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21 – 30 of 925H.R. Thomas and C.H. Liu
The implementation of the finite element solution of Biot's consolidation theory on a low‐cost microcomputer is described. A two‐dimensional linear elastic model is solved using…
Abstract
The implementation of the finite element solution of Biot's consolidation theory on a low‐cost microcomputer is described. A two‐dimensional linear elastic model is solved using bilinear rectangular elements and a fully implicit timestepping algorithm. The machine used is the Acorn Computers model B, BBC microcomputer, a popular low‐cost engineering applications machine. The program is written in Basic but to increase speed of computation certain sections of the solution procedure involving matrix manipulation are written in Assembly language. The results obtained are encouraging from the point of view of accuracy, problem size and computational time. It is concluded that there is scope for the use of the present generation of low‐cost microcomputer, as typified by this machine, in the numerical solution of the more straightforward, but still realistic, consolidation problems.
Xiaohua Bao, Guanlin Ye, Bin Ye, Yanbin Fu and Dong Su
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the co-seismic and post-seismic behaviors of an existed soil-foundation system in an actual alternately layered sand/silt ground including…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the co-seismic and post-seismic behaviors of an existed soil-foundation system in an actual alternately layered sand/silt ground including pore water pressure, acceleration response, and displacement et al. during and after earthquake.
Design/methodology/approach
The evaluation is performed by finite element method and the simulation is performed using an effective stress-based 2D/3D soil-water coupling program DBLEAVES. The calculation is carried out through static-dynamic-static three steps. The soil behavior is described by a new rotational kinematic hardening elasto-plastic cyclic mobility constitutive model, while the footing and foundation are modeled as elastic rigid elements.
Findings
The shallow (short-pile type) foundation has a better capacity of resisting ground liquefaction but large differential settlement occurred. Moreover, most part of the differential settlement occurred during earthquake motion. Attention should be paid not only to the liquefaction behavior of the ground during the earthquake motion, but also the long-term settlement after earthquake should be given serious consideration.
Originality/value
The co-seismic and post-seismic behavior of a complex ground which contains sand and silt layers, especially long-term settlement over a period of several weeks or even years after the earthquake, has been clarified sufficiently. In some critical condition, even if the seismic resistance is satisfied with the design code for building, detailed calculation may reveal the risk of under estimation of differential settlement that may give rise to serious problems.
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Amir Hossein Alavi, Ali Mollahasani, Amir Hossein Gandomi and Jafar Boluori Bazaz
The purpose of this paper is to develop new constitutive models to predict the soil deformation moduli using multi expression programming (MEP). The soil deformation parameters…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop new constitutive models to predict the soil deformation moduli using multi expression programming (MEP). The soil deformation parameters formulated are secant (Es) and reloading (Er) moduli.
Design/methodology/approach
MEP is a new branch of classical genetic programming. The models obtained using this method are developed upon a series of plate load tests conducted on different soil types. The best models are selected after developing and controlling several models with different combinations of the influencing parameters. The validation of the models is verified using several statistical criteria. For more verification, sensitivity and parametric analyses are carried out.
Findings
The results indicate that the proposed models give precise estimations of the soil deformation moduli. The Es prediction model provides considerably better results than the model developed for Er. The Es formulation outperforms several empirical models found in the literature. The validation phases confirm the efficiency of the models for their general application to the soil moduli estimation. In general, the derived models are suitable for fine‐grained soils.
Originality/value
These equations may be used by designers to check the general validity of the laboratory and field test results or to control the solutions developed by more in‐depth deterministic analyses.
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Mohammed Y. Fattah and Basma A. Dawood
This study aims to predict the volume changes and collapse potential (CP) associated with the changes in soil suction by using the pressure cell and the effect of initial load on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to predict the volume changes and collapse potential (CP) associated with the changes in soil suction by using the pressure cell and the effect of initial load on soil suction. Three types of gypseous soils have been experimented in this study, sandy gypseous soil from different parts of Iraq. A series of collapse tests were carried out using the oedometer device [single oedometer test (SOT) and double oedometer test (DOT)]. In addition, large-scale model with soil dimensions 700 × 700 × 600 mm was used to show the effect of water content changes in different relations (collapse with time, stress with time, suction with time, etc.).
Design/methodology/approach
A series of collapse tests were carried out using the oedometer device (SOT and DOT). In addition, a large-scale model with soil dimensions 700 × 700 × 600 mm was used to show the effect of water content changes in different relations (collapse with time, stress with time, suction with time, etc.).
Findings
The CP increases with the increasing of the void ratio for each soil. For each soil, the CP decreased when the initial degree of saturation increased. Kerbala soil with gypsum content (30%) revealed collapse value higher than Tikrit soil with gypsum content (55%) under the same initial conditions of water content and density, this is because the higher the Cu value of Kerbala soil is, the more well-graded the soil will be. Upon wetting, the smaller particles or fractions of the well-graded soil tend to fill in the existing voids, resulting in a lower void ratio as compared to the poorly graded one. Consequently, soils with high Cu value tend to collapse more than poorly graded ones. The compressibility of the soil is low when loaded under unsaturated condition, the CP for samples tested in the DOTs under stress level 800 kPa are greater than those obtained from collapse test at a stress level of 200 kPa.
Originality/value
The initial value of suction for all soils increases with initial water content decreases.
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H. Malekzadeh, D.J. Edwards and F.C. Frank
This paper describes the development of a computer finite element method (FEM) model for simulating the temporary earthwork support technique, artificial ground freezing…
Abstract
This paper describes the development of a computer finite element method (FEM) model for simulating the temporary earthwork support technique, artificial ground freezing. Specifically, ice‐wall thickness growth and ground movement (due to frost heave and thaw settlement) were evaluated with the use of the finite element software package ABAQUS. Other parameters modelled were obtained from a combination of a priori research and invaluable practitioner experience. Simulation results were then compared with measurements obtained from a live field project to assess model accuracy. Output results obtained from the FEM analyses provided demonstrable evidence of the model’s inherent ability to simulate “realistically” the effects of ground freezing analysis process.
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Selma Bahi and Mohamed Nabil Houhou
This study aims to investigate the behavior of different types of stone columns, including the short and floating columns, as well as the ordinary and the geosynthetic encased…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the behavior of different types of stone columns, including the short and floating columns, as well as the ordinary and the geosynthetic encased stone columns (OSC and GESC). The effectiveness of the geosynthetic encasement and the impact of the installation using the lateral expansion method on the column performance is evaluated through a three-dimensional (3D) unit cell numerical analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
A full 3D numerical analysis is carried out using the explicit finite element code PLAXIS 3D to examine the installation influence on settlement reduction (ß), lateral displacement (Ux) and vertical displacement (Uz) relative to different values of lateral expansion of the column (0% to 15%).
Findings
The findings demonstrate the superior performance of GESC, particularly short columns outperforming floating counterparts. This enhanced performance is attributed to the combined effects of geosynthetic encasement and increased lateral expansion. Notably, these strategies contribute significantly to decreasing lateral displacement (Ux) at the column’s edge and reducing vertical displacement (Uz) under the rigid footing.
Originality/value
In contrast to previous studies that examined the installation effect of OSC contexts, this paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the effect of geosynthetic encasement and the installation effects using the lateral expansion method in very soft soil, using 3D numerical simulation. The study emphasizes the significance of the consideration of geosynthetic encasement and lateral expansion of the column during the design process to enhance column performance.
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Sajad Hasheminasab and Ehsan Kashi
In many coastal areas where there are problematic soils, pavement construction on the soil is difficult because of the low shear strength and high consolidated. Also, given that…
Abstract
Purpose
In many coastal areas where there are problematic soils, pavement construction on the soil is difficult because of the low shear strength and high consolidated. Also, given that the container terminals constitute more than 70% of the port area and as pavement in these areas is subject to heavy loads due to the long-term container storage, wheels of transport and movement equipment, the pavement must tolerate a distributed loading of at least 4 ton/m2 in accordance with the type and weight of the containers imposed on the pavement. This study aims to investigate a variety of common pavement designs in coastal areas of southern Iran. The pavement type and characteristics of the subgrade layers are the same for each port; the thickness of different pavement layers is designed.
Design/methodology/approach
Due to problematic soil in the pavement subgrade, heavy and long-term container loading and the associated equipment, port pavement enjoys great importance.
Findings
The designed pavements are modeled by ABAQUS finite element software. The pavements are subject to a static load imposed by the corner casting container and resulted a distributed load 4 tons/m2. The results from data analysis show that the concrete block pavements influenced by the containers static loads of 3%–20% have less vertical displacement on the subgrade than other pavements (rigid and flexible).
Originality/value
This paper is modeling 3 port pavement in Iran. Based on field evaluation and simulation actual loading on pavement.
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This paper presents the results of the physical and compressibility characteristics of tropical peat, from Matang, Malaysia. Different physical properties tests have been…
Abstract
This paper presents the results of the physical and compressibility characteristics of tropical peat, from Matang, Malaysia. Different physical properties tests have been conducted on peat samples. Rowe cell consolidation and standard 1-D consolidation tests were performed on undisturbed peat samples to evaluate the compressibility characteristics. A specially designed and fabricated peat sampler has been used to collect the undisturbed peat sample for Rowe cell consolidation test. The laboratory test results revealed that peat has a large void ratio with high water content and undergone large consolidation settlements when applied load. The results of Rowe cell test can be used to simulate close to the the field geotechnical characteristics of peat for any design or numerical modelling where reliable data is most important.
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Soumaya Hadri, Souhila Rehab Bekkouche and Salah Messast
The paper aims to present an experimental and numerical investigation of the load–settlement behavior of soil reinforced by stone column, as well as to evaluate the plane strain…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to present an experimental and numerical investigation of the load–settlement behavior of soil reinforced by stone column, as well as to evaluate the plane strain unit cell model for the analysis of stone columns.
Design/methodology/approach
The numerical analysis was done using both axisymmetric and plane strain models. The elastic perfectly plastic behavior of Mohr–Coulomb was adopted for both soil and column material. The numerical results of this study were validated by the comparison with the in-situ measurements of a full-scale loading test on a stone column. This study also evaluated the effect of different parameters involved in the design of a stone column, including Young’s modulus of the column material, column diameter, spacing between the stone columns and Poisson’s ratio of the column material.
Findings
After the numerical simulation, the results from both axisymmetric and plane strain models are quite comparable. In addition, the numerical results revealed that the stone column with low spacing, a large diameter and a high Young’s modulus indicated better behavior against the settlement.
Originality/value
The axisymmetric unit cell model was used in many numerical studies on the behavior of stone columns. In the present work, a field load test on stone column was simulated using a plane strain unit cell model. This research adds that the plane strain unit cell model can be used to predict the settlement of reinforced soil with stone columns.
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Encarnación Martínez-Moreno, Gonzalo Garcia-Ros and Ivan Alhama
This study aims to present a new numerical model for the simulation of water flow through porous media of anisotropic character, based on the network simulation method and with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present a new numerical model for the simulation of water flow through porous media of anisotropic character, based on the network simulation method and with the use of the free code Ngspice.
Design/methodology/approach
For its design, it starts directly from the flow conservation equation, which presents several advantages in relation to the numerical simulation of the governing equation in terms of the potential head. The model provides very precise solutions of streamlines and potential patterns in all cases, with relatively small meshes and acceptable calculation times, both essential characteristics when developing a computational tool for engineering purposes. The model has been successfully verified with analytical results for non-penetrating dams in isotropic media.
Findings
Applications of the model are presented for the construction of the flow nets, calculation of uplift pressures, infiltrated flow and average exit gradient in anisotropic scenarios with penetrating dams with and without sheet piles, being all this output information part of the decision process in ground engineering problems involving these retaining structures.
Originality/value
This study presents, for the first time, a numerical network model for seepage problems that is not obtained from the Laplace's governing equation, but from the water flow conservation continuity equation.
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