shown in Figure 2.
GEN POINT ID id xpos ypos zpos
..
..
GEN ZONE (primitive) p0 POINT id p1 POINT id SIZE x y z GROUP material
number
..
..
SEL NODE INIT XPOS ADD 0.0
Figure 2
Data file generated by ANSYS+CivilFEM to export mesh into

FLAC3D
The last line in Figure 2 is necessary to establish links to the grid when structural elements
are generated. It is possible to create cables, beams and shells in ANSYS+CivilFEM and
export them into FLAC3D. This option has not been tested extensively and has not been
included here. Structural elements can be easily created on the faces of the FLAC3D grid
after importing the grid from ANSYS+CivilFEM. The data files provided in
CIVILFEM_DAT.ZIP have additional commands for saving and turning off informational
messages echoed to the screen. These commands have been added externally for convenience
and do not form a part of original FLAC3D script file generated by ANSYS+CivilFEM.
CFTOFL3D.DAT is the default name of the data file exported by ANSYS+CivilFEM that
contains grid generation data. The other data file FL3DRES.DAT created by
ANSYS+CivilFEM is for exporting FLAC3D structural element results into an ASCII format
file which can be input into ANSYS+CivilFEM for post-processing.
-6-
Figure 3
ANSYS+CivilFEM to FLAC3D export dialog window
Figure 3 shows the ANSYS+CivilFEM to FLAC3D export dialog window when Export
Model option in ANSYS+CivilFEM window (Figure 1) is invoked. The size variable that
determines the number of elements generated can be specified at the time of exporting of
ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh into FLAC3D. When the ANSYS+CivilFEM model needs to be
exported into FLAC3D, the user is presented with the dialog box shown in Figure 3. The first
three edit boxes can be used to specify the size of zones along x, y and z directions:
X Number of divisions corresponds to division of y size
Y Number of divisions corresponds to division of z size
Z Number of divisions corresponds to division of x size
Thus, it is possible to have a coarsely meshed geometry in ANSYS+CivilFEM and finely
meshed geometry in FLAC3D. Volumes that need to be grouped in FLAC3D can be meshed
with different material names in ANSYS+CivilFEM. These different material names assigned
to different meshed volumes in ANSYS+CivilFEM translate into different group names
during the export process.
When an exported mesh is plotted in FLAC3D and compared with the ANSYS+CivilFEM
default plot, the plots are rotated because FLAC3D by convention plots the geometry on the
X-Z plane while ANSYS+CivilFEM plots the geometry on the X-Y plane, even though both
use a right-handed coordinate system.
The radio buttons provided in the dialog box can be used to create irregular hexahedral zones
out of tetrahedral elements generated by ANSYS+CivilFEM. The model should be meshed
completely with tetrahedral elements for this option to work.
-7-
1.4
Geometry tests in FLAC3D
FLAC3D has three basic tests built in to check the integrity of meshed models to make sure
that the model is adequate for simulation purposes. For example, these tests can be used to
check if there is improper mapping of node points during export of the model into FLAC3D,
resulting in some zones being inside out and hence not suitable for simulation. It can also be
used to check if a zone is degenerate or not. Degeneracy can occur if a primitive is created
without satisfying the requirements of geometry conditions such as the number of vertices,
edges and faces for that particular primitive. The geometry tests in FLAC3D are designed for
hexahedral elements only.
1.4.1
Geometric Parameters: Orthogonality, Aspect Ratio, Face Planarity
The geometric aspects of a hexahedral element are evaluated using three quantities,
orthogonality, and aspect ratio and face planarity. The quantities compare the hexahedrons
to a perfect cube, which is the ideal shape for hexahedral meshes. The GEOM_TEST
command invokes the test for all three of these geometric quantities.
Orthogonality. For each grid point in each zone, the determinant of the matrix defined by
the three edge vectors is computed and divided by the produce of their lengths. This gives 1.0
for a cube, and approaches zero as pairs of edges approach being coplanar or all three
approach being coplanar. Each zone is measured by the worst orthogonality value of all grid
points.
Figure 4
Orthogonality Test
-8Aspect ratio For each grid point, the ratio of the shortest edge length by the longest edge
length is computed. This will be 1.0 for a cube. It will approach zero as the zone becomes
stretched or flattened. Each zone is measured by the worst aspect ratio of all grid points.
Figure 5
Aspect ratio test
Face Planarity Hexahedrons are composed of 6 quadrilateral faces, just like a cubes
square faces, however geometrically it is possible that a quadrilateral polygon in 3D may not
have all 4 vertices coplanar. FLAC3D allows faces to be non-planar, but the greater the
deviation, the less accurate the solution process will be. There is no clear singular method of
measuring planarity. A method which compares the volume of a tetrahedron filling the 4
vertices, and the area of the quadrilateral face, computing the area by adding a central point
m=(A+B+C+D)/4, and computing the 4 triangle areas ABC, ABD, ACD, BCD is chosen.
The ratio of the cube root of the volume to the square root of the area (to get a dimensionless
value) is computed. This value is zero if planar, and positive if non-planar. This test can be
scaled by a constant since there is no fundamental limit on how non-planar a face can be.
(Values should be << 1.0 for a face to be good.). Each zone has its six faces tested and the
worst value is reported.
-9-
Figure 6
Face planarity test
Reporting average values for these tests are meaningless since some meshes might be 90%
good and 10% bad and give the same average as a mesh with all 80% test quality. Instead
distribution of values for all the three parameters across all zones in the range specified is
reported. The distribution ranges from -1.0 to 1.0 with a 0.1 interval. Thus all zones fall
within these 20 intervals. This distribution will help identify how many bad zones there are,
and how bad. Note that these tests are useful for relative comparisons between different grids
for the same geometry. For a model to perform well with FLAC3D orthogonality and aspect
ratio zone test values should be near 1.0 and planarity test values near 0.0. FISH functions
can be written to group all zones that failed to meet minimum standards and thus visualize
the bad zones. The following example illustrates how to use and interpret the defined
geometric measures. A simple 3-by-3 FLAC3D grid is created (See Figure 7), and the
geometric measures are reported.
-10-
FLAC3D 2.10
Settings: Model Perspective
10:02:48 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 1.500e+000
Y: 1.500e+000
Z: 1.500e+000
Dist: 9.795e+000
Rotation:
X: 30.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 50.000
Mag.: 0.64
Ang.: 22.500
Surface
Magfac = 0.000e+000
Axes
Linestyle
Z
Y

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 7 A simple 3-by-3 FLAC3D grid to illustrate geometric aspects of zones

The MS Excel histogram chart in Figure 8 shows the distribution of zones for the three
geometry parameters described above. The range of all three parameters falls between 0.0 and
1.0 for any properly formed element suitable for simulation purposes. The zones are tested
for each parameter and based on the value obtained for each parameter tested, added to the
corresponding range of values. Geometry testing is done by issuing the GEOM_TEST
command. Thus, we get a distribution of elements for each geometry parameter, and this
distribution of elements is directed to a log file and plotted as a histogram using MS Excel
software. (Other such graph plotting software can also be used.) For a simple regular 3-by-3
model, we find that the aspect ratio and orthogonality of all zones are equal to 1.0. The face
planarity of all zones is also 0.0, as all faces are planar. (Even though the aspect ratio and
orthogonality of all zones are identically equal to 1.0 and face planarity is identically 0.0 for
all zones, they all fall within a range in the chart). Elements that are found outside of this
range are bad elements and can cause errors during analysis.
-11-
Number of eleme
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Aspect ratio
Face planarity
Figure 8 Distribution of zones for all the three geometric parameters

1.5
Grid generation using ratios
A simple 10 by 20 by 30 unit parallelepiped solid model geometry is generated using

ANSYS+CivilFEM. It is then meshed with SOLID45 elements and exported into FLAC3D.
The default size of each element edge is set to 2 units. A mapped mesh is created because the
topology lends itself easily to this sort of meshing. Ratios can be specified by picking lines in
the ANSYS+CivilFEM graphical user interface. It is also possible to specify ratios at the
command line using the LESIZE command in ANSYS+CivilFEM The user should refer to
ANSYS+CivilFEM documentation and create small examples like the ones illustrated here to
understand the various options by which ratios can be specified to a solid model. The
example shows the results of using ratios to generate grids in ANSYS+CivilFEM and
exported into FLAC3D.
-12-
FLAC3D 2.10
10:17:55 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 5.000e+000
Y: 1.000e+001
Z: 1.500e+001
Dist: 9.295e+001
Rotation:
X: 30.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 220.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Surface
Magfac = 0.000e+000
Axes
Linestyle
Z

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 9
A uniform 10 by 20 by 30 unit grid. (750 zones and 1056 gridpoints)
Figure 9 shows a uniform grid generated without using ratios in ANSYS+CivilFEM and
exported into FLAC3D. In ANSYS+CivilFEM the parameters that can be controlled for
obtaining a graded grid are SIZE (element edge length), NDIV (number of element divisions,
used only when SIZE is blank or zero), SPACE (spacing ratio) and ANGSIZE (division of
arc in degrees, used only if NDIV and SIZE are blank or zero). In Figure 10 a spacing ratio is
applied along both x and y axes, so that the edge length of the last element is 4 times the
length of the first element. Spacing ratio can also be specified between center element and
the edge element by using a negative number for ratio values. Figure 11 shows the
application of spacing ratio such that the boundary element lengths along x- and y-axes are 4
times the length of elements in the center. The user should consult the ANSYS+CivilFEM
manual and try simple examples to become familiar with specifying ratios to generate graded
grids. The user can also work with the ANSYS+CivilFEM save files and script files provided
to regenerate these examples.
-13-
FLAC3D 2.10
10:19:28 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 5.000e+000
Y: 1.000e+001
Z: 1.500e+001
Dist: 9.295e+001
Rotation:
X: 30.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 210.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Surface
Magfac = 0.000e+000
Axes
Linestyle
Z
X
Y

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 10
A 10 by 20 by 30 unit exported grid with a ratio of 4 (240 zones

and 400 gps) ( end zone length is 4 times the start zone length)
FLAC3D 2.10

10:20:59 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 5.000e+000
Y: 1.000e+001
Z: 1.500e+001
Dist: 9.295e+001
Rotation:
X: 30.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 220.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Surface
Magfac = 0.000e+000
Axes
Linestyle
Z

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 11
A 10 by 20 by 30 exported grid with a ratio of 4 (375 zones and

576 gps) applied from center to end( end zone length is 4 times the
center zone length)
-14-
1.6
Example of a graded grid
The following example gives an illustration of creating a graded grid in ANSYS+CivilFEM

and exporting it into FLAC3D. The solid model is a 30 by 20 by 20 unit parallelepiped with a
5 by 20 by 5 unit parallelepiped in the center generated using ANSYS+CivilFEM solid
modeler. The division of the ANSYS+CivilFEM solid model into different volumes to
produce this graded grid is shown. A graded grid is produced when the number of element
divisions is fixed (Number of element divisions is 4, see Figure 12) along the boundary of the
volume and at its interior.
Figure 12
Division of ANSYS+CivilFEM volume for subsequent meshing.

Center volume is given a different material ID to group it
differently in FLAC3D
-15-
Figure 13
ANSYS+CivilFEM generated mesh
FLAC3D 2.10
10:23:54 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 1.500e+001
Y: 1.000e+001
Z: 1.000e+001
Dist: 9.295e+001
Rotation:
X: 20.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 330.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00001
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle
Z
Y
X

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 14
Graded grid exported into FLAC3D (160 zones and 267

gridpoints)
-16The geometric aspects of the FLAC3D grid are shown below. It can be seen that the aspect
ratio is affected by the gradation of the grids.
Number of elements(160)
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 15
1.7
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
Geometric aspects
ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh exported and attached in FLAC3D
This series of examples show model geometries whose volumes are independently meshed
in ANSYS+CivilFEM and attached using the ATTACH command in FLAC3D.
ANSYS+CivilFEM does not allow the interface area between different volumes to have
different meshing densities. FLAC3D allows meshes of different densities (refer to
ATTACH command in the FLAC3D Command Reference volume for details) to be attached
using the ATTACH command. The ATTACH command is useful only if the ratio of the
number of divisions between the sub-grid and the main grid is an integral quantity. For very
complex geometries, one should be careful in setting up the geometry, element sizes and
ratios in ANSYS+CivilFEM so that meshes can be attached and satisfactorily used for
simulation purposes.
1.7.1
Several sub-grids attached together
A parallelepiped model of dimensions 20 by 10 by 5 units is created in ANSYS+CivilFEM

and divided into five separate volumes to be meshed with different densities. In this case, part
of the mesh has a two to one ratio with other meshes and part of the mesh has a three to one
-17ratio with other meshes. The ratio is fixed by changing the number of element divisions along
x- and y-directions and also specifying a spacing ratio before each volume is meshed. Users
can regenerate the example by referring to the script files to generate the FLAC3D mesh and
the ANSYS+CivilFEM save file (*.db). Please note that z size is increased by a factor of two
when exporting from ANSYS+CivilFEM. (See Figure 3)
After attaching the grids in FLAC3D using the ATTACH command, a y-velocity of -1.0e-2
is applied on the top of the grid and the resulting displacement contour is shown to be
uniformly spread across attach boundaries.
Figure 16
ANSYS+CivilFEM model with different volumes for specifying

different mesh densities
-18-
FLAC3D 2.10
Step 3986 Model Perspective
10:25:59 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 1.000e+001
Y: 5.000e+000
Z: 2.500e+000
Dist: 6.030e+001
Rotation:
X: 110.000
Y: 320.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.:
1
Ang.: 22.500
Surface
Magfac = 0.000e+000
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 17
FLAC3D Attach grid (1108 zones, 1830 gridpoints)
FLAC3D 2.10
10:29:01 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 1.000e+001
Y: 5.000e+000
Z: 2.500e+000
Dist: 6.030e+001
Rotation:
X: 110.000
Y: 330.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.:
1
Ang.: 22.500
Sketch
Magfac = 0.000e+000
Linestyle
Attach

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 18
View of attached grid points
-19-
FLAC3D 2.10
10:33:40 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 1.000e+001
Y: 5.000e+000
Z: 2.500e+000
Dist: 6.030e+001
Rotation:
X: 110.000
Y: 320.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.:
1
Ang.: 22.500
Contour of Displacement Mag.

Magfac = 0.000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 0.0000e+000
2.5000e+004 to 5.0000e+004
7.5000e+004 to 1.0000e+005
1.2500e+005 to 1.5000e+005
1.7500e+005 to 2.0000e+005
2.2500e+005 to 2.5000e+005
2.7500e+005 to 3.0000e+005
3.2500e+005 to 3.5000e+005
3.7500e+005 to 3.9860e+005
Interval = 2.5e+004
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 19
1.7.2
Displacement contour plot
Circular tunnels embedded in a grid
This is another example to show how to create individual meshes with different densities in
ANSYS+CivilFEM and use the FLAC3D ATTACH command to connect the meshes. Three
tunnels with a radius of 2.5 units are embedded in a grid of dimensions 60 by 60 by 1 unit.
Square sections of 10 by 10 units with finer mesh densities are attached to the main grid.
The mesh density around the circular tunnel has a 2:1 ratio with the mesh density outside the
square volumes. This is accomplished by specifying the exact number of element divisions
for all the inner and outer edges (refer to the ANSYS+CivilFEM manual for specification of
ratios). The outer dimensions have 30 element divisions and the inner dimensions have 5
element divisions. The three tunnels have 10 element divisions along the outer dimensions
and the circular arc is composed of 20 element divisions (5 elements for each quarter of an
arc). See the corresponding data file and ANSYS+CivilFEM save file to recreate the model
and the meshed geometry.
A similar mesh is also created directly in FLAC3D using GENERATE zone radcyl
commands for comparison to the ANSYS+CivilFEM generated model.
A stress field is applied to the FLAC3D grid and ANSYS+CivilFEM generated grid (refer to
the data file). Comparisons are made between the resultant displacement contour plots for the
two grids in Figure 20 and Figure 22. It can be seen that the displacement contour values are
-20similar. The results of geometric tests are also included in Figure 21 and Figure 23 for
comparison purposes.
FLAC3D 2.10
10:37:01 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 3.000e+001
Y: 3.000e+001
Z: -1.000e+000
Dist: 1.959e+002
Rotation:
X: 90.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.:
1
Ang.: 22.500

Magfac = 0.000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 0.0000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 5.0000e-004
5.0000e-004 to 1.0000e-003
1.0000e-003 to 1.5000e-003
1.5000e-003 to 2.0000e-003
2.0000e-003 to 2.5000e-003
2.5000e-003 to 3.0000e-003
3.0000e-003 to 3.5000e-003
3.5000e-003 to 4.0000e-003
4.0000e-003 to 4.5000e-003
4.5000e-003 to 5.0000e-003
5.0000e-003 to 5.5000e-003
5.5000e-003 to 6.0000e-003
6.0000e-003 to 6.5000e-003
6.5000e-003 to 6.7323e-003
Interval = 5.0e-004
Axes
Linestyle
Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 20
Displacement contour plot of ANSYS+CivilFEM generated

mesh with 2166 zones and 3603 gridpoints
Number of elements(2166
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 21
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
Geometric parameters of ANSYS+CivilFEM generated grid.
-21-
FLAC3D 2.10
10:43:12 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 3.000e+001
Y: 3.000e+001
Z: 5.000e-001
Dist: 1.959e+002
Rotation:
X: 90.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.:
1
Ang.: 22.500

Magfac = 0.000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 0.0000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 5.0000e-004
5.0000e-004 to 1.0000e-003
1.0000e-003 to 1.5000e-003
1.5000e-003 to 2.0000e-003
2.0000e-003 to 2.5000e-003
2.5000e-003 to 3.0000e-003
3.0000e-003 to 3.5000e-003
3.5000e-003 to 4.0000e-003
4.0000e-003 to 4.5000e-003
4.5000e-003 to 5.0000e-003
5.0000e-003 to 5.5000e-003
5.5000e-003 to 6.0000e-003
6.0000e-003 to 6.5000e-003
6.5000e-003 to 6.8022e-003
Interval = 5.0e-004
Axes
Linestyle
Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 22
FLAC3D generated grid with 1185 zones and 2666 gridpoints
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 23
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
Geometric parameters of FLAC3D generated grid
-22This example is repeated without an attached boundary surrounding the tunnels. The circular
tunnel length is divided into 20 elemental divisions (5 divisions for each quarter of the
circular length) and the outer edges are specified an elemental division of 30. Both an
ANSYS+CivilFEM generated model and a FLAC3D generated model are created as before.
Meshing for the ANSYS+CivilFEM generated grid was accomplished by first meshing one
section which was subsequently extruded to create volume elements. Refer to the
ANSYS+CivilFEM documentation for details on meshing techniques. In the FLAC3D
generated model, circular tunnels are created from square tunnels by remapping the
gridpoints using FISH.
A stress field is applied to the FLAC3D generated grid and the ANSYS+CivilFEM generated
grid and comparisons are made between the resultant displacement contour plots for the two
grids. Compare Figure 24 and Figure 26. It can be seen that the displacement contour values
are similar. The results of geometric tests are also included for comparison purposes, in
Figure 25 and Figure 27.
FLAC3D 2.10
10:40:45 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 3.000e+001
Y: 3.000e+001
Z: -1.000e+000
Dist: 1.959e+002
Rotation:
X: 90.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.:
1
Ang.: 22.500

Magfac = 0.000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 0.0000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 5.0000e-004
5.0000e-004 to 1.0000e-003
1.0000e-003 to 1.5000e-003
1.5000e-003 to 2.0000e-003
2.0000e-003 to 2.5000e-003
2.5000e-003 to 3.0000e-003
3.0000e-003 to 3.5000e-003
3.5000e-003 to 4.0000e-003
4.0000e-003 to 4.5000e-003
4.5000e-003 to 5.0000e-003
5.0000e-003 to 5.5000e-003
5.5000e-003 to 6.0000e-003
6.0000e-003 to 6.5000e-003
6.5000e-003 to 6.5183e-003
Interval = 5.0e-004
Axes
Linestyle
Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 24
Displacement contour of ANSYS+CivilFEM generated mesh

(882 zones, 1940 gps)
-23-
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 25
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
Geometric parameters of ANSYS+CivilFEM grid
FLAC3D 2.10
10:41:54 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 3.000e+001
Y: 3.000e+001
Z: 5.000e-001
Dist: 1.959e+002
Rotation:
X: 90.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.:
1
Ang.: 22.500

Magfac = 0.000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 0.0000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 5.0000e-004
5.0000e-004 to 1.0000e-003
1.0000e-003 to 1.5000e-003
1.5000e-003 to 2.0000e-003
2.0000e-003 to 2.5000e-003
2.5000e-003 to 3.0000e-003
3.0000e-003 to 3.5000e-003
3.5000e-003 to 4.0000e-003
4.0000e-003 to 4.5000e-003
4.5000e-003 to 5.0000e-003
5.0000e-003 to 5.3768e-003
Interval = 5.0e-004
Axes
Linestyle
Z

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 26
FLAC3D mesh with 873 zones and 1898 gridpoints
-24-
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
orthogonality
Figure 27
1.8
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
Geometric parameters for FLAC3D grid
Creation and meshing of tunnel intersection geometries
In this section a series of examples are shown that illustrate how to model and mesh tunnel
intersections using ANSYS+CivilFEM.
1.8.1
Building and meshing an intersection between two perpendicular tunnels
This model consists of two tunnels: a smaller-diameter service tunnel, and a larger-diameter
main tunnel intersecting at right angles to each other. The base of the model extends from -5
to 10 units along the x-axis, 0 to 8 units along the y-axis and 0 to 6 units along the z-axis. The
radius of the main tunnel is 3 units and the radius of the service tunnel is 2 units.
The ANSYS+CivilFEM solid model corresponding to the dimensions above is shown in
Figure 28.
-25-
Figure 28 ANSYS+CivilFEM generated model volumes

It can be seen that the tunnel volume and the base volume have been divided into many
smaller volumes. This is done to facilitate the sweep meshing for all volumes. The volumes
should also be grouped and appropriate material names given so that all volumes
corresponding to one object, e.g., the main tunnel, have the same material name. The
volumes with different material names will be assigned different group names when they are
exported. The resultant ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh shown in Figure 29 and consists of 828
hexahedral elements and 1160 nodes.
-26-
Figure 29 ANSYS+CivilFEM generated mesh with 819 elements and 1150 nodes
The exported FLAC3D model (See Figure 30) has 6624 zones, which is 8 times the number
of elements generated by ANSYS+CivilFEM (828 elements). This zoning is achieved by
specifying a size factor of two along all three axes when exporting to FLAC3D (See section
1.3).
FLAC3D 2.10
10:45:10 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 2.500e+000
Y: 4.000e+000
Z: 3.000e+000
Dist: 4.548e+001
Rotation:
X: 210.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 230.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00003
MAT00001
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle
Z

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 30 Exported FLAC3D model with 6624 zones and 7887 gridpoints
-27-
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
Figure 31 Distribution of zones for geometric parameters.

From Figure 31, it can be seen that the orthogonality values of many of the zones are close to
1.0, which usually will result in a better solution using FLAC3D. The aspect ratios vary with
the specification of zoning ratios. It can also be seen that most of the faces are planar.
1.8.2
Building and meshing three tunnels perpendicular to each other
This model consists of a shaft that opens into a service tunnel, which, in turn, connects to a
main tunnel perpendicular to the service tunnel. The base of the model extends from -16 to
16 units along the x-direction, 0 to 8 units along the y-direction and 0 to 6 units along the zdirection. The radius of the main tunnel is 4 units, the radius of the shaft is 3 units and the
radius of the service tunnel is 2 units. The ANSYS+CivilFEM-generated solid model
corresponding to these dimensions is shown in Figure 32.
-28-
Figure 32 ANSYS+CivilFEM generated solid model

The solid model has been divided into many volumes to facilitate sweep meshing for all the
volumes. The volumes should also be grouped appropriately so that all volumes that belong
to a particular entity, say a tunnel, have the same material. This ensures that all these volumes
are grouped together as one entity for FLAC3D during the export process. The
ANSYS+CivilFEM generated mesh is shown in Figure 33. The model consists of 1330
elements and 1760 nodes.
-29-
Figure 33 ANSYS+CivilFEM generated mesh

FLAC3D 2.10
10:47:09 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 1.028e+000
Y: 5.226e+000
Z: 3.000e+000
Dist: 9.248e+001
Rotation:
X: 30.000
Y: 180.000
Z: 310.000
Mag.: 1.25
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00001
MAT00004
MAT00003
MAT00002
Axes
X
Z
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 34
Exported FLAC3D grid
-30-
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 35
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
Distribution of zones for geometric parameters
The geometric aspects of the resultant FLAC3D grid are shown in Figure 35 from which it
can be seen that orthogonality values for most of the zones lie in the range 0.7 to 1.0. Face
planarity values are low.
1.8.3
Building and meshing tunnel intersection with ratios
In many analyses, a fine mesh is desired only at particular areas of interest. In other areas, far
removed from the problem domain, it is possible to have larger and, hence, fewer numbers of
elements. This helps in reducing the time required to complete an analysis. In FLAC3D, this
is achieved by using ratios. ANSYS+CivilFEM also provides the user with such capability.
An example to illustrate the use of ratios for a complicated tunnel intersection model is
illustrated below.
This model consists of two tunnels of different radii intersecting at right angles to each other.
The model extends from 0 to 20 units along the x-direction, 0 to 32 units along the ydirection and 0 to 20 units along the z-direction. The radius of the main tunnel is 3 units and
the radius of the service tunnel is 2 units. All edges have been divided in such a way that the
ratio between the last element division and the first division is 5.0. The ANSYS+CivilFEM
model corresponding to the dimensions above is shown in Figure 36 and meshed model is
shown in Figure 37.
-31-
Figure 36 ANSYS+CivilFEM generated solid model
Figure 37 ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh with all edges having a ratio of 5.0 (last division/first
division)
The exported FLAC3D mesh with a total of 1783 elements and 2250 nodes is shown in
Figure 38. The geometric aspects of the exported FLAC3D mesh are shown in Figure 39.
-32-
FLAC3D 2.10
10:48:38 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 1.069e+001
Y: 1.440e+001
Z: 1.135e+001
Dist: 7.130e+001
Rotation:
X: 210.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 220.000
Mag.: 0.64
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00002
MAT00001
MAT00003
Axes
Linestyle
Z

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 38 ANSYS+CivilFEM exported FLAC3D mesh
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 39
Aspect ratio
Face planarity
From Figure 39, it is no surprise that the aspect ratio follows a distribution because we have
specified ratios for edges while meshing.
-33-
1.8.4
Building and meshing multiple, intersecting tunnels and shafts
This model consists of two horseshoe-shaped tunnels running perpendicular to each other and
two other cylindrical shafts, as shown in Figure 40 and Figure 41. The important dimensions
of the tunnel are given as follows. The lengths of tunnels are arbitrary.
Main-tunnel diameter
34 units
Rectangular cross-section of
connection between main tunnel
and the smaller tunnels
14 units by 5units
Diameter of all the small tunnels,

including the cylindrical portion of the
horseshoe-shaped tunnel
8 units
Figure 40 ANSYS+CivilFEM model geometry showing all the tunnels and shafts
-34-
Figure 41 Tunnels and shafts embedded within the volume shown in detail
Figure 42 ANSYS+CivilFEM grid with 25986 elements and 29046 nodes
-35-
FLAC3D 2.10
10:50:42 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 2.407e+001
Y: -2.462e+000
Z: 5.383e+001
Dist: 3.818e+002
Rotation:
X: 220.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 140.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
X
Z
Block Group
MAT00002
MAT00001
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 43 ANSYS+CivilFEM exported FLAC3D grid

FLAC3D 2.10
10:51:23 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 2.590e+001
Y: 6.248e+000
Z: 4.728e+001
Dist: 3.818e+002
Rotation:
X: 220.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 140.000
Mag.:
1
Ang.: 22.500
X
Z
Block Group
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 44 Detailed view of tunnels embedded inside the volume
-36-
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 45
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
The resulting meshed model has very good geometric properties, as seen by the values of
orthogonality and face planarity. The aspect ratio varies with specification of ratios.
1.8.5
Building and meshing tunnel intersection at 45 angle
This example shows the capability of ANSYS+CivilFEM to create tunnel intersections at

arbitrary angles, which can be meshed and used for analysis in FLAC3D. A 45 angle of
intersection is chosen for illustration. The tunnels in the resultant exported model are
excavated and the model is brought to equilibrium under gravity. The stress state of the
resulting analysis is then shown and compared with an equivalent FLAC3D grid. The model
extends from -15 to 15 units along x direction, 0 to 60 units along the y direction and -10 to 0
along the z direction. The radius of the intersecting tunnels is 4 units. Figure 46 shows the
division of volumes for sweep meshing the model. The generated mesh in
ANSYS+CivilFEM is shown in Figure 47.
-37-
Figure 46
ANSYS+CivilFEM model for tunnel intersection at 45
Figure 47
ANSYS+CivilFEM generated mesh with 2240 elements and

2636 nodes
A size factor of two (See Section 1.3) is applied along the x-, y- and z-directions before
exporting to FLAC3D. This further refines the mesh and the resultant FLAC3D mesh is
shown below.
-38-
FLAC3D 2.10
10:55:06 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 3.107e+000
Y: 2.759e+001
Z: 1.468e+000
Dist: 1.130e+002
Rotation:
X: 200.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 220.000
Mag.: 0.64
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00003
MAT00002
MAT00001
Axes
Linestyle
Y

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 48
Exported FLAC3D mesh with 17920 zones and 19447

gridpoints as a result of specifying NDIV of 2.0
FLAC3D 2.10

10:56:13 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 3.107e+000
Y: 2.759e+001
Z: 1.468e+000
Dist: 1.130e+002
Rotation:
X: 200.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 220.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00003
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 49
FLAC3D plot showing tunnels only
-39-
10000
9000
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 50
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
0.7, and there is a distribution of orthogonality values. The aspect ratio can be varied with
specification of ratios. It can also be seen that face planarity values are close to zero. The
model is brought to equilibrium under gravity loading and the z-stress of the resulting grid is
shown in Figure 51.
-40-
FLAC3D 2.10
10:58:26 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 2.985e+000
Y: 2.750e+001
Z: 2.374e-008
Dist: 1.130e+002
Rotation:
X: 200.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 220.000
Mag.: 0.64
Ang.: 22.500
Contour of SZZ
Magfac = 0.000e+000
Gradient Calculation
-6.3465e+005 to -6.0000e+005
-6.0000e+005 to -5.5000e+005
-5.5000e+005 to -5.0000e+005
-5.0000e+005 to -4.5000e+005
-4.5000e+005 to -4.0000e+005
-4.0000e+005 to -3.5000e+005
-3.5000e+005 to -3.0000e+005
-3.0000e+005 to -2.5000e+005
-2.5000e+005 to -2.0000e+005
-2.0000e+005 to -1.5000e+005
-1.5000e+005 to -1.0000e+005
-1.0000e+005 to -5.0000e+004
-5.0000e+004 to 0.0000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 2.4355e+004
Interval = 5.0e+004
Axes
Linestyle
Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 51
Contour of z-stress for exported FLAC3D grid
FLAC3D 2.10
11:00:33 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 0.000e+000
Y: 3.000e+000
Z: 0.000e+000
Dist: 3.465e+001
Rotation:
X: 30.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 320.000
Mag.: 0.64
Ang.: 22.500
Contour of SZZ
Magfac = 0.000e+000
Gradient Calculation
-3.5029e+005 to -3.5000e+005
-3.2500e+005 to -3.0000e+005
-2.7500e+005 to -2.5000e+005
-2.2500e+005 to -2.0000e+005
-1.7500e+005 to -1.5000e+005
-1.2500e+005 to -1.0000e+005
-7.5000e+004 to -5.0000e+004
-2.5000e+004 to 0.0000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 6.3358e+003
Interval = 2.5e+004
Z
Y
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 52
Contour of z-stress for FLAC3D grid created in Example

Application 5 (TUN45.DAT)
-41The stress state for an equivalent FLAC3D grid is shown in Figure 52. The model generation
for this example can be found in Example Application 5 in the FLAC3D Example
Applications volume. Data files are also provided to recreate this example.
It can be seen that the stress profiles for both the grids are similar. The ANSYS+CivilFEM
mesh can be further improved by extending the geometry to minimize boundary effects.
Ratios can also be specified to speed up the analysis.
1.8.6
Building and meshing tunnel intersection at 45 with different radii
The following example shows the meshing for tunnels intersecting at 45, but with different
radii. The model extends from -15 to 15 units along the x-direction, 0 to 60 units along the ydirection and -10 to 0 along the z-direction. The radius of the intersecting tunnels is 4 units
and 3 units. Figure 53 shows the division of volumes for sweep meshing the model.
Figure 53
Division of volumes for meshing of tunnels intersecting at 45

and with different radii
-42-
Figure 54
ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh generated

FLAC3D 2.10

11:02:11 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: -2.985e+000
Y: 3.250e+001
Z: 2.495e-008
Dist: 1.130e+002
Rotation:
X: 200.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 40.000
Mag.: 0.64
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00001
MAT00003
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 55
Exported FLAC3D grid (6956 zones, 8250 gps)
-43-
FLAC3D 2.10
11:03:11 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: -1.069e+000
Y: 3.090e+001
Z: 8.942e-009
Dist: 1.130e+002
Rotation:
X: 200.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 40.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00001
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 56
1.9
FLAC3D grid showing only the tunnels
Miscellaneous examples
In this section, examples are shown that illustrate additional and useful capabilities of
ANSYS+CivilFEM. Solid model data from many of the solid modeling packages that
conform to IGES, CATIA, Pro/E, UniGraphics, SAT (ASIC 7.0 and below), PARASOLID,
IDEAS can be directly imported into ANSYS+CivilFEM and meshed using the ANSYS
mesher. The meshed model can then be imported into FLAC3D. These formats specify how
to store solid model data so that the model can be reconstructed at a later time from the data.
IGES stores volumes as a set of faces that need to be reconstructed in ANSYS+CivilFEM.
ANSYS+CivilFEM provides tools to import and cure (create solids from these faces and
correct tolerance errors) IGES format files. Consult the ANSYS+CivilFEM manual for
details. AutoCAD 3D models can be output in ASIC format (with extension *.SAT) that can
be imported into ANSYS+CivilFEM, meshed and exported to FLAC3D. Consult the
ANSYS+CivilFEM manual on the type and scope of formats that are supported.
1.9.1
Importing and using an IGES surface to extrude and mesh a volume
The following example shows a surface that is stored as an IGES file and imported into
ANSYS+CivilFEM. It is then used to extrude a volume, subsequently meshed and exported
-44to FLAC3D. The surface geometry is a simplified topological surface. The surface is not
governed by any equation.
Figure 57
An imported IGES surface displayed in ANSYS+CivilFEM
Figure 58
Surface extruded and meshed in ANSYS+CivilFEM
-45-
FLAC3D 2.10
11:05:03 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 4.857e+005
Y: 4.289e+006
Z: -2.342e+003
Dist: 6.388e+004
Rotation:
X: 130.000
Y: 150.000
Z: 50.000
Mag.:
1
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00001
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 59
Extruded volume imported into FLAC3D
It can be noted that the surface topography is replicated through the depth of extrusion. Once
a volume is generated, Boolean operations can also be performed to modify the volume to
suit the users needs.
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 60
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
-46From Figure 60, it can be seen that the orthogonality values of many of the zones are close to
1.0. The aspect ratio varies with specification of ratios. It can also be seen that most of the
faces are planar.
1.9.2
Import of *.SAT format files (ASIC format) from AutoCAD
Solid models can be constructed in AutoCAD, and stored as an ASIC format file.
ANSYS+CivilFEM can import and interpret this format and recreate the same model in its
own solid modeling environment. This can then be meshed and exported to FLAC3D. Users
should note that DXF files cannot be imported into ANSYS+CivilFEM. This example
illustrates building a simple cube with an elliptical tunnel embedded in it. The model is
created in AutoCAD and imported into ANSYS+CivilFEM, meshed and exported to
FLAC3D. The example shows the capability of ANSYS+CivilFEM to read in a AutoCAD
model.
Figure 61
AutoCAD generated solid model
-47-
Figure 62
ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh for the exported solid model

FLAC3D 2.10

11:06:30 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 1.000e+001
Y: 1.000e+001
Z: 1.000e+001
Dist: 6.530e+001
Rotation:
X: 110.000
Y: 330.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.: 0.64
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00001
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 63
Exported FLAC3D model (690 zones , 954 gridpoints)
-48-
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 64
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
1.0. It can also be seen that most of the faces are planar.
1.9.3
A quarter ellipse model
This example illustrates that the symmetric nature of the model can be used to create a
simpler ANSYS+CivilFEM model, which is then meshed and exported to FLAC3D. The
model can then be further manipulated using FLAC3D mesh generation facilities. One
quarter of an ellipse is embedded in a square block and both the block and ellipse are meshed
and grouped separately. The dimensions are chosen arbitrarily.
-49-
Figure 65
Figure 66
ANSYS+CivilFEM model with quarter of an ellipse embedded

in a cube.
ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh
-50-
FLAC3D 2.10
11:07:56 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 2.500e+000
Y: -2.500e+000
Z: -2.500e+000
Dist: 1.633e+001
Rotation:
X: 120.000
Y: 40.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.: 0.64
Ang.: 22.500
Y
Block Group
MAT00001
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 67
Exported FLAC3D model with 288 zones and 385 gridpoints
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 68
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
0.8, and there are a few zones that have a value close to 0.0 at the center of the ellipse. It can
also be seen that most of the faces are planar.
-51It is now possible to complete the model using FLAC3D mesh generation capabilities to
extend the ANSYS+CivilFEM created mesh. Care should be taken so that the boundary faces
of the model generated by ANSYS+CivilFEM and exported to FLAC3D coincide with the
FLAC3D generated faces. Figure 69 shows the exported ANSYS+CivilFEM grid reflected
about the x- and y-axis to generate the full scale model.
FLAC3D 2.10
11:09:53 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 0.000e+000
Y: 0.000e+000
Z: -2.500e+000
Dist: 3.265e+001
Rotation:
X: 30.000
Y: 0.000
Z: 50.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
Z
Y
MAT00001
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 69
1.9.4
Reflected FLAC3D model
A cubic volume cut by an arbitrary surface.
Surfaces can be generated in ANSYS+CivilFEM using some of the tools provided for
modeling purposes and used to create topography inside a solid model. This example shows
the creation of a surface and a solid model cut by the surface. The solid model is then
grouped into two different parts with the surface topography forming a boundary between the
two groups of elements.
-52-
Figure 70
An arbitrary surface modeled in ANSYS+CivilFEM
Figure 71
ANSYS+CivilFEM cube cut by the surface and meshed
-53-
FLAC3D 2.10
11:12:35 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: 3.142e+001
Y: 0.000e+000
Z: 2.850e+001
Dist: 1.937e+002
Rotation:
X: 300.000
Y: 130.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00001
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 72
Exported FLAC3D grid ( 2000 zones and 2541 gridpoints)
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 73
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
1.0. It can also be seen that most of the faces are planar with values close to 0.1.
-54-
1.9.5
Building and meshing a tunnel extruded along a given path
In this example, a cylindrical half area is extruded along a line in the shape of a question
mark. This extrusion of volumes is accomplished by using solid modeling tools provided by
ANSYS+CivilFEM. The base extends from -15 to 15 units in the x-direction, 0 to 7 units in
the y-direction, 0 to 40 units in the z-direction, and the radius of the cylindrical half area is 1
unit.
Figure 74
ANSYS+CivilFEM volume that corresponds to tunnel in the

shape of question mark
-55-
Figure 75
ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh
FLAC3D 2.10

11:15:47 Wed Oct 30 2002
Center:
X: -1.732e+000
Y: 3.500e+000
Z: 1.900e+001
Dist: 1.141e+002
Rotation:
X: 310.000
Y: 40.000
Z: 0.000
Mag.: 0.8
Ang.: 22.500
Block Group
MAT00001
MAT00002
Axes
Linestyle
Z
X
Y

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 76
Exported FLAC3D grid ( 8059 zones, 9308 gridpoints)
-56-
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Range 0 to 1
Orthogonality
Figure 77
Aspect Ratio
Face Planarity
1.0. It can also be seen that most of the faces are planar.

Flac3D Grid Generation With Ansys+Civilfem

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Flac3D Grid Generation With Ansys+Civilfem

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FLAC3D Grid Generation with ANSYS+CivilFEM

GRID GENERATION ................................................................................................ 2

GENERAL COMMENTS ........................................................................................... 2

Solid Model Generation

FLAC3D mesh from ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh

ANSYS+CivilFEM to FLAC3D export option. CivilFEM

Any model geometry meshed with a SOLID45 element in ANSYS+CivilFEM can be

Data file generated by ANSYS+CivilFEM to export mesh into

ANSYS+CivilFEM to FLAC3D export dialog window

Geometry tests in FLAC3D

Geometric Parameters: Orthogonality, Aspect Ratio, Face Planarity

Aspect ratio test

Face planarity test

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Figure 7 A simple 3-by-3 FLAC3D grid to illustrate geometric aspects of zones

Figure 8 Distribution of zones for all the three geometric parameters

Grid generation using ratios

A simple 10 by 20 by 30 unit parallelepiped solid model geometry is generated using

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

A uniform 10 by 20 by 30 unit grid. (750 zones and 1056 gridpoints)

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

A 10 by 20 by 30 unit exported grid with a ratio of 4 (240 zones

Settings: Model Perspective

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

A 10 by 20 by 30 exported grid with a ratio of 4 (375 zones and

Example of a graded grid

The following example gives an illustration of creating a graded grid in ANSYS+CivilFEM

Division of ANSYS+CivilFEM volume for subsequent meshing.

ANSYS+CivilFEM generated mesh

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Graded grid exported into FLAC3D (160 zones and 267

ANSYS+CivilFEM mesh exported and attached in FLAC3D

Several sub-grids attached together

A parallelepiped model of dimensions 20 by 10 by 5 units is created in ANSYS+CivilFEM

ANSYS+CivilFEM model with different volumes for specifying

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

FLAC3D Attach grid (1108 zones, 1830 gridpoints)

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

View of attached grid points

Contour of Displacement Mag.

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Displacement contour plot

Circular tunnels embedded in a grid

Contour of Displacement Mag.

Displacement contour plot of ANSYS+CivilFEM generated

Geometric parameters of ANSYS+CivilFEM generated grid.

Contour of Displacement Mag.

FLAC3D generated grid with 1185 zones and 2666 gridpoints

Geometric parameters of FLAC3D generated grid

Contour of Displacement Mag.

Displacement contour of ANSYS+CivilFEM generated mesh

Geometric parameters of ANSYS+CivilFEM grid

Contour of Displacement Mag.

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

FLAC3D mesh with 873 zones and 1898 gridpoints

Geometric parameters for FLAC3D grid

Creation and meshing of tunnel intersection geometries

Building and meshing an intersection between two perpendicular tunnels

Figure 28 ANSYS+CivilFEM generated model volumes

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Figure 31 Distribution of zones for geometric parameters.

Building and meshing three tunnels perpendicular to each other

Figure 32 ANSYS+CivilFEM generated solid model