Stabilized finite element applications in geomechanics

Locking phenomena and pressure oscillations are often associated with the use of low order elements to simulate incompressible or dilatant behavior, typical of geomechanical applications. A stabilized Galerkin Least-Squares formulation (GLS), along the lines advocated by Hughes et al (1986) for fluid mechanics, is extended in this paper to a mixed displacement-pressure formulation of elastoplasticity. Applications in geomechanics demonstrate that the proposed formulation provides an appropriate and general solution to overcome locking phenomena.