Beam Contact Model

P-Beam

A pebbled beam (P-beam) is defined as a string of spherical balls for which the beam contact model exists at all ball-ball contacts. A P-beam provides the structural behavior of a prismatic and bisymmetrical beam composed of isotropic, linear elastic material. A P-beam is defined by the string of balls, and the ball densities (used along with ball radii to obtain ball mass). The structural properties of a P-beam are defined by the properties of each beam contact model in the string.

PFC3D model of cantilever-beam test problem showing the balls, beam interfaces, and global axes.
PFC3D model of a cantilever-beam test problem at the start (top) and end (bottom) of loading.

Keywords

  • Beam

References

Potyondy, D. (2019) “Beam Contact Model [version 1],” Itasca Consulting Group, Inc., Technical Memorandum 2-3558-01:17TM07 (April 17, 2019), Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Beam Contact Model

UDM Version: 1
Release Date: Apr 17, 2019

Category: Backfill

Software:
  • PFC (PFC3D 5/6)
Download: User Guide: Developer:

Latest News
  • Seamless Integration of Site Data for Improved Mining Analysis Now Available for IMAT: Seamless Integration of Site Data for Improved Mining Analysis...
    Read More
  • Now Available from ITASCA: Innovative Machine Learning Tool for FLAC3D/FLAC2D V9.2 Experience the Future of Geotechnical Modeling with ITASCA Software V9.2: Introducing Machine Learning Models...
    Read More
  • Experience the Future of Geotechnical Modeling with ITASCA Software V9.2 Experience the Future of Geotechnical Modeling with ITASCA Software V9.2: Introducing Machine Learning Models and...
    Read More

Upcoming Events
23 Sep
Getting Started with FLAC2D/FLAC3D
Live Online Introductory Training Course. September 23-24, 2025.... Read More
14 Oct
Getting Started with 3DEC
Live Online Introductory Training Course. October 14-15, 2025... Read More
2 Dec
NEW TRAINING: Meshing in ITASCA Software
This introductory training course offers a comprehensive foundation in geotechnical modeling, enabling participants to identify various... Read More