Publisher's Synopsis
This work explains the boundary element technique with diagrams and with listings of computer programmes for three methods. The authors use a system of highlighting key words and the book is designed for anyone in rock mechanics and mining sciences who has some grounding in the theory of elasticity. After a review of relevant aspects of elasticity theory, a simple boundary element method is developed from the Flamant solution for a line of concentrated force on the surface of an elastic half-plane - demonstrating the constructive connection between solutions to simple and complex problems. The "direct" and "indirect" methods for plane problems are also developed, largely from a physical standpoint.
