Adaptive limit analysis using deviatoric fields

Accurate estimates of limit loads for difficult stability problems in geotechnical engineering can rarely be obtained from a single finite element limit analysis without using an excessive number of elements. Therefore, efficient adaptive strategies which maximize the solution accuracy using minimum number of elements in the mesh are of great interest. This study explores the possibility of using the internal dissipation calculated from deviatoric stresses and strain rates as suitable control field for purely frictional materials. The performance observed for considered set of problematic for other adaptive schemes geotechnical examples is very promising. Moreover, the proposed approach works very well also for cohesive and cohesive frictional materials, suggesting its use as general engine for adaptive mesh refinement.