Asset Management and Safety Assessment of Levees and Earthen Dams Through Comprehensive Real-Time Field Monitoring

Assessing the health of and maintaining civil infrastructure has been an increased concern in the wake of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the summer 2007 flood events in the UK. The variability of properties within geotechnical systems makes predictions of soil behavior extremely difficult, especially when soil models are not calibrated with field-measured performance. Unfortunately the current state of the art in geotechnical system health assessment is either based on very expensive monitoring systems for real-time information or on periodic measurement of ground surface displacements. Accordingly, a need has arisen for a system capable of in situ, real-time monitoring of levees, embankments, and other earthen structures. The work presented herein highlights the development of novel, affordable sensing technologies for use in a framework to monitor, manage and ensure the safety of geotechnical infrastructure. MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems)-based in-place inclinometer system, Measurand’s ShapeAccelArray (SAA), is now established as a sensing tool for simultaneous measurement of 3D soil acceleration and 3D ground deformation up to a depth of one hundred meters, with an accuracy of ±1.5 mm per 30 m. Each sensor array is connected to a wireless sensor node to enable real-time monitoring as well as remote sensor configuration. This system is now being further developed to include digitally integrated pore pressure measurement in the form of vibrating wire piezometers equipped with microprocessors (called SAAPs). The SAAPs are able to convert vibrating wire data to digital data downhole, and they integrate easily into the SAA system. In situ testing was conducted in a levee in England subjected to significant tidal loading (up to 6 m of fluctuation during spring tides) through collaboration with the European Union’s UrbanFlood project. In addition to the SAAs and SAAPs installed in three sections of the levee, the site was also instrumented with other sensors from Alert Solutions and TenCate, providing values for comparison. The likelihood of this levee to experience deformation and the density of instrumentation installed in the bank made this the ideal location to test the new SAAP system. The additional insight into subsurface behavior provided by the SAAPs is integral in the development of a comprehensive system for monitoring and management of civil infrastructure. The preliminary testing indicates the suitability of this new multi-parameter system for inclusion in a multi-scale monitoring and health assessment framework, which will be implemented in New Orleans, LA in 2012.     

Data assimilation using the particle filter for identifying the elasto‐plastic material properties of geomaterials

A computational method, incorporating the finite element model (FEM) into data assimilation using the particle filter, is presented for identifying elasto‐plastic material properties based on sequential measurements under the known changing traction boundary conditions to overcome some difficulties in identifying the parameters for elasto‐plastic problems from which the existing inverse analysis strategies have suffered. A soil–water coupled problem, which uses the elasto‐plastic constitutive model, is dealt with as the geotechnical application. Measured data on the settlement and the pore pressure are obtained from a synthetic FEM computation as the forward problem under the known parameters to be identified for both the element tests and the ground behavior during the embankment construction sequence. Parameter identification for elasto‐plastic problems, such as soil behavior, should be made by considering the measurements of deformation and/or pore pressure step by step from the initial stage of construction and throughout the deformation history under the changing traction boundary conditions because of the embankment or the excavation because the ground behavior is highly dependent on the loading history. Thus, it appears that sequential data assimilation techniques, such as the particle filter, are the preferable tools that can provide estimates of the state variables, that is, deformation, pore pressure, and unknown parameters, for the constitutive model in geotechnical practice. The present paper discusses the priority of the particle filter in its application to initial/boundary value problems for elasto‐plastic materials and demonstrates a couple of numerical examples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical and analytical investigation of compressional wave propagation in saturated soils

In geotechnical earthquake engineering, wave propagation plays a fundamental role in engineering applications related to the dynamic response of geotechnical structures and to site response analysis. However, current engineering practice is primarily concentrated on the investigation of shear wave propagation and the corresponding site response only to the horizontal components of the ground motion. Due to the repeated recent observations of strong vertical ground motions and compressional damage of engineering structures, there is an increasing need to carry out a comprehensive investigation of vertical site response and the associated compressional wave propagation, particularly when performing the seismic design for critical structures (e.g. nuclear power plants and high dams). Therefore, in this paper, the compressional wave propagation mechanism in saturated soils is investigated by employing hydro-mechanically (HM) coupled analytical and numerical methods. A HM analytical solution for compressional wave propagation is first studied based on Biot’s theory, which shows the existence of two types of compressional waves (fast and slow waves) and indicates that their characteristics (i.e. wave dispersion and attenuation) are highly dependent on some key geotechnical and seismic parameters (i.e. the permeability, soil stiffness and loading frequency). The subsequent HM Finite Element (FE) study reproduces the duality of compressional waves and identifies the dominant permeability ranges for the existence of the two waves. In particular the existence of the slow compression wave is observed for a range of permeability and loading frequency that is relevant for geotechnical earthquake engineering applications. In order to account for the effects of soil permeability on compressional dynamic soil behaviour and soil properties (i.e. P-wave velocities and damping ratios), the coupled consolidation analysis is therefore recommended as the only tool capable of accurately simulating the dynamic response of geotechnical structures to vertical ground motion at intermediate transient states between undrained and drained conditions.     

Seismic hazard and site-specific ground motion for typical ports of Gujarat

Economic importance of major ports is well known, and if ports are located in seismically active regions, then site-specific seismic hazard studies are essential to mitigate the seismic risk of the ports. Seismic design of port sites and related structures can be accomplished in three steps that include assessment of regional seismicity, geotechnical hazards, and soil structure interaction analysis. In the present study, site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis is performed to identify the seismic hazard associated with four typical port sites of Gujarat state (bounded by 20°–25.5°N and 68°–75°E) of India viz. Kandla, Mundra, Hazira, and Dahej ports. The primary aim of the study is to develop consistent seismic ground motion for the structures within the four port sites for different three levels of ground shaking, i.e., operating level earthquake (72 years return period), contingency level earthquake (CLE) (475 year return period), and maximum considered earthquake (2,475 year return period). The geotechnical characterization for each port site is carried out using available geotechnical data. Shear wave velocities of the soil profile are estimated from SPT blow counts using various empirical formulae. Seismicity of the Gujarat region is modeled through delineating the 40 fault sources based on the seismotectonic setting. The Gujarat state is divided into three regions, i.e., Kachchh, Saurashtra, and Mainland Gujarat, and regional recurrence relations are assigned in the form of Gutenberg-Richter parameters in order to calculate seismic hazard associated with each port site. The horizontal component of ground acceleration for three levels of ground shaking is estimated by using different ground motion attenuation relations (GMAR) including one country-specific GMAR for Peninsular India. Uncertainty in seismic hazard computations is handled by using logic tree approach to develop uniform hazard spectra for 5% damping which are consistent with the specified three levels of ground shaking. Using recorded acceleration time history of Bhuj 2001 earthquake as the input time motion, synthetic time histories are generated to match the developed designed response spectra to study site-specific responses of port sites during different levels of ground shaking. It is observed that the Mundra and Kandla port sites are most vulnerable sites for seismic hazard as estimated CLE ground motion is in order of 0.79 and 0.48 g for Mundra and Kandla port sites, respectively. Hazira and Dahej port sites have comparatively less hazard with estimated CLE ground motion of 0.17 and 0.11 g, respectively. The ground amplification factor is observed at all sites which ranges from 1.3 to 2.0 for the frequency range of 1.0–2.7 Hz. The obtained spectral accelerations for the three levels of ground motions and obtained transfer functions for each port sites are compared with provisions made in Indian seismic code IS:1893-Part 1 (2002). The outcome of present study is recommended for further performance-based design to evaluate the seismic response of the port structures with respect to various performance levels.     

地裂缝活动对土体应力与变形影响的试验研究

通过进行西安典型地层环境下地裂缝活动的大型模型试验,研究了隐伏地裂缝活动引起附近土体应力与变形的规律。试验表明,地裂缝活动在上盘土体中产生负的附加应力,引起土体应力降低,而在下盘土体中产生正的附加应力,引起土体应力增强,且距离地裂缝越远由地裂缝活动引起的附加应力越小。地裂缝活动导致其两侧土体发生台阶状位移突变现象,随着地层由深至浅,土体变形范围明显增大,且影响区范围上盘大于下盘。地裂缝活动引起附近土体应力的分布在空间上大致分为4个区域即下盘原始应力区、应力增强区、应力降低区和上盘原始应力区,其中应力降低区范围约为应力增强区的1.5～2倍。同时,地裂缝附近土体沉降变形也可分为3个带,即下盘稳定带、差异沉降过渡带和上盘稳定带,其中上盘差异沉降带范围约为下盘沉降差异带的2倍。     

现场软土欠固结程度孔压消散试验评价方法

原位测试技术分析软土的应力历史可以避免取样及室内土工试验对土样的扰动,其结果能真实地反映现场土体的工程特性。以往基于孔压静力触探（CPTU）测试技术的超固结比（OCR）计算方法主要是针对超固结土取得的,缺乏对现场处于欠固结状态土体的考虑,具有一定的局限性。在已有研究成果的基础上,提出采用不完全孔压消散曲线的末段及时间平方根倒数外推法计算原位初始孔压,如果初始孔压大于静水压力,表明原位土层中存在固有孔压,为欠固结土。在此基础上,通过计算固结状态参数,可进一步对软土层的欠固结程度进行定量评价。工程应用表明,该方法不受软土性质和地域限制,具有普遍适用性,是合理可行的。在缺乏室内固结试验成果的情况下,可高效快捷地判别软土层的固结状态。研究成果对合理评价欠固结软土的工程特性具有一定的指导意义。     

砂土地基和粉质黏土地基基坑悬臂开挖离心模型试验

分别开展砂土和粉质黏土两种典型土质条件下基坑悬臂式开挖离心模型试验,详细叙述试验过程中所要解决的关键问题,并提出合理的解决方案。通过对比分析两组试验结果,得到以下结论：非饱和土地基制备中参数控制困难,分层夯实法有待进一步改进,而砂雨法制备的砂土地基参数可控性更好;两组试验的结果有差异,砂土地基试验所呈现的土压力、地基变形、支护弯矩的变化规律更好,因此,岩土离心试验可适当考虑以砂土代替非饱和土;对于采用悬臂式支护结构的基坑,开挖引起的地表沉降曲线在砂土中呈指数型,而在粉质黏土中呈直线型;开挖引起的粉质黏土地基土体位移范围较砂土地基更大;开挖引起的砂土中挡墙弯矩较粉质黏土更大,砂土和粉质黏土中最大弯矩位置都随开挖逐渐下移;在砂土试验中开挖引起主动区土压力各处均减小,而在粉质黏土试验中开挖引起土压力在挡墙底有增大趋势。该基坑工程离心模型试验过程及数据处理方法可为进一步试验提供参考。     

利用SEM照片获取土的孔隙结构参数

以土工实验和计算机图像处理技术为基础, 探讨利用SEM照片获取土的孔隙结构参数的方法, 并以重塑粘性土为例进行实证分析.为获取孔隙结构参数, 首先分3个步骤对土样的SEM照片进行图像处理: 即照片格式转换、颗粒边际线探测和颜色充填; 然后针对黑白二元图像测算孔隙结构参数.从设计制备的重塑粘性土的三轴试验样品中, 选择了12个不同水分状态和密度状态的样品, 经风干和烘干后, 进行SEM测试, 每个样品拍摄了3个尺度的SEM照片, 放大倍数依次为500倍、1000倍、2000倍.之后, 对所获得的SEM照片进行了图像处理分析, 计算了相应的平面孔隙比和平面孔隙率.数据分析表明: SEM照片测算的孔隙参数与通常三相图计算的孔隙参数有关联, 测算数据可以反映土的孔隙结构特征; 样品的不同脱水方式对SEM照片测算的孔隙参数有影响, 与三相图法计算数据相比, 风干土样测算的数据略有偏大, 烘干土样测算的数据偏小; 同一土样不同比例尺的SEM照片测算出的孔隙参数有所不同, 邻近三相图法计算结果上下波动; 利用SEM照片提取土的结构信息是可行的, 对SEM照片进行图像处理分析是获取土的孔隙结构参数的有效办法.      

Consolidation behavior of soil–cement column improved ground

Columnar inclusion is one of the effective and widely used methods for improving the engineering properties of soft clay ground. This article investigates the consolidation behavior of composite soft clay ground using both physical model tests under an axial-symmetry condition and finite element simulations using the PLAXIS 2D program. It was determined that the final settlement and the rate of consolidation of the composite ground depended on the stress state. For an applied stress that is much lower than the failure stress, the final settlement of the composite ground was lower, and the consolidation was rapid. When the soil–cement column failed, the stress on the column suddenly decreased (due to strain-softening); meanwhile, the stress on the soil increased to maintain the force equilibrium. Consequently, the excess pore pressure in the surrounding clay increased immediately. The cracked soil–cement column acted as a drain, which accelerated the dissipation of the excess pore pressure. The consolidation of the composite ground was mainly observed in the vertical direction and was controlled by the area ratio, which is the ratio of the diameter of the soil–cement column to the diameter of the composite ground, a. The stress on the column was shown to be low for a composite ground with a high value of a, which resulted in less settlement and fast consolidation. For a long soil–cement column, the excess pore pressures in the surrounding clay and the column were essentially the same at a given consolidation time throughout the improvement depth. It is proposed that the soil–cement column and surrounding clay form a compressible ground, and the consolidation occurs in the vertical direction. The composite coefficient of consolidation (c_v(com₎) that was obtained from the physical model test on the composite ground can be used to approximate the rate of consolidation. This approximation was validated via a finite element simulation. The proposed method is highly useful to geotechnical engineers because of its simplicity and reliable prediction.     

基于土体中结构面的岩土工程问题探讨

土体中也存在结构面，并且结构面的存在与很多的岩土问题有关。为使土体中的结构面受到足够的重视，本文就其中的几个主要岩土工程问题进行了探讨，它们是：结构面对土体力学性质的影响、土体结构面对土体破坏的控制作用、有时可尝试用离散元等模型分析土体变形、土体中结构面上水的渗流和污染物的运移、结构面上土体力学参数问题、土坡稳定性问题、土与结构物的相互作用问题、土体中结构面与环境岩土工程问题等。     

Ground zoning against seismic hazard in Athens, Greece

The 1999, Ms=5.9, Athens earthquake caused serious structural damage to buildings in the western part of Athens, Greece. This paper presents the ground zoning against seismic hazard proposed shortly after the earthquake in order to aid reconstruction of the area. Existing engineering geological and geotechnical data were combined with local observations to provide a unified set of classification criteria, consistent with provisions of the Greek Seismic Code EAK. The accuracy and the possible limitations of this zoning procedure are addressed through comparison with observed damage distribution as well as results from seismic ground response analyses performed at sites with well established soil profiles. There is clear evidence that the proposed zones correspond to geological formations exhibiting grossly different seismic response with regard to the design of common engineering structures. However, the mostly qualitative nature of the guidelines for ground categorisation provided by EAK and the general lack of systematic, site-specific geotechnical data for the whole area induce uncertainties in the definition of the seismic design actions for the different zones. These objective uncertainties certainly demand increased conservatism but do not limit application of the proposed methodology for first aid, preliminary planning in the event of destructive earthquakes.     

材料模型参数对自由场地震响应的影响

水平自由场地震响应分析是岩土地震工程近几十年的研究热点之一。利用完全耦合有限元程序SUMDES 2006和临界状态砂土本构模型,分析了15 m深的饱和砂土自由场在地震作用下的响应,包括加速度的传播、孔隙水压力的发展、侧向变形以及地面沉降。通过增大和减小10 %参数值,分析了材料本构模型中12个参数值的变化对土层地震响应的影响。分析结果表明,在这些参数中,临界状态应力比M和e - 平面中临界状态线在 轴上的截距 的影响比较显著,因而利用室内试验数据率定模型参数时,需保证其有足够的精度。分析结果也说明,用于自由场地震响应分析时,临界状态砂土本构模型仍然有进一步简化以减少参数个数的空间。     

Upscaling of Navier–Stokes equations in porous media: Theoretical, numerical and experimental approach

The accurate estimation of hydraulic conductivity is important for many geotechnical engineering applications, as the presence of fluids affects all aspects of soil behaviour, including its strength. Darcy’s law is the key experimental (or phenomenological) equation employed to model ground water flow. Yet, this phenomenological equation can be linked to a more fundamental microscale model of flow through the pore spaces of the porous material. This paper provides an experimental verification of the relationships between Darcy’s law (macroscale) and the Navier–Stokes equations (microscale) for actual complex pore geometries of a granular material. The pore geometries are experimentally obtained through state-of-the-art X-ray computer assisted micro-tomography. From the numerical modelling of the microscale flow based on actual pore geometries, it is possible to quantify and visualize the development of pore-scale fluid preferential flow-paths through the porous material, and to assess the importance of pore connectivity in soil transport properties.     

Oscillatory soil response and liquefaction in an unsaturated layered seabed

The subject of wave-induced soil response in a real seabed has attracted the attention of geotechnical and coastal engineers over the last three decades, for which several basic theories have been developed. However, the evaluation of soil liquefaction has not been attempted theoretically in a seabed with multiple sub-layers, in which homogeneity in soil properties can be assumed within each layer. In this study, a semi-analytical approach is presented for obtaining solutions for the pore pressure and effective stresses in a non-cohesive layered seabed of finite thickness subject to a system of three-dimensional waves. Based on the numerical results for a layered seabed, influences of soil characteristics (relative layer thickness, permeability ratio and shear modulus) on seabed responses are described. Special attention is given to the effect of placing a coarser material as a top layer for protecting an underlayer of finer sediment. Although only a three-layered seabed is explicitly solved in this study, the procedure outlined can readily be extended to a multi-layered soil system. The three-dimensional solutions can also be applied to the two-dimensional progressive or standing wave systems.     

Assessment of soil liquefaction potential based on numerical method- a case study of an urban railway project

Paying special attention to geotechnical hazards such as liquefaction in huge civil projects like urban railways especially in susceptible regions to liquefaction is of great importance. A number of approaches to evaluate the potential for initiation of liquefaction, such as Seed and Idriss simplified method have been developed over the years. Although simplified methods are available in calculating the liquefaction potential of a soil deposit and shear stresses induced at any point in the ground due to earthquake loading, these methods cannot be applied to all earthquakes with the same accuracy, also they lack the potential to predict the pore pressure developed in the soil. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a ground response analysis to obtain pore pressures and shear stresses in the soil due to earthquake loading. Using soil historical, geological and compositional criteria, a zone of the corridor of Tabriz urban railway line 2 susceptible to liquefaction was recognized. Then, using numerical analysis and cyclic stress method using QUAKE/W finite element code, soil liquefaction potential in susceptible zone was evaluated based on design earthquake.     

A three‐phase thermo‐hydro‐mechanical finite element model for freezing soils

Artificial ground freezing (AGF) is a commonly used technique in geotechnical engineering for ground improvement such as ground water control and temporary excavation support during tunnel construction in soft soils. The main potential problem connected with this technique is that it may produce heave and settlement at the ground surface, which may cause damage to the surface infrastructure. Additionally, the freezing process and the energy needed to obtain a stable frozen ground may be significantly influenced by seepage flow. Evidently, safe design and execution of AGF require a reliable prediction of the coupled thermo‐hydro‐mechanical behavior of freezing soils. With the theory of poromechanics, a three‐phase finite element soil model is proposed, considering solid particles, liquid water, and crystal ice as separate phases and mixture temperature, liquid pressure, and solid displacement as the primary field variables. In addition to the volume expansion of water transforming into ice, the contribution of the micro‐cryo‐suction mechanism to the frost heave phenomenon is described in the model using the theory of premelting dynamics. Through fundamental physical laws and corresponding state relations, the model captures various couplings among the phase transition, the liquid transport within the pore space, and the accompanying mechanical deformation. The verification and validation of the model are accomplished by means of selected analyses. An application example is related to AGF during tunnel excavation, investigating the influence of seepage flow on the freezing process and the time required to establish a closed supporting frozen arch. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

轻量砂变形及强度特性三轴试验研究

通过三轴试验系统研究了新型土工材料--轻量砂的变形及强度特性。结果表明,不同的配比、龄期使轻量砂具有不同的原生结构强度,围压使不同原生结构强度的土样处于剪胀或剪缩状态,导致发生应变硬化、应变软化以及相应状态下孔压的3种对应形态变化。变形模量随EPS（发泡聚苯乙烯）球粒掺入比的增大而线性减小,随水泥掺入比、龄期增大而线性增大,相同配比的土样变形模量与围压关系不大;三轴抗压强度随EPS球粒掺入比增大而呈负指数关系减小,随水泥掺入比、龄期、围压增大而线性增大,存在水泥掺入比阀值;土骨架转换效应对于土样强度的影响很大,造成了土体单轴、三轴抗压强度分带,高水泥掺入比能够大大弱化EPS颗粒的土骨架效应。结合前人成果,系统地研究了轻量砂密度、无侧限抗压强度的影响因素,引入材料学中比强的概念,提出了单价比强图结合配方公式的方法,对轻量土砂进行配方优化。分析了轻量土砂应力-应变关系转型问题,提出采用无侧限抗压强度来表征不同配比、龄期轻量土砂的原生结构强度。通过试验与数理统计,建立临界围压与原生结构强度的关系,为数值模拟计算与建立本构模型奠定了基础。     

An approximation to the reliability of series geotechnical systems using a linearization approach

A method based on the linearization of the limit state functions (LSFs) is applied to evaluate the reliability of series geotechnical systems. The approach only needs information provided by first order reliability method (FORM) results: the vector of reliability indices, β, of the LSFs composing the system; and their correlation matrix, R. Two common geotechnical problems—the stability of a slope in layered soil and a circular tunnel in rock—are employed to demonstrate the simplicity, accuracy and efficiency of the suggested procedure, and advantages of the linearization approach with respect to alternative computational tools are discussed. It is also found that, if necessary, the second order reliability method (SORM)—that approximates the true LSF better than FORM—can be employed to compute better estimations of the system’s reliability.     

Correlation of unsaturated soil and dielectric property for monitoring of subsurface characteristics: development of unsaturated dielectric mixing models and its application

The behavior due to rainfall infiltrating the ground plays a role in landslides, groundwater recharge and various other ground responses. Most of these geotechnical behaviors have a correlation between soil pore space and soil volumetric water content in the unsaturated and saturated soil porous media. Therefore, the soil porosity associated with soil pores and the distribution of volumetric water content are significantly important hydrological characteristics. In the case of shallow slope failure such as landslide, the infiltration activity due to the connectivity of soil pore spaces in a porous media is induced. Slope failure may be attributed to the effect of a wetting front with the slope due to liquid infiltration, which changes the volumetric water content, soil matric suction and shear strength of the slope. This study was performed with an unsaturated injection test using a frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) dielectric device which measures the dielectric constant of unsaturated soil and the study then proposed the unsaturated dielectric mixing models to calculate soil porosity and effective porosity of unsaturated soils. From the experimental results the ratio of effective porosity to porosity of soils are measured in a range of 70–85%. These experimental results show a decrease of about 5–10% for unsaturated soil compared to the ratio of effective porosity to porosity of saturated soil. The infiltration passages of tracer material are restricted within the pore connectivity in the unsaturated soil which is caused by dead-pores in the soil. Using the FDR device and the unsaturated dielectric mixing models, we can consider the acquisition of physical properties to detect the infiltration activity, the response of the dielectric constant along with the injected tracer and hydrological parameters for the unsaturated soil porous media.     

侧限压缩条件下土体的侧应力松弛试验研究

侧向应力松弛是侧限压缩土体的重要流变性质之一。通过在改装的固结仪上进行的土体侧限流变试验表明,在恒载侧限压缩条件下,土体的侧应力松弛曲线与竖向蠕变曲线同步出现不稳定、稳定、急剧变化3个阶段。将试验结果结合土的结构颗粒定向排列理论和强度理论探索了土体侧应力松弛的机制并得出结论：侧应力松弛曲线的3阶段特征是由于土体结构连接的压密恢复与剪切破坏相互作用所致;而侧应力松弛稳定的极限状态是由土的抗剪强度控制。此外,较高的应力水平将会使土体侧应力松弛程度相比低应力水平时更为显著。该分析结论为进一步研究地基长期承载力和地基沉降的关系奠定了基础。