Continuum modelling
Continuum modeling is best suited for the analysis of slopes that are comprised of massive, intact rock, weak rocks, and soil-like or heavily jointed rock masses. Discontinuum modeling is appropriate for slopes controlled by discontinuity behaviour.
Critical Parameters: shear strength of material, constitutive criteria, water condition, insitu stress state
Advantages: Allows for material deformation and failure, model complex behaviour, pore pressures, creep deformation and/or dynamic loading can be simulated
Limitations: inability to model effects of highly jointed rock