Numerical and Experimental Study on Progressive Failure of Marble

This study presents a framework for numerical simulations based upon micromechanical parameters in modeling progressive failures of heterogeneous rock specimens under compression. In our numerical simulations, a Weibull distribution of the strength and elastic properties of the finite elements is assumed, and the associated Weibull parameters are estimated in terms of microstructural properties, such as crack size distribution and grain size, through microscopic observations of microcracks. The main uncertainty in this procedure lies on the fact that various ways can be used to formulate a ``microcrack size distribution' in relating to the Weibull parameters. As one possible choice, the present study uses the number of counted cracks per unit scanned volume per grain size to formulate the crack distributions. Finally, as a tool, the Rock Failure Process Analysis code (RFPA^2D) is adopted for simulating the progressive failure and microseismicity of heterogeneous rocks by using an elastic-damage finite-element approach. To verify our framework, compression tests on marble specimens are conducted, and the measured acoustic emissions (AE) are compared with those predicted by the numerical simulations. The mode of failure, compressive strength and AE pattern of our simulations basically agree with experimental observations.     

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Flow Hydraulic in Gradual Transition Open Channels

Channel expansions are common in both natural and artificial open channels. With increasing cross-sectional dimensions in an expansion, the flow decelerates. Due to separation of flow and subsequent eddy formation, a significant head loss is occurred along the transition. This study presents the results of experimental investigations on subcritical flow along the expansive transition of rectangular to trapezoidal channels. Also, a numerical simulation was developed using the finite volume method with Reynolds Stress turbulent model. Water surface profiles and velocity distributions of flow through the transition were measured experimentally and compared with the numerical results. Also, hydraulic efficiency of the transition and coefficient of energy head loss were calculated. The results show that with increasing the upstream Froude number, hydraulic efficiency of the transition and coefficient of energy head loss are decreased and increased, respectively. The results also showed the ability of numerical simulation for simulating the flow separation zones and bed shear stress along the transition for different inlet discharges and inflow Froude numbers.     

新型弹塑性软碰撞防护装置试验研究

为限制隔震层位移,研发了同时提供刚度和阻尼力的新型弹塑性软碰撞防护装置,该装置主要由铅芯橡胶支座、剪力键及中空连接钢板组成。首先对铅芯橡胶支座进行了设计压应力12MPa下基本性能试验及压应力0 MPa下剪切试验;然后进行了弹塑性软碰撞防护装置的水平力学性能测试试验,测定装置的屈服后刚度、屈服力及支座顶端转角,探讨了剪力键外圆面罩橡胶套对试验结果的影响,对比分析了装置的水平力学性能指标与支座在0MPa下剪切试验结果的差异;最后,对弹塑性软碰撞防护装置进行了数值模拟,对比了数值模拟与试验的水平力-位移滞回曲线。结果表明:弹塑性软碰撞防护装置可提供刚度及阻尼力,在剪力键外圆面罩上橡胶套后对试验结果基本无影响;与0MPa下支座测试结果相比较,装置的屈服后刚度及屈服力有所降低;支座顶端转角随支座剪应变的增大而增大;数值模拟与试验的滞回曲线吻合良好,该装置具有良好的滞回耗能能力。     

Experimental and numerical analysis of MASW tests for detection of buried timber trestles

This paper presents results from multi-channel analysis surface waves (MASW) tests conducted to locate buried timber trestles in two different sections (A and B) of an earth embankment. For section A, the location of the trestles is known as well as the soil properties; thus, it is used for calibration purposes. Conversely, the location of the timber trestles is unknown for section B. A seismic array of 24 geophones with a spacing of 0.5 m is used for surface-wave measurements. Different signal processing techniques are used for data analysis: dispersion curves, power spectral functions, frequency-spectra contour plots, two-dimensional-Fourier transform, and the wavelet transform. A new procedure is proposed for the surface location of buried trestles, which is based on the use of the normalized average power energy plot. Finite-element numerical simulations of MASW tests on layered and homogeneous media with and without buried trestles are performed to support experimental results and to explain the wave–trestle interaction. The numerical simulations show that a buried trestle induces vibration amplifications at the surface in front of its location but vibration attenuation immediately after. These effects, however, are observed only if the embedment depth of timber trestle is smaller than one third of the wavelength. Experimental and numerical results show that the results from MASW tests can be successfully used to define the surface location of decayed buried trestles.     

Experimental study of friction dissipators for seismic protection of building structures

This paper presents the results from unidirectional shaking table tests of two reduced scale steel models of a building frame, with one and two floors, respectively. These frames incorporate friction dissipators at every floor. The inputs are sine-dwells and artificial and registered earthquakes. This study is part of a larger research project aiming to assess the seismic efficiency of friction dissipators by means of an integrated numerical and experimental approach. Inside this framework, the main objectives of these experiments are to: (i) collect a wide range of results to calibrate a numerical model derived within the project, (ii) clarify some of the most controversial issues about friction dissipators (including behavior for inputs containing pulses, capacity to reduce resonance peaks, introduction of high frequencies in the response, and self-generated eccentricities), (iii) better understand their dynamic behavior, (iv) provide insight on the feasibility and reliability of using simple friction dissipators for seismic protection of building structures and (v) characterize the hysteretic behavior of these devices. Most of these objectives are satisfactorily reached and relevant conclusions are stated.     

Experimental and numerical modelling of sedimentation in a rectangular shallow basin

Numerical simulation of flows in shallow reservoirs has to be checked for its consistency in predicting real flow conditions and sedimentation patterns. Typical flow patterns may exhibit flow separation at the inlet, accompanied by several recirculation and stagnation areas all over the reservoir surface. The aim of the present research project is to study the influence of the geometry of a reservoir on sediment transport and deposition numerically and experimentally, focusing on a prototype reservoir depth between 5 and 15 m as well as suspended sediment transport.
A series of numerical simulations is presented and compared with scaled laboratory experiments, with the objective of testing the sensitivity to different flow and sediment parameters and different turbulence closure schemes. Different scenarios are analyzed and a detailed comparison of preliminary laboratory tests and some selected simulations are presented.
The laboratory experiments show that suspended sediment transport and deposition are determined by the initial flow pattern and by the upstream and downstream boundary conditions. In the experiments, deposition in the rectangular basin systematically developed along the left bank, although inflow and outflow were positioned symmetrically along the centre of the basin. Three major horizontal eddies developed influencing the sediment deposition pattern. Although asymmetric flow patterns are privileged, a symmetric pattern can appear from time to time. This particular behaviour could also be reproduced by a two-dimensional depth-averaged flow and sediment transport model （CCHE2D）. The paper presents numerical simulations using different turbulence closure schemes （k-ε and eddy viscosity models）. In spite of the symmetric setup, these generally produced an asymmetric flow pattern that can easily switch sides depending on the assumptions made for the initial and boundary conditions. When using the laboratory experiment as a reference, the most reliable numerical results have been obtai     

Experimental and numerical study on hysteretic performance of SMA spring-friction bearings

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study to investigate the hysteretic performance of a new type of isolator consisting of shape memory alloy springs and friction bearing called an SMA spring-friction bearing (SFB). The SFB is a sliding-type isolator with SMA devices used for the seismic protection of engineering structures. The principle of operation of the isolation bearing is introduced. In order to explore the possibility of applying SMA elements in passive seismic control devices, large diameter superelastic tension/compression NiTi SMA helical springs used in the SFB isolator were developed. Mechanical experiments of the SMA helical spring were carried out to understand its superelastic characteristics. After that, a series of quasi-static tests on a single SFB isolator prototype were conducted to measure its force-displacement relationships for different loading conditions and study the corresponding variation law of its mechanical performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the SFB exhibits full hysteretic curves, excellent energy dissipation capacity, and moderate recentering ability. Finally, a theoretical model capable of emulating the hysteretic behavior of the SMA-based isolator was then established and implemented in MATLAB software. The comparison of the numerical results with the experimental results shows the efficacy of the proposed model for simulating the response of the SFB.     

Experimental and finite element studies of the forced vibration response of morrow point dam

Measured accelerations and water pressures obtained during a recent forced vibration test on a large thin arch dam at high water are compared to predictions from a finite element model for which water compressibility is both included and neglected. The numerical model is calibrated using the antisymmetric response data because they are only slightly affected by water compressibility; good agreement is obtained. In the effort to reproduce the symmetric response data, for which water compressibility plays a strong role, the calibrated model shows better correlation when water compressibility is included, but the agreement is still inadequate. A successful isolation of the fundamental water resonance from the experimental data shows significantly different features from those of the numerical water model, indicating possible inaccuracy in the assumed geometry and/or boundary conditions for the reservoir. Some other results at low water level are also included.     

静力作用下夯土遗址根部掏蚀失稳机制实验研究

根部掏蚀是土遗址坍塌的主要因素。关于土遗址掏蚀失稳机理已有众多研究成果,但主要基于数值模拟和理论分析,等比例进行根部掏蚀实验的研究较少。基于夯土遗址掏蚀调查研究,制作1∶1夯土墙体模型,通过墙体根部掏蚀实验和数值模拟对其失稳机制进行研究。实验结果表明:掏蚀深度小于20%时,墙体应力变化很小;掏蚀深度大于20%时,墙体出现偏应力,并且快速增大;掏蚀深度为45%时,墙体发生倾倒破坏。在实验过程中,墙体应力重分布主要发生在掏蚀阶段,掏蚀稳定后应力变化不明显;墙体倾倒破坏过程非常迅速,整体表现为刚性倾倒,从夯层根部层界面拉裂是主要破坏模式,其应力应变特征与数值模拟结果相吻合。研究成果可为夯土遗址根部保护和夯筑支顶加固提供参考依据。     

Experimental study of vibration mitigation of mast arm signal structures with particle-thrust damping based tuned mass damper

Large amplitude vibration of mast arm structures due to wind loads are the primary contributing factor to the reduced fatigue life of signal support structures. To alleviate this problem of wind-induced in-plane vibration of mast arm signal structures, a particle-thrust damping based turned mass damper(PTD-TMD) device is adopted and its damping effect is characterized experimentally. The particle-thrust damping is a passive damping device that does not require electric power and is temperature independent. Based on the calibration test, an equivalent dynamic model of the PTD-TMD device is developed and used for numerical simulation study. The damping effects of this PTD-TMD device on signal support structures was investigated through both numerical analysis and laboratory testing of a 50-ft(15.24 m) mast arm structure including both free vibration and forced vibration tests. The experimental test and numerical study results show that vibration response behavior of mast arm signal support structures can be significantly reduced by installing the PTD-TMD that can increase the critical damping ratio of the mast arm signal structures to 4%. The stress range at the welded connection between the mast arm and traffic pole is also reduced.     

Experimental and numerical evaluation of the fundamental period of undamaged and damaged RC framed buildings

This paper deals with the period evaluation of Reinforced Concrete (RC) framed buildings in elastic, yield and severely damaged states. Firstly, period-height relationships either reported in the literature, or obtained from both numerical simulations (eigenvalue analyses) and experimental measurements (ambient vibration analyses) have been examined and compared. Structural types representing low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise RC buildings without earthquake resistant design, widely present in the Italian and European built environment, have been studied. Results have shown high differences between numerical and experimental period values. Period elongation (stiffness degradation) during and after strong ground shaking has been also examined based on results from experimental in situ and laboratory tests performed on some RC framed building structures which suffered moderate-heavy damage. Some comments on the relationship between damage level and period elongation are reported.     

Experimental testing, numerical modelling and seismic strengthening of traditional stone masonry: comprehensive study of a real Azorian pier

Stone masonry is one of the oldest building techniques used worldwide and it is known to exhibit poor behaviour under seismic excitations. In this context, this work aims at assessing the in-plane behaviour of an existing double-leaf stone masonry pier by experimental testing. Additionally, a detailed 3D finite element numerical analysis based on micro-modelling of the original pier is presented (fully describing the geometry and division of each individual elements, namely infill, blocks and joints) aiming at simulating the experimental test results. This numerical strategy can be seen as an alternative way of analysing this type of constructions, particularly useful for laboratory studies, and suitable for the calibration of simplified numerical models. As part of a wider research activity, this work is further complemented with the presentation of an effective retrofit/strengthening technique (reinforced connected plaster) to achieve a significant improvement of its in-plane cyclic response which is experimentally verified in the results presented herein.     

Experimental analysis of pore-scale flow and transport in porous media

A novel, non-intrusive fluorescence imaging technique has been used to quantitatively measure the pore geometry, fluid velocity, and solute concentration within a saturated, three-dimensional porous medium. Discrete numerical averages of these quantities have been made over a representative volume of the medium and used to estimate macroscopic quantities that appear in conventional continuum models of flow and transport. The approach is meant to illustrate how microscopic information can be measured, averaged, and used to characterize medium-scale processes that are typically approximated constitutively. The experimental system consisted of a clear, cylindrical column packed with clear spherical beads and a refractive index-matched fluid seeded with fluorescent tracer particles and solute dye. By illuminating the fluid within the column with a scanning planar laser beam, details of flow and concentration within the pore spaces can be quantitatively observed, allowing for three-dimensional, dimensional, time dependent information to be obtained at good resolution. In time dependent information to be obtained at good resolution. In the current experiment, volumetrically averaged velocities and void-to-volume ratios are first compared with bulk measurements of fluid flux and medium porosity. Microscopic measurements of concentration are then used to construct cross-sectionally averaged profiles, mean breakthrough curves, and direct measurements of the dispersive flux, velocity variance, and concentration variance. In turn, the dispersive flux measurements are compared with mean concentration gradients to provide a basis for confirming the Fickian dispersion model and estimating dispersion coefficients for the medium. Coefficients determined in this manner are compared with others based upon traditional length-scale arguments, mean breakthrough analyses, and curve fits with numerical simulations.     

Experimental analysis and application of sparsity constrained deconvolution

Sparsity constrained deconvolution can improve the resolution of band-limited seismic data compared to conventional deconvolution. However, such deconvolution methods result in nonunique solutions and suppress weak reflections. The Cauchy function, modified Cauchy function, and Huber function are commonly used constraint criteria in sparse deconvolution. We used numerical experiments to analyze the ability of sparsity constrained deconvolution to restore reflectivity sequences and protect weak reflections under different constraint criteria. The experimental results demonstrate that the performance of sparsity constrained deconvolution depends on the agreement between the constraint criteria and the probability distribution of the reflectivity sequences; furthermore, the modified Cauchyconstrained criterion protects the weak reflections better than the other criteria. Based on the model experiments, the probability distribution of the reflectivity sequences of carbonate and clastic formations is statistically analyzed by using well-logging data and then the modified Cauchy-constrained deconvolution is applied to real seismic data much improving the resolution.     

A numerical model for seismic analysis of masonry buildings: Experimental correlations

A non-linear finite element model for plain masonry structures under lateral static loads and seismic base inputs is presented. Three super-imposed elasto-plastic shear elements are used in order to approximate the typical force-displacement curve for masonry. Material properties are identified with respect to results of shear tests on single piers. Modelling of entire structures is then performed and the numerical results are satisfactorily checked against the experimental outputs of static and shaking table tests of simple 1 and 2 storey buildings. The out of plane behaviour of walls is accounted for by means of a simplified method.     

PART II: Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Estimations of Site Effects

— To check the reliability and the quality of the theoretically estimated ground responses obtained from the 2-D simulation by the application of the hybrid method in PART-I, we compare some of them with those obtained at the same sites from observed data using the Standard Spectral Ratio (SSR). The comparison validates our synthetic modeling and shows that in cases of complex geometries, the use of at least 2-D numerical simulations is required in order to reliably evaluate site effects and thus facilitate the microzonation of the city of Thessaloniki.     

升—降温全过程中约束钢梁的有限元与试验分析

以轴向支撑连接方式,利用自制的加热炉对约束钢梁进行了升—降温全过程的试验研究。重点研究了钢梁的跨中挠度随温度变化的规律,以及梁端不同轴向支撑刚度和钢柱不同轴压比条件下约束钢梁的屈曲模式及其梁端轴向支撑的破坏形态。基于ANSYS有限元软件,采用温度场和结构耦合中的间接法,对升-降温全过程中的约束钢梁进行了有限元分析。数值计算结果与试验结果吻合较好,验证了有限元模型和参数设置的合理性。根据对比分析,讨论了我国现行钢结构防火技术规范中存在的关键问题,特别提出了钢结构抗火设计应有的内涵,为钢结构抗火研究提供了新的思路。     

Experimental and computational synergy for modelling an advanced gas-cooled reactor core under seismic excitation

The advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGRs) are the backbone of the United Kingdom's nuclear generation fleet, producing approximately 17% of the country's electricity. Their safety cases are supported by thorough inspection and monitoring of their graphite cores and extensive theoretical, analytical, and experimental studies. This paper presents a unique, highly innovative and technically challenging earthquake engineering project that has provided vital evidence to underpin the seismic safety assessments of the AGRs. Two modelling approaches, one experimental (a multilayer array physical model), and one numerical (a SOLFEC nonsmooth contact dynamics computational model) have been developed to investigate the seismic behaviour of an aged graphite core. The synergetic relationship between the two approaches is a product of insightful collaborative learning between the University of Bristol and Atkins, with the experiments providing material parameters and validation data and the computer simulations feeding array design and test schedule recommendations to the physical model. The predictive capabilities of the physical and the numerical models are tested by direct comparison and the good agreement between the results has increased the confidence in both. The model's versatility allows a variety of core scenarios to be tested that can explore in detail the AGR core behaviour in seismic conditions.     

Experimental validation of a numerical prediction model for free field traffic induced vibrations by in situ experiments

This paper deals with the validation of a numerical model for traffic induced vibrations. Road unevenness subjects the vehicle to vertical oscillations that cause dynamic axle loads, which generate waves propagating in the subsoil. A 2D vehicle model is used for the calculation of the axle loads from the longitudinal road profile. The free field soil response is calculated with the dynamic Betti–Rayleigh reciprocity theorem, using a transfer function between the road and the receiver that accounts for dynamic road–soil interaction. The validation relies on the measured response of the vehicle's axles and the soil during the passage of a truck on an artificial unevenness with speeds varying from 30 to 70 km/h. The agreement between the numerical and the experimental results is good: the influence of the vehicle speed and the distance from the road is well predicted, while the ratio of the predicted and the measured PPV is less than two.