Appraising stone column settlement prediction methods using finite element analyses

Numerous approaches exist for the prediction of the settlement improvement offered by the vibro-replacement technique in weak or marginal soil deposits. The majority of the settlement prediction methods are based on the unit cell assumption, with a small number based on plane strain or homogenisation techniques. In this paper, a comprehensive review and assessment of the more popular settlement prediction methods is carried out with a view to establishing which method(s) is/are in best agreement with finite element predictions from a series of PLAXIS 2D axisymmetric analyses on an end-bearing column. The Hardening Soil Model in PLAXIS 2D has been used to model the behaviour of both the granular column material and the treated soft clay soil. This study has shown that purely elastic settlement prediction methods overestimate the settlement improvement for large modular ratios, while the methods based on elastic–plastic theory are in better agreement with finite element predictions at higher modular ratios. In addition, a parameter sensitivity study has been carried out to establish the influence of a range of different design parameters on predictions obtained using a selection of elastic–plastic methods.     

A multiscale finite element formulation for axisymmetric elastoplasticity with volumetric locking

Similar to plane strain, axisymmetric stress problem is also highly kinematics constrained. Standard displacement‐based finite element exhibits volumetric locking issue in simulating nearly/fully incompressible material or isochoric plasticity under axisymmetric loading conditions, which severely underestimates the deformation and overestimates the bearing capacity for structural/geotechnical engineering problems. The aim of this paper is to apply variational multiscale method to produce a stabilized mixed displacement–pressure formulation, which can effectively alleviate the volumetric locking issue for axisymmetric stress problem. Both nearly incompressible elasticity and isochoric J₂ elastoplasticity are investigated. First‐order 3‐node triangular and 4‐node quadrilateral elements are tested for locking issues. Several representative simulations are provided to demonstrate the performance of the linear elements, which include the convergence study and comparison with closed‐form solutions. A comparative study with pressure Laplacian stabilized formulation is also presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

模拟三维裂纹问题的多尺度扩展有限元法

扩展有限元法模拟裂纹时独立于网格,因此该方法是目前求解裂纹问题最有效的数值方法。为了在计算代价不大的情况,实现大型结构分析中考虑小裂纹或提高裂纹附近精度,在裂纹附近一般采用小尺度单元,其他区域采用大尺度单元。提出了分析三维裂纹问题的多尺度扩展有限元法,在需要的地方采用小尺度单元。基于点插值构造了六面体任意节点单元。所有尺度单元都采用8节点六面体单元,这样六面体任意节点单元可方便有效地连接不同尺度单元。采用互作用积分法计算三维应力强度因子。边裂纹和中心圆裂纹算例分析结果表明,该方法是正确和有效的。     

Comparative analysis of some geomechanics problems using finite and infinite element methods

Four classical geomechanics problems involving semi-infinite linear elastic media have been solved numerically using recently developed mapped infinite elements coupled to finite elements.The effect of the remoteness of the truncated boundary and the location of infinite element coupling on solution accuracy has been studied. The results of conventional analyses using finite elements over a relatively large but restricted region are compared to the coupled analyses. Comparison of the results shows that for the same number of degrees of freedom the performance of the coupled solutions is superior to the conventional approach with respect to accuracy of solution and computational efficiency. Finally, some general guidelines are proposed for the efficient numerical solution of these types of problems using the coupled finite/infinite element approach.     

Parametric studies of disturbed rock slope stability based on finite element limit analysis methods

This study employs the finite element upper bound and lower bound limit analysis methods to investigate the stability of inhomogeneous rock slopes. The differences in the stability numbers of the upper and lower bound solutions are bracketed within ±10.5% or better, and the stability numbers obtained are presented in rock slope stability charts. These stability charts can provide a convenient tool for preliminary stability designs of inhomogeneous rock slopes. Various recommended blasting damage zones are considered, and disturbance factors are used to represent damage levels. Results showed that rock mass disturbance could significantly influence the evaluation of rock slope stability.     

Online conservative generalized multiscale finite element method for highly heterogeneous flow models

Computational Geosciences - In this work, we consider an online enrichment procedure in the context of the Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method (GMsFEM) for the two-phase flow model in...     

Constraint energy minimizing generalized multiscale finite element method in the mixed formulation

This paper presents a novel mass-conservative mixed multiscale method for solving flow equations in heterogeneous porous media. The media properties (the permeability) contain multiple scales and high contrast. The proposed method solves the flow equation in a mixed formulation on a coarse grid by constructing multiscale basis functions. The resulting velocity field is mass-conservative on the fine grid. Our main goal is to obtain first-order convergence in terms of the mesh size which is independent of local contrast. This is achieved, first, by constructing some auxiliary spaces, which contain global information that cannot be localized, in general. This is built on our previous work on the generalized multiscale finite element method (GMsFEM). In the auxiliary space, multiscale basis functions corresponding to small (contrast-dependent) eigenvalues are selected. These basis functions represent the high-conductivity channels (which connect the boundaries of a coarse block). Next, we solve local problems to construct multiscale basis functions for the velocity field. These local problems are formulated in the oversampled domain, taking into account some constraints with respect to auxiliary spaces. The latter allows fast spatial decay of local solutions and, thus, allows taking smaller oversampled regions. The number of basis functions depends on small eigenvalues of the local spectral problems. Moreover, multiscale pressure basis functions are needed in constructing the velocity space. Our multiscale spaces have a minimal dimension, which is needed to avoid contrast dependence in the convergence. The method’s convergence requires an oversampling of several layers. We present an analysis of our approach. Our numerical results confirm that the convergence rate is first order with respect to the mesh size and independent of the contrast.     

Control‐volume mixed finite element methods

A key ingredient in simulation of flow in porous media is accurate determination of the velocities that drive the flow. Large‐scale irregularities of the geology (faults, fractures, and layers) suggest the use of irregular grids in simulation. This paper presents a control‐volume mixed finite element method that provides a simple, systematic, easily implemented procedure for obtaining accurate velocity approximations on irregular (i.e., distorted logically rectangular) block‐centered quadrilateral grids. The control‐volume formulation of Darcy’s law can be viewed as a discretization into element‐sized “tanks” with imposed pressures at the ends, giving a local discrete Darcy law analogous to the block‐by‐block conservation in the usual mixed discretization of the mass‐conservation equation. Numerical results in two dimensions show second‐order convergence in the velocity, even with discontinuous anisotropic permeability on an irregular grid. The method extends readily to three dimensions.     

基于不规则三角形网格和有限体积法的物理性流域水文模型

传统的栅格离散方式不能很好反映流域水文过程的边界特征,且难以实现流域水文过程的多尺度模拟.采用有限体积法构建了基于不规则三角形网格的物理性水文模型,将物理性描述的偏微分方程组在控制体积内积分得到空间半离散的常微分方程组,保证数值求解中的水量平衡,并可与概念性描述部分水文过程(如截留、填洼等)的常微分方程组更好地耦合;建立了数值求解方案,采用Triangle对计算区域进行离散,并在沁河上游流域进行了验证,结果表明模型具有较高的模拟精度和良好的应用前景.     

Adaptive generalized multiscale approximation of a mixed finite element method with velocity elimination

Computational Geosciences - In this paper, we propose offline and online adaptive enrichment algorithms for the generalized multiscale approximation of a mixed finite element method with velocity...     

基于EBE方法的三维有限元并行计算

在水利工程中,施工过程的模拟、动力的时域分析、开裂计算等,都对大规模并行计算提出了迫切的需求。然而,基于高斯消去的有限元直接解法,通常会占用大量的内存,并花费大量的CPU时间。而水利工程中的问题多为大带宽问题,这些问题更为突出。基于EBE-PCG方法的有限元方法,可以避免形成整体刚度矩阵,进而,显著减少内存的需求。而且,这种方法可以有效地并行实现,为大规模数值计算提供了可能。采用基于EBE策略的Jacobi预处理共轭梯度法,编制了有限元计算程序,并成功应用于溪洛渡、锦屏等工程的大规模数值分析。结果表明,对水利工程中的大带宽问题,该方法是一种很有效的并行计算方法。     

Calculating the effective permeability of sandstone with multiscale lattice Boltzmann/finite element simulations

The lattice Boltzmann (LB) method is an efficient technique for simulating fluid flow through individual pores of complex porous media. The ease with which the LB method handles complex boundary conditions, combined with the algorithm’s inherent parallelism, makes it an elegant approach to solving flow problems at the sub-continuum scale. However, the realities of current computational resources can limit the size and resolution of these simulations. A major research focus is developing methodologies for upscaling microscale techniques for use in macroscale problems of engineering interest. In this paper, we propose a hybrid, multiscale framework for simulating diffusion through porous media. We use the finite element (FE) method to solve the continuum boundary-value problem at the macroscale. Each finite element is treated as a sub-cell and assigned permeabilities calculated from subcontinuum simulations using the LB method. This framework allows us to efficiently find a macroscale solution while still maintaining information about microscale heterogeneities. As input to these simulations, we use synchrotron-computed 3D microtomographic images of a sandstone, with sample resolution of 3.34 μm. We discuss the predictive ability of these simulations, as well as implementation issues. We also quantify the lower limit of the continuum (Darcy) scale, as well as identify the optimal representative elementary volume for the hybrid LB–FE simulations.     

基于刚体平动运动单元的上限有限元研究

刚性块体极限分析上限法常应用于岩土工程稳定性研究,然而应用时需假定刚性块体破坏模式并递推繁琐的几何关系。为此,提出一种适应性更广的基于非线性规划模型的刚体平动运动单元上限有限元法,并解决了其优化模型初始值的确定问题。通过引入有限单元思想,将计算区域离散成刚体单元,同时以单元速度和节点坐标作为决策变量,由上限定理建立非线性规划模型获得上限解。利用编制的上限有限元程序进行边坡和浅埋隧道稳定性算例验证,表明运动单元上限有限元法能调整速度间断线至较优方位,所得破坏模式特征鲜明,上限解精度高,可广泛应用于边坡、隧道等稳定性分析研究。     

Fully deformable discrete element analysis using a finite element approach

A method of analysis is presented for problems in which the deformation of the individual blocks play a significant role. The blocks are modeled as single quadrilateral elements and a constitutive model has been presented for computing the contact forces. In order to illustrate the influence of the deformation of the individual blocks two examples have been presented. The results of the analysis with deformable blocks and with rigid blocks are compared. These examples clearly demonstrate the importance of the deformation of blocks in the class of problems represented by these two examples.     

Debris slope stability analysis using three-dimensional finite element method based on maximum shear stress theory

How to evaluate debris slope stability reasonably is yet an urgent problem. The paper presents an applied method evaluating debris slope stability, using three-dimensional (3D) finite element contact algorithm based on the maximum shear stress theory. The Guanjia debris slope is located between K9 + 940 and K10 + 200 of Longli First-class Highway in Zhejiang, China. On its left slope, some cracks appeared at the end of 2002 and these were immediately backfilled, overlying a plastic membrane. However, many new cracks appeared on the slope during the rainfall in April 2003. Meanwhile, some small collapses and springs occurred in the front of the slope, and many cracks appeared on the middle part. The stability of the Guanjia debris slope was analyzed using the method proposed in the paper, the strength reduction finite element method, the imbalance thrust force method, Fellenius method, Janbu simplified method, Spencer’s method, Morgenstern–Price method and generalized limit equilibrium (GLE) method. The results show that: (1) the safety factors of the debris slope obtained using the imbalance thrust force method is the minimum in all limit equilibrium methods; (2) 1.07 and 1.06 are the safety factors of Section CC′ and DD′ (the middle part of this slope) of the Guanjia debris slope obtained using the method proposed (FEM with shear strength reduction technique based on the maximum shear stress theory) in this study, respectively, which reflect the slope actual condition in critical failure status; (3) the method proposed in this study may take into account the spatial effect of the debris slope, which makes the results of slope stability analysis more reasonable and reliable than other methods that can be used as a reference for the evaluation of stability of the same type of debris slope; and (3) further study should be done to confirm whether the proposed method in this study is suitable for other types of slopes.     

Computations with finite element methods for the Brinkman problem

Various finite element families for the Brinkman flow (or Stokes–Darcy flow) are tested numerically. Particularly, the effect of small permeability is studied. The tested finite elements are the MINI element, the Taylor–Hood element, and the stabilized equal order methods. The numerical tests include both a priori analysis and adaptive methods.     

Structure analysis for concrete‐faced rockfill dams based on information entropy theory and finite element method

Numerical simulation methods are extensively used to analyze the stress and displacement of concrete‐faced rockfill dams (CFRD). The results of these methods are influenced by fuzzy factors, i.e. geometric features, material properties, loads and boundary conditions, which exist widely in the engineering of CFRD as a kind of commonly uncertain factor. To solve this problem, the information entropy theory and the conventional method of structure analysis, namely, finite element method (FEM), were combined in this work. Information entropy, as an effective tool of measuring uncertainty, was used to represent the uncertainty of CFRD. Based on the model that can transform fuzzy information entropy into random information entropy, fuzzy structure can be transformed into equivalent random structure, then mechanical characteristics of CFRD were analyzed by well‐developed stochastic FEM. As an example, one CFRD was chosen to analyze the structure, and the result shows that this method is effective. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Penetration modeling of ultra-high performance concrete using multiscale meshfree methods

Terminal ballistics of concrete is of extreme importance to the military and civil communities. Over the past few decades, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has been developed for various applications in the design of protective structures because UHPC has an enhanced ballistic resistance over conventional strength concrete. Developing predictive numerical models of UHPC subjected to penetration is critical in understanding the material's enhanced performance. This study employs the advanced fundamental concrete (AFC) model, and it will run inside the reproducing kernel particle method (RKPM)-based code known as the nonlinear meshfree analysis program (NMAP). NMAP is advantageous for modeling impact and penetration problems that exhibit extreme deformation and material fragmentation. A comprehensive experimental study was conducted to characterize the UHPC. The investigation consisted of fracture toughness testing, the utilization of nondestructive microcomputed tomography analysis, and lastly projectile penetration shots on the UHPC targets. To improve the accuracy of the model, a new scaled damage evolution law (SDEL) is employed within the microcrack informed damage model. During the homogenized macroscopic calculation, the corresponding microscopic cell needs to be dimensionally equivalent to the mesh dimension when the partial differential equation becomes ill posed and strain softening ensues. To ensure arbitrary mesh geometry for which the homogenized stress-strain curves are derived, a size scaling law is incorporated into the homogenized tensile damage evolution law. This ensures energy-bridging equivalence of the microscopic cell to the homogenized medium irrespective of arbitrary mesh geometry. Results of numerical investigations will be compared with results of penetration experiments.     

Poro-viscoelasticity modelling based on upscaling quasistatic fluid-saturated solids

In this paper, quasistatic models are developed for the slow flow of compressible fluids through porous solids, where the solid exhibits fading memory viscoelasticity. Problems of this type are important in practical geomechanics contexts, for example, in the context of fluid flow through unconsolidated reservoir sands and of wellbore deformation behaviour in gas and oil shale reservoirs, all of which have been studied extensively. For slow viscous fluid flow in the poro-viscoelastic media we are able to neglect the dynamic effects related to inertia forces, as well as the dissipation associated with the viscous flows. This is in contrast to the vast body of work in the poro-elastic context, where much faster flow of the viscous fluids may give rise to memory effects associated with microflows in pores of the solid media. Such problems have been treated extensively in both the dynamic and quasistatic cases. We are taking a specific type of the porous medium subject to slow deformation processes possibly inducing moderate pressure gradients and flow rates characterised by negligible inertia effects. As the result of homogenisation of such a two-phase medium, we observe the fading memory behaviour in the Biot modulus which controls the pressure increase due to skeleton macroscopic deformation and pore fluid content. Although our derivation leads to a result which is consistent with the formal phenomenological approach proposed by Biot (J Appl Phys 23:1482–1498, 1962), we offer the reader more insight into the structure of the poro-viscoelastic constitutive relations obtained; in particular, we can show that the Biot compressibility evolves in time according to the creep function while the skeleton stiffness is driven by the relaxation function.