Determining Rayleigh damping parameters of soils for finite element analysis

Soil damping ratio is an important parameter for modelling the dynamic behaviour of soil embankment structures, especially for the micro‐vibration analysis of hospitals and high‐tech industries, which have a very severe construction requirement for vibration. This paper explores using a least‐squares method to evaluate the Rayleigh damping parameters for the finite element analysis of wave propagation in soils. The least‐squares method was first used in Bornitz's equation to calculate the absorption coefficients of soils. Afterward, the best‐fit Rayleigh damping parameters were obtained using those coefficients in the least‐squares scheme again. Both three‐dimensional finite element analyses and field experiments were performed to validate the accuracy of this method. The comparison between experimental and finite element results demonstrates that the accuracy of this least‐squares method is acceptable. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Limit Equilibrium Analyses for Internal Design of Geosynthetic Reinforced Slopes: Influence of Potential Failure Surface and Strength Distribution

The paper presents results from a computer code, based on limit equilibrium analyses, able to quantify earth pressure coefficients for the internal design of geosynthetic reinforced soil structures and identify the potential failure surfaces. Failure mechanisms assuming bilinear or logarithmic spiral failure surfaces are considered. The influence of the potential failure surface and geosynthetic strength distribution on the earth pressure coefficient is analysed. Required reinforcement tensile strengths calculated by the developed program are compared with values published in the literature. To further evaluate the capabilities of limit equilibrium analyses, the numerical modelling of a geosynthetic reinforced steep slope, designed at ultimate limit state conditions (FS = 1), is also presented. Good agreement was achieved between the potential failure surfaces predicted by limit equilibrium analyses and those obtained with numerical modelling.     

Application of a Hill-Climbing technique to the formulation of a new cyclic nonlinear elastic constitutive model

In the field of constitutive modelling of soil behaviour, optimisation techniques have been mostly employed as a calibration tool, particularly when several model parameters lack clear physical meaning. In this paper, however, a procedure based on a Hill-Climbing optimisation algorithm is presented as a form of improving the performance of constitutive models. Specifically, a simple cyclic nonlinear elastic model, which is shown to be unable to simulate adequately the damping ratio measured under small and large strain amplitudes, is modified by applying the Hill-Climbing technique to the determination of a new relationship describing the unloading/reloading behaviour of soil under cyclic loading. The performance of the proposed model is assessed by evaluating its parameters based on three distinct sets of empirical damping ratio curves and computing the corresponding error in their simulation. It is shown that the introduction of the new unloading/reloading expression formulated based on the outcome of the optimisation procedure increases substantially the precision of the constitutive model.     

A general approach to model interfaces using existing soil constitutive models application to hypoplasticity

The modelling of interfaces is important for the holistic simulation of geotechnical structures (e.g. piles, tunnels and geogrids). For this reason, advanced constitutive interface models and numerical techniques are needed. There are few user-friendly models, and these are rarely implemented. In this paper, a new approach for advanced interface models is proposed. This is based on the assumption that the fully rough interface can be modelled considering simple-shear behaviour at the interface. A 3D soil model is used as a constitutive driver for a frictional subroutine. This minimises the effort required, and advanced interface models are available with less effort. Two different hypoplastic models are used with the new approach. The approach was verified for several aspects (e.g. mesh size dependence), and the volumetric behaviour was studied. The user-friendliness and absence of additional parameters led to more realistic simulation results. The proposed method can be extended to other modelling techniques and will improve the modelling of contacts in soil-structure interaction analysis.     

A three dimensional embedded beam element for reinforced geomaterials

This paper presents the formulation and verification of a 3D embedded beam element, which is intended for numerical modelling of three dimensional problems concerned by reinforced geomaterials. This element permits analysis of reinforced geomaterial structures with simplified meshes, that do not need to account for reinforcement orientation. The paper is composed of four sections. Section 1 discusses the need for the development of a particular beam element for soil reinforcement, which can be easily used in practical applications. Section 2 describes the mathematical formulation of this element, while Section 3 deals with its verification on various examples. Section 4 illustrates an application of this element by analysing the behaviour of a group of micropiles containing inclined elements and subjected to lateral loading. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermo-plasticity of clays: An isotropic yield mechanism

Numerical modelling of the thermo-mechanical behaviour of soils is an important issue in the analysis of problems such as nuclear waste isolation or geothermal structures. The purpose of this paper is to present a new thermo-plastic mechanism for isotropic thermo-mechanical paths including thermal hardening. It is based on considerations of the thermal effect on void ratio. After a discussion of the experimental evidence, the formulation of the thermo-plastic yield mechanism is introduced. Typical features are analysed and the responses of the model discussed. The proposed model is validated on the basis of experimental results on two different clays.     

Numerical simulations of simple shear with non‐coaxial soil models

This paper investigates the effects of a non‐coaxial model on simulated stress–strain behaviour of granular materials subject to simple shearing under various initial conditions. In most cases, a significant difference of predictions between coaxial and non‐coaxial modelling is found during the early stage in shearing. With the increase in shearing, non‐coaxial simulations approach and tend to coincide with coaxial simulations. It is also found that the roles of non‐coaxial modelling in simulating simple shear behaviour are considerably influenced by hardening rules, flow rules, initial static lateral pressure coefficients. In some cases, the non‐coaxial modelling gives a similar simulation as the coaxial modelling. In other cases, the non‐coaxial modelling decreases the hardening response or softening response of materials, compared with the coaxial modelling. Under certain conditions, the predicted peak strength of materials with non‐coaxial modelling is larger than that for coaxial modelling. Some of these observations can be attributed to the amount of principal stress rotation in various cases analysed. Others can be attributed to the difference between the directions of the non‐coaxial plastic flow and those for coaxial plastic flow. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling of rutting of two flexible pavements with the shakedown theory and the finite element method

This paper presents a finite element program, for the modelling of rutting of flexible pavements. In its present version, the program incorporates a permanent deformation model for unbound granular materials based on the concept of the shakedown theory developed by Zarka for metallic structures under cyclic loadings and has been used to estimate the permanent deformations of unbound granular materials (UGM) subjected to traffic loading. The calculation is performed in two steps: the first step consists in modelling the resilient behaviour of the pavement in 3D, using non-linear elastic models, to determine the stress field in the pavement. Then stress paths are derived and used to calculate the permanent deformations and the displacements, using a Drucker–Prager yield surface. An application to the prediction of the permanent deformations of experimental pavements with an unbound granular base, tested on the LCPC pavement testing facility is presented.     

Computational mechanics of the steel–concrete interface

Concrete cracking in reinforced concrete structures is governed by two mechanisms: the activation of bond forces at the steel–concrete interface and the bridge effects of the reinforcement crossing a macro‐crack. The computational modelling of these two mechanisms, acting at different scales, is the main objective of this paper. The starting point is the analysis of the micro‐mechanisms, leading to an appropriate choice of (measurable) state variables describing the energy state in the surface systems: on the one side the relative displacement between the steel and the concrete, modelling the bond activation; on the other hand, the crack opening governing the bridge effects. These displacement jumps are implemented in the constitutive model using thermodynamics of surfaces of discontinuity. On the computational side, the constitutive model is implemented in a discrete crack approach. A truss element with slip degrees of freedom is developed. This degree of freedom represents the relative displacement due to bond activation. In turn, the bridge effect is numerically taken into account by modifying the post‐cracking behaviour of the contact elements representing discrete concrete cracks crossed by a rebar. First simulation results obtained with this model show a good agreement in crack pattern and steel stress distribution with micro‐mechanical results and experimental results. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

跨断层隧道可变形抗减震措施振动台试验研究

跨断层的隧道结构在汶川地震中破坏严重,这说明传统的抗减震技术已不能保证高烈度地震区隧道结构的安全。为此,研发了可变形抗减震措施。通过振动台模型试验,考察了采用该类型措施的隧道结构地震响应特征与震后破坏形态。结果表明：跨断层隧道结构设置减震缝,可以有效减小结构的内力值和应变值;套管式可变形结构可以有效保护主套管上部结构和被套管,但主套管下部结构破坏严重;套管式可变结构提高了隧道的防水性且震后易于修复,整体性能优于减震缝;采用可变形抗减震结构的同时,必须提高衬砌混凝土的强度;不论采用何种抗减震措施,隧道结构的拱脚和仰拱是抗震加固的重点部位。研究成果可以为高烈度地震区隧道结构的抗震设防提供参考。     

Hydromechanical modelling of the SEALEX experiments

Numerical modelling of coupled physical processes in bentonite–sand mixtures under the geological conditions is significant for designing and constructing sealing systems in deep underground repositories for highly radioactive nuclear waste. Within the framework of DECOVALEX 2015, Task A, this work presents the model validation of OpenGeoSys by numerical modelling of coupled hydromechanical (HM) processes in bentonite–sand mixtures. Parameters used in the HM model were determined by modelling the laboratory tests of the sealing experiment (SEALEX). Afterwards these parameters were applied for the modelling of a small-scale mock-up test considering the influence of technological gap and incidental fail of the seal in the sealing system. In order to investigate the availability of employing these HM parameters and numerical models directly to field predictions, the modelling results and measured data of an in situ SEALEX experiment were analysed comparatively. The modelling results reproduced well the main features in HM behaviour of the compacted bentonite–sand mixture, which denotes that the adopted HM models and parameters are adequate for describing the HM processes in the sealing system. It is necessary to take the elastoplastic behaviour and evolution of the permeability of bentonite–sand mixtures into account when using the adopted models to reproduce the HM processes of a sealing system.     

Multiscale approach to geo‐composite cellular structures subjected to rock impacts

Geo‐composite cellular structures are an efficient technological solution for various applications in civil engineering. This type of structure is particularly well adapted to resisting rockfalls and can act as a defensive structure. However, the design of such structures is for the most part empirically based; this lack of research‐based design stagnates optimization and advanced development. In this paper, the mechanical behaviour of a geo‐composite cellular structure is investigated using a multi‐scale approach, from the individual cell made up of an assembly of rocky particles contained in a wire netting cage to the entire structure composed of a regular array of cells. Based on discrete modelling of both the cell and structure scales, a computational tool has been developed for design purposes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

低幅值小应变振动下土体弹性刚度的非线性特征与表述方法

随着高速铁路建设的兴起,轨道以及沿线附近建筑物承受低幅值小应变振动荷载的作用。对于小应变振动下土体的有限元计算,如何确定连接应力和应变之间纽带的刚度张量E,对于建立合理的预测模型来分析高速铁路轨道以及沿线建筑物的沉降变形至关重要。低幅值小应变振动下剪切模量G和阻尼比D随剪应变幅值的变化是反映土体刚度及阻尼特征最重要的两个参数。通过共振柱试验发现,振动荷载作用下土体的剪切模量G必须通过振动应变幅值和固结围压共同来确定,即使在小应变（剪应变幅值10-6相似文献   

混凝土喷层支护节理岩体等效力学模型及其应用

考虑喷层在节理面局部的限剪和限裂作用,提出喷层支护节理岩体流变模型,在此基础上推导出喷层支护节理岩体的本构关系,建立了一种喷层支护节理岩体等效力学模型。采用该模型进行结构有限元计算,喷层、节理均不需要离散网格,进行等效模拟;当实际节理裂隙的数量与方向或喷层的厚度变化时,也不需要变化计算网格,从而可降低前处理工作量,为大型复杂结构的计算分析提供较大便利。最后,通过算例和实际工程验证了该模型的有效性--不仅具有离散模型便于模拟喷层真实作用机制的优点,而且具有等效模拟简单易行的优点,具有较好的工程应用前景。     

加筋方式对黄土动力特性影响三轴试验研究

为探讨黄土动力特性受加筋方式的影响,利用GDS动态三轴测试系统,以玻璃纤维单丝窗纱为筋材,开展了4种围压下10种不同加筋方式的黄土动力特性试验,研究了黄土动弹性模量和阻尼比随围压、加筋位置、加筋层数的变化规律。结果表明:未加筋和加筋试样动弹性模量都随动应变增加呈指数衰减,但随围压增加而增大;应变小于0.05%时,阻尼比分布较离散,应变大于0.05%时,阻尼比随围压和动应变增加而增大;筋材的加入提高了土样的动弹性模量,并有效降低了阻尼比。通过构建加筋效用规格化系数并对比发现:加筋效益受围压与动荷载传播方向影响最为显著;中等围压下筋材发挥效益最明显;对本试验土样尺寸而言两层加筋效果较佳;动静荷载作用下土体中筋材布置都应优先考虑土样2/3～3/4附近。     

Efficient discrete modelling of composite structures for rockfall protection

This paper presents a discrete framework for the modelling of composite structures for rockfall protection. The model is applied to analyse the dynamic response of a cylindrical damping module upon impact of a boulder. The damping module consists of a cylindrical wire mesh, two steel rings, a boundary rope, a geotextile lining and a granular filling material. The chain-link wire mesh, the steel rings and the boundary rope are represented with deformable cylinder elements. The geotextile lining is incorporated into the openings of the wire mesh by using deformable facets. The filling material is represented using spherical particles.     

Rheological and physical characteristics of crustal-scaled materials for centrifuge analogue modelling

We characterize a set of analogue materials used for centrifuge analogue modelling simulating deformation at different levels in the crust simultaneously. Specifically, we improve the rheological characterization in the linear viscoelastic region of materials for the lower and middle crust, and cohesive synthetic sands without petroleum-binding agents for the upper crust. Viscoelastic materials used in centrifuge analogue modelling demonstrate complex dynamic behaviour, so viscosity alone is insufficient to determine if a material will be an effective analogue. Two series of experiments were conducted using an oscillating bi-conical plate rheometer to measure the storage and loss moduli and complex viscosities of several modelling clays and silicone putties. Tested materials exhibited viscoelastic and shear-thinning behaviour. The silicone putties and some modelling clays demonstrated viscous-dominant behaviour and reached Newtonian plateaus at strain rates < 0.5 × 10⁻² s⁻¹, while other modelling clays demonstrated elastic-dominant power-law relationships. Based on these results, the elastic-dominant modelling clay is recommended as an analogue for basement cratons. Inherently cohesive synthetic sands produce fine-detailed fault and fracture patterns, and developed thrust, strike-slip, and extensional faults in simple centrifuge test models. These synthetic sands are recommended as analogues for the brittle upper crust. These new results increase the accuracy of scaling analogue models to prototype. Additionally, with the characterization of three new materials, we propose a complete lithospheric profile of analogue materials for centrifuge modelling, allowing future studies to replicate a broader range of crustal deformation behaviours.