Efficient numerical integration of Perzyna viscoplasticity, with application to rock slope stability using zero-thickness interface elements

In this paper, Perzyna-type viscoplastic rate equations are integrated for a time step by considering the step as stress-driven. Depending on how the increment is imposed (constant, linear etc.), different strategies arise. The secant compliance is obtained by truncated expansion of the yield function. The viscoplastic model can be applied to materials exhibiting rate-dependent behavior, but it can also be used to recover an inviscid elastoplasticity solution when stationary conditions are reached.Within this framework, a viscoplastic relaxation iterative strategy is developed, relating the iterations with the fictitious time steps. Some examples of application are presented in the context of the Finite Element Method with zero-thickness interface elements for slope and stability problems with discontinuities. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group, London.Peer Reviewe