Interpretation of Soil–Cement Properties and Application in Numerical Studies of Ground Settlement Due to Tunneling Under Existing Metro Line

Uncertainty of properties of improved soft ground with chemical grouting often results in discrepancy between simulated results and observed data and makes prediction for ground subsidence difficult. It also made practice usually adopts unconfined compressive strength of soil–cement mixtures as design control criterion. This paper presents a methodology to interpret the strength and deformation parameters from unconfined compressive strength of soil–cement mixtures for advanced numerical analysis which is widely used in reinforcing the soft ground and pre-supporting excavation. Observed data are used to compare with the simulated results and validate the interpretations. Numerical experiments with two-dimensional finite element model for covered undercutting of large cross-sectional twin tunnel under an existing subway station are presented. Issues with respect to design and construction of excavation that potentially affect the ground surface subsidence are explored. It was found that the ground subsidence caused by tunneling in soil–cement medium under existing subway station is similar to that in a greenfield site but with flatter settlement trough. Unconfined compressive strength of soil–cement mixtures ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 MPa can significantly reduce the settlement to an acceptable control criterion. Settlement magnitude is influenced by pillar width but not obviously by the location of umbrella arch installed in twin tunnels.     

Three dimensional Finite Element modeling of seismic soil–structure interaction in soft soil

Earthquakes in regions underlain by soft clay have amply demonstrated the detrimental effects of soil–structure interaction (SSI) in such settings. This paper describes a new three dimensional Finite Element model utilizing linear elastic single degree of freedom (SDOF) structure and a nonlinear elasto-plastic constitutive model for soil behavior in order to capture the nonlinear foundation–soil coupled response under seismic loadings. Results from an experimental SSI centrifuge test were used to verify the reliability of the numerical model followed by parametric studies to evaluate performance of linear elastic structures underlain by soft saturated clay. The results of parametric study demonstrate that rigid slender (tall) structures are highly susceptible to the SSI effects including alteration of natural frequency, foundation rocking and excessive base shear demand. Structure–foundation stiffness and aspect ratios were found to be crucial parameters controlling coupled foundation–structure performance in flexible-base structures. Furthermore, frequency content of input motion, site response and structure must be taken into account to avoid occurrence of resonance problem.     

Shear strength characteristics of Irbid clayey soil mixed with iron filling and iron filling–cement mixture

Iron filling and iron filling–cement mixture were used to improve the shear strength characteristics of Irbid clayey soil. For this purpose, five types of Irbid clay soils were obtained and mixed with iron filling and iron filling–cement mixture at different percentages. Two sets of prepared samples were mixed with the admixture. The first set was prepared by mixing the soil samples with iron filling alone at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10% by dry weight of the soil. The second set was prepared by mixing with iron filling–cement mixture at equal ratio of the same percentages of the first set. An unconfined compression test was performed in this study to measure the shear strength properties of the soils. The test results showed that the increase in the percentages of the iron filling and iron filling–cement mixture up to 10% will result in increasing the maximum dry density of the soil and increase the unconfined compressive strength and the secant of modulus of elasticity of the clayey soil. Also, the addition of iron filling–cement mixture increased the unconfined compressive strength and secant modulus of elasticity of the clayey soil higher than the addition of iron filling alone.     

氯盐对水泥固化土应力应变特性影响分析

以人工制备的方法配制了不同氯盐含量的土样,并掺入不同含量的普通硅酸盐水泥对其进行固化处理。采用无侧限抗压强度试验对氯盐含量对水泥固化土的应力应变特征影响规律进行分析。试验结果表明:随着氯盐含量的增加,水泥固化土的无侧限抗压强度和变形模量降低,破坏应变随之增大,应力-应变关系曲线由脆性破坏向塑性破坏转化; 增加水泥用量可以减缓氯盐对水泥固化土的不良影响; 但水泥固化土变形模量与无侧限抗压强度的比值与氯盐含盐量大小无明显关系。     

敏感环境下基坑数值分析中土体本构模型的选择

数值分析已成为敏感环境下基坑工程分析的最重要手段,其关键是选择合适的土体本构模型和计算参数。在分析了岩土数值分析中常用土体本构模型特点的基础上,通过算例较系统地对比了各类模型在基坑开挖数值分析中的适用性。敏感环境下的基坑工程需重点关注墙后土体的变形,从满足工程需要和方便实用的角度出发,建议采用能考虑黏土的塑性和应变硬化特征、能区分加荷和卸荷且刚度依赖于应力水平的硬化类弹塑性模型,如MCC模型和HS模型进行分析。具体工程实例的分析,表明了硬化类弹塑性模型在敏感环境下基坑开挖数值分析中的适用性。     

Influence of grain size gradation of sand impurities on strength behaviour of cement-treated clay

In nature, soils are often composed of varying amounts of clay, silt and sand. Variation of the percentage of these compositions can affect the final strength of the soils when stabilised with cement. In this study, focus was placed on clayey soils with different gradation of sand impurities up to 40% in mass. An extensive study of such clayey soils treated with cement was investigated. For the results, it is noted that water:cement ratio was a major influence of strength development of cement-treated clayey soils. In contrast, the soil:cement ratio was found to have minor effects on the strength development. The presence of sand impurities has a significant reduction on the strength development of the cement-treated clayey soil mixture due to more free water available for hydration. The use of free-water:cement ratio is adopted which was shown to be capable of adjusting for such change in amount of free water and water holding capacity of the clay which is determined with Atterberg’s liquid limit tests. The effects of gradation (fine, coarse and well-graded) of the sand impurities were found to affect strength development minimally, owing to similarities in their liquid limits when mixed with clay. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-treated clayey soils produced a more rapid gain in strength but lower final strength at 28 days of curing as compared with Portland blast furnace cement (PBFC). This is found to be persistent for different gradation of sand impurities. A linear correlation can be established based on the log of the unconfined compressive strengths developed at different curing age, with slopes of these linear trends found to be similar for PBFC and OPC-treated clayey soil specimens. Finally, a strength prediction model comprising of these findings is developed. The parameters adopted in this model coincide with values proposed by past studies, thereby validating the robustness of the model. The practical benefits from this study offer a quality control scheme to forecast long-term performance of cement-treated clayey soils as well as optimise cement dosage in cement stabilisation to produce a more cost-effective and less environmental-invasive usage of the technology in geotechnical applications.

     

Modeling the compression behavior of remolded clay mixtures

Clay mixture is a waste material in open pit mining from the excavation of various soil layers. In the present study, a general constitutive framework is proposed for the prediction of compressibility of remolded clay mixtures. First, the resulting structure of a clay mixture is simplified as a composite structure, in which the elements of the constituents are randomly distributed in a representative elementary volume. Afterwards, the initial water contents of the constituents are estimated based on a simplified model for the undrained shear strength of the clay mixture. Then, the representative elementary volume of the mixed soil is divided into separate individual parts and the volume fractions of the constituents are formulated as functions of the overall porosity and those of the constituents. Finally, a homogenization law is proposed based on the analysis of the randomly arranged structure together with a simple compression model for clay mixtures. Parameters required by the model correspond only to the constituents, which are simple to calibrate based on standard laboratory tests. By making comparisons of the predictions with test data, it is shown that the proposed model can well represent the compression behavior of the clay mixtures.     

Impact of constitutive models on the numerical analysis of underground constructions

The constitutive model frequently used in numerical calculations of tunnel excavation is linear-elastic perfectly plastic with a Mohr–Coulomb (MC) failure criterion. Generally, this leads to shallower and wider surface settlement troughs than those observed experimentally. It is therefore necessary to use adapted constitutive models for the design of underground works. In this paper, three constitutive models are implemented in a two-dimensional simulation of an underground excavation in plane strain: a linear-elastic perfectly plastic model (the MC model), an elastoplastic model with isotropic hardening [the hardening soil (HS) model, Schanz et al., Beyond 2000 in computational geotechnics, Balkema, Rotterdam, pp. 281–290, 1999] and an extension of this model which implies an evolution of the stiffness modulus in the small-strain range according to the strain level (the HS model with small-strain stiffness “HS-Small”, Benz, Small-strain stiffness of soils and its numerical consequences. Ph.D. thesis, Universitat Stuttgart, 189 pp., 2007). The study is based on the results of drained triaxial compression tests representing an overconsolidated clay (Gasparre, Advanced laboratory characterisation of London clay. Ph.D. thesis, Imperial College London, 598 pp., 2005); and is then applied to a shallow tunnel. The impact of the constitutive model is highlighted as well as the limits of the simplest constitutive model.     

Disturbed state model for sand–geosynthetic interfaces and application to pull-out tests

Successful numerical simulation of geosynthetic-reinforced earth structures depends on selecting proper constitutive models for soils, geosynthetics and soil–geosynthetic interfaces. Many constitutive models are available for modelling soils and geosynthetics. However, constitutive models for soil–geosynthetic interfaces which can capture most of the important characteristics of interface response are not readily available. In this paper, an elasto-plastic constitutive model based on the disturbed state concept (DSC) for geosynthetic–soil interfaces has been presented. The proposed model is capable of capturing most of the important characteristics of interface response, such as dilation, hardening and softening. The behaviour of interfaces under the direct shear test has been predicted by the model. The present model has been implemented in the finite element procedure in association with the thin-layer element. Five pull-out tests with two different geogrids have been simulated numerically using FEM. For the calibration of the constitutive models used in FEM, the standard laboratory tests used are: (1) triaxial tests for the sand, (2) direct shear tests for the interfaces and (3) axial tension tests for the geogrids. The results of the finite element simulations of pull-out tests agree well with the test data. The proposed model can be used for the stress-deformation study of geosynthetic-reinforced embankments through numerical simulation. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The uniaxial compressive and tensile tests of frozen saturated clay in Shanghai area

The compressive and tensile strengths of frozen clay are important parameters for frozen wall design in artificial freezing excavation of tunnels and foundation pits. Up to now, nobody has conducted the compressive and tensile test of frozen clays in Shanghai area. In this paper, the unconfined compressive and tensile tests of frozen clay specimens drilled from the soil horizons 3–5 in Shanghai area were conducted in Zwick-Z020kN High-low Temperature Materials Testing Machine and Frozen Soil Triaxial Testing Machine, the corresponding constitutive equations were suggested; the temperature-unconfined uniaxial compressive strength relation was discussed; the strain rate–unconfined uniaxial compressive strength and strain rate–uniaxial tensile strength relations were studied. The relation between moisture content, dry density and unconfined uniaxial compressive strength was analyzed, too. In addition, the uniaxial compressive elastic modulus of Shanghai frozen clays and its influence factors were discussed. The research work of the current paper is very helpful for the design and theoretical studies of artificial freezing excavation in soft soil areas.     

矿渣胶凝材料固化软土的力学性状及机制

利用矿渣胶凝材料固化软土,既可利用工业废渣,又能减少水泥的用量。以矿渣胶凝材料固化黏土、砂土二种软土。发现矿渣胶凝材料加固软土的效果远好于水泥、石灰,其9 %掺量的固化土28 d的无侧限强度达到2.0 MPa以上,普遍高于15 %掺量的水泥固化土,且其28 d固化土的软化系数普遍高于90 %以上,固化黏土后CBR值远高于同掺量的石灰固化土。X衍射结构分析表明,矿渣胶凝材料水化时产生的高强难溶的矿物晶体是其固化软土效果好的主要原因。因此,矿渣胶凝材料是一种性能优异的软土加固材料。     

一种新的本构模型及参数标定

在现行本构模型研究的基础上,建立了一种全新本构模型,它可以描述4种行为特征：弹性-弹塑性-软化、弹性-弹塑性-硬化、理想弹塑性、弹脆性;其模型参数只有4个,现行模型只是该模型的特例（如：邓肯-张模型）,介绍了模型参数的决定方法,其决定的依据是：模型所描述的行为特征与实测数据之间相关度最优;分析了岩土体破坏后区特征,提出岩土体破坏后区行为可以定义为视应力-视应变特征。并以实例对该模型进行了说明,结果表明,该模型可以描述岩土体的行为特征,并对虚内键模型、弹簧模型和离散单元法等具有借鉴作用。     

土体三维卸荷弹塑性模型及其试验验证

天然土体经历开挖卸荷应力路径后,其应力变形特性与常规加载应力路径条件下规律存在较大差异。目前常用土体本构模型大多建立在等向固结单向加载三轴试验基础上,没有考虑初始K0固结和开挖卸荷应力路径的影响。以剑桥模型为基础,借鉴关口-太田模型的建模思想,通过引入新的应力比参数,对p-q平面上屈服轨迹硬化轴进行旋转,调整弹性区范围,以反映初始K0固结的影响;再运用变换应力法将模型三维化处理,从而使模型可以描述土体三向不等向应力状态,最终得到一个能综合反映土体K0固结开挖卸荷应力-应变特性的三维弹塑性本构模型。通过和典型室内应力路径试验结果进行对比,验证了模型的合理性。     

同时考虑结构性和初始应力影响的双参量土体本构模型

原状土的结构性和初始应力状态对土的力学效应影响比较显著,在应力水平较小的情况下,原状土的力学行为与重塑土有很大的差异。目前,在描述土体应力应变的本构模型中,绝大多数模型都是基于重塑土在实验的基础上构建的,没有充分考虑土的结构性和初始应力状态的影响。本文在经典的弹塑性理论的大框架下,以桂林岩溶区分布的饱和软黏土为研究对象,结合室内试验的成果,依据前人已建的模型,考虑了土的结构性和初始应力的影响,在充分发挥修正剑桥模型优点的基础上对其进行改进,构建了一种新的饱和软黏土的弹塑性本构模型,并对模型作了分析和比较,初步表明了模型的合理性和有效性,进一步的工程验证研究还在进行之中。该模型的构建可使桂林岩溶区分布的饱和软黏土的应力应变计算更加趋近于实际,并且,对于桂林岩溶区高速公路饱和软基填土过程中,控制加荷速率和控制分级荷载的大小具有重要的现实意义。     

普硅水泥和矿渣水泥加固滨海软土效果对比分析

采用室内无侧限抗压强度试验,证明了矿渣硅酸盐水泥和普通硅酸盐水泥在加固滨海软土的效果方面存在较大的差异。通过X射线衍射分析,对两种水泥加固软土效果差异的内在机制和原因进行了探讨。结果显示,水泥土的强度与水泥水化产物的生成量之间存在一致性,矿渣水泥加固土可生成更多的水化产物,并能够限制软土中可溶盐对水泥土的影响。     

石灰-水泥复合土增强机制研究

利用比强度方法分析水泥土及石灰水泥土无侧限抗压强度,对石灰水泥土的增强机制进行了研究。采用内蒙古河套粉质黏土拌制水泥土及石灰水泥土试件,水泥土和石灰水泥土掺入不同量的氢氧化钙、碳酸钙和水泥,并按标准养护28 d,进行单轴抗压试验,测得水泥土及石灰水泥土的无侧限抗压强度值。研究结果表明：石灰水泥土和水泥土中存在化学胶凝和物理填充两大类作用。其中石灰水泥土中存在水化作用、硬凝作用、离子交换及团粒化作用和复合作用等4类化学增强作用;水化作用是水泥土和石灰水泥土强度增长的最主要来源;熟石灰能够抑制水化作用。     

Parametric Study and Centrifuge-Test Verification for Amplification and Bending Moment of Clay–Pile System Subject to Earthquakes

This paper examines seismic effects on fixed-head, end-bearing piles installed through soft clay. The numerical analyses were conducted using ABAQUS with a hypoelastic constitutive model for the clay. The dimensionless parameters involving the major parameters such as pile modulus, soil modulus, slenderness ratio, natural frequencies of clay layer and pile–raft, superstructure mass, density of the soil and peak ground acceleration were obtained from the parametric studies. The relationships for the amplification of ground motions and the maximum bending moment in the pile were developed based on regression of the numerical data. The computed results from the proposed relationships were compared with the results reported in the past studies.     

工业副产品木质素改良路基粉土的微观机制研究

为揭示工业副产品木质素与土体间的相互作用机制,将木质素应用于路基粉土改良,通过对木质素及其改良土进行无侧限抗压强度、pH值、微观结构、化学元素、矿物成分和官能团等试验分析,研究不同掺量下木质素改良土的力学性能和pH值变化,对比分析改良前后粉土的微观结构变化,并基于化学分析结果探讨木质素的分子结构及与土体间的相互作用,提出木质素改良土体的机制。试验结果表明,改良土强度随木质素掺量增加而增加,掺量超过一定范围时,土体强度降低,木质素改良粉土的最优掺量为12%,且龄期对土体强度有着重要影响;强度与pH值基本呈线性相关关系;改良土微观结构更为致密、稳定,胶结物质将土颗粒相互联结,且未生成新的矿物;木质素通过水解、离子交换、质子化和静电引力等作用,导致双电层厚度减小,带正电荷的木质素高分子聚合物联结土颗粒并填充孔隙,改良土工程性质得以改善。提出的木质素改良土体机制可为工业副产品木质素的工程应用提供理论参考。     

Application of unconstrained optimization and sensitivity analysis to calibration of a soil constitutive model

Large sets of soil experimental data (field and laboratory) are becoming increasingly available for calibration of soil constitutive models. A challenging task is to calibrate a potentially large number of model parameters to satisfactorily match many data sets simultaneously. This calibration effort can be facilitated by optimization techniques. The current study aims to explore systematic approaches for exercising optimization and sensitivity analysis in the area of soil constitutive modelling. Analytical, semi‐analytical and numerical optimization techniques are employed to calibrate a multi‐surface‐plasticity sand model. Calibration is based on results from a number of drained triaxial sample tests and a dynamic centrifuge liquefaction test. The analytical and semi‐analytical approaches and associated sensitivity analysis are applied to calibrate the model non‐linear shear stress–strain response. Thereafter, model parameters controlling shear–volume coupling effects (dilatancy) are calibrated using a solid–fluid fully coupled finite element program in conjunction with an advanced numerical optimization code. A related sensitivity study reveals the challenges often encountered in optimizing highly non‐linear functions. Overall, this study demonstrates applicability and limitations of optimization techniques for constitutive model calibration. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Microstructural and mechanical properties of marine clay cemented with industrial waste residue-based binder (IWRB)

Improving the engineering properties of low-strength soft clay in an environmentally friendly way becomes a challenge in coastal areas. Conventional ground treatment techniques for marine clay using cement can cause significant environmental pollution. In this study, the potential use of industrial waste residue-based binder (IWRB), a silicate-based chemical modified by a powdery polymer, as a substitute for Portland cement (PC) is investigated. Collected marine clay was treated with various IWRB-to-PC ratios (0:8, 4:4, 2:6 and 8:0 wt. %) to measure the mechanical properties, through unconfined compression (UC) test and one-dimensional consolidation (ODC) test, and the microstructural and mineralogical characters, through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The strength and the deformation of specimens treated with mixed IWRB and PC in a ratio of 1:1 were similar to those improved with PC alone, but the toughness was significantly improved. The microstructural results demonstrated that the cementitious compounds (C–S–H and C–A–S–H) increased significantly in the early curing stage of marine clay treated with IWRB, contributing to the improvement of mechanical properties. It is suggested that IWRB can be an effective substitute for PC to reduce the cost and environmental pollution.