Test on dynamic characteristics of subgrade of heavy-haul railway in cold regions

Dynamic characteristics of heavy-haul railway subgrade under vibratory loading in cold regions are investigated via low-temperature dynamic triaxial tests with multi-stage cyclic loading process. The relationship between dynamic shear stress and dynamic shear strain of frozen soil of subgrade under train loading and the influence of freezing temperatures on dynamic constitutive relation, dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio are observed in this study. Test results show that the dynamic constitutive relations of the frozen soils with different freezing temperatures comply with the hyperbolic model, in which model parameters a and b decrease with increasing freezing temperature. The dynamic shear modulus of the frozen soils decreases with increasing dynamic shear strains initially, followed by a relatively smooth attenuation tendency, whereas increases with decreasing freezing temperatures. The damping ratios decrease with decreasing freezing temperatures. Two linear functions are defined to express the linear relationships between dynamic shear modulus (damping ratio) and freezing temperature, respectively, in which corresponding linear coefficients are obtained through multiple regression analysis of test data.     

Development of a dynamic load direct shear apparatus for the study of permafrost

The dynamic parameters of permafrost are crucial to and directly affect the accuracy of engineering design and numerical simulation. This paper describes a new dynamic load direct shear apparatus that was developed to measure these parameters. The power systems and measurement and control systems of the device are described, as is a successful validation experiment. The results show that this dynamic load direct shearing device can accurately derive dynamic shear parameters within a certain range of frequencies and amplitudes of shear load.     

Direct shear tests of coarse-grained fillings from high-speed railway subgrade in cold regions

In order to study the shear behavior of coarse-grained fillings taken from the subgrade bottom layer of a cold region high-speed railway, large scale direct shear tests were conducted with different normal pressures, water contents and temperatures. The results indicate that the relationship between shear displacement and shear stress changed from strain-softening at lower normal pressures to strain-hardening at higher normal pressures, in both unfrozen and frozen states. This phenomenon was mainly due to the shear dilatation deformation effect. The shear displacement-shear stress curves show similar stages. Besides, the shear stress rapidly increased and there was not an increment in the shear displacement during the initial stage of the shear process in the frozen state. In both the unfrozen or frozen states at the same water contents, the shear strength increased with increasing normal pressure.     

A nonlinear interface structural damage model between ice crystal and frozen clay soil

The shear properties of ice-frozen soil interface are important when studying the constitutive model of frozen soil and slope stability in cold regions. In this research, a series of cryogenic direct shear tests for ice-frozen clay soil interface were conducted. Based on experimental results, a nonlinear interface structural damage model is proposed to describe the shear properties of ice-frozen clay soil interface. Firstly, the cementation and friction structural properties of frozen soil materials were analyzed, and a structural parameter of the ice-frozen clay soil interface is proposed based on the cryogenic direct shear test results. Secondly, a structural coefficient ratio is proposed to describe the structural development degree of ice-frozen clay soil interface under load, which is able to normalize the shear stress of ice-frozen clay soil interface,and the normalized data can be described by the Duncan-Chang model. Finally, the tangent stiffness of ice-frozen clay soil interface is calculated, which can be applied to the mechanics analysis of frozen soil. Also, the shear stress of ice-frozen clay soil interface calculated by the proposed model is compared with test results.     

Freezing and thawing effects of sand-silt mixtures on elastic waves

Freezing and thawing during the winter season change soil properties such as density. The density change in the particulate media influences soil stiffness. In addition, freezing of partially or fully saturated soils changes the soil matrix from a particulate media to a continuum. The goal of this study is to investigate the cyclic freezing and thawing effects on elastic waves. Sand-silt mixtures with 10% silt fraction in weight and 40% saturation are prepared. The sand-silt mixtures are placed in a nylon cell, onto which a pair of bender elements and a pair of piezoelectric disk elements are installed for the measurement of shear and compressional waves, respectively. The temperature of the mixtures decreases from 20°C to 10°C to freezing. The frozen sample is gradually thawed at room temperature (20°C). These freezing-thawing processes are repeated three times. The test result shows that the shear and compressional wave velocities significantly increase when the specimen is frozen. When the temperature is greater than 0°C, the elastic wave velocities are lower during thawing than during freezing due to soil structure change. This study demonstrates that soil structure change during the winter season may be effectively estimated from elastic waves.     

Characterization of frozen soil-cement mixture for berm construction in cold regions

Lagoon berms in western Alaska are difficult to design and build due to limited resources, high cost of construction and materials, and warm permafrost conditions. This paper explores methods to treat locally available frozen materials and use them for berm construction. The goal is to find an optimized mix ratio for cement and additives that can be effective in increasing the strength and decreasing the thaw settlement of an ice-rich frozen silty soil. Soil of similar type and ice content to the permafrost found at a project site in Eek, Alaska is prepared in a cold room. The frozen soil is pulverized and cement, additives and fibers are added to the samples for enhancing shear strength and controlling thaw settlement. Thaw settlement and direct shear testsare performed to assess strength and settlement characteristics. This paper presents a sample preparation method, data from thaw settlement and direct shear tests, and analyses of the test results and preliminary conclusions.     

Shear properties of thawed natural permafrost by bender elements

Thawed permafrost could cause a serious stability problem for foundations and oil-wells in cold regions. A non-damage testing procedure, employing the Bender Element Method, was used for permafrost samples collected from a continuous frozen core obtained from the North Slope of Alaska, USA. The wave velocity and modulus of thawed permafrost were investigated on various isotropic confining pressure from 0 kPa to 400 kPa per 100 kPa. The received shear wave propagation was recorded, and the elastic wave theory was used to calculate shear modulus. Finally, the shear modulus affected by confining pressure, water content and dry density were analyzed and discussed, and a regression formulation of shear modulus based on the Janbu Model for thawed silty and sandy permafrost were proposed and validation.     

Vibration characteristics of frozen soil under moving track loads

Vibration due to moving traffic loads is an important factor which induces frozen soil damage; this paper analyzed these vibration characteristics of frozen soil foundation under track loads. Firstly, seismic observation array(SOA) technology was applied to monitor the three dimensional dynamic characteristics of frozen soil under movable track load in a permafrost region and seasonal frozen soil area. Secondly, a numerical simulation for the response of frozen soil under movable track load was performed based on finite element analysis(FEA). The results show that dynamic characteristics of frozen soil in perpendicular and parallel direction of the track are obviously different. In the direction perpendicular to the track, the vertical acceleration amplitude had an abrupt increase in the 9–10 m from the track line. In the direction parallel to the track, the acceleration in vertical and horizontal direction had a quick attenuation compared to the other direction. Lastly, various parameters were analyzed for the purpose of controlling the dynamic response of frozen soil and the vibration attenuation in frozen soil layer.     

Characteristics of dynamic strain and strength of frozen silt under long-term dynamic loading

The dynamic strain and strength of frozen silt under long-term dynamic loading are studied based on creep tests. Three groups of tests are performed (Groups I, II, and III). The initial deviator stresses of Groups I and II are same and the dynamic stress amplitude of Group II is twice as that of Group I. The minimum value of dynamic stress in Group III is near zero and its dynamic stress amplitude is larger than those of Groups I and II. In tests of all three groups there are similar change trends of accumulative strain, but with different values. The accumulative strain curves consist of three stages, namely, the initial stage, the steady stage, and the gradual flow stage. In the tests of Groups I and II, during the initial stage with vibration times less than 50 loops the strain amplitude decreased with the increase of vibration times and then basically remained constant, fluctuating in a very small range. For the tests of Group III, during the initial and steady stages the strain amplitude decreased with the increase of vibration times, and then increased rapidly in the gradual flow stage. The dynamic strength of frozen silt decreases and trends to terminal dynamic strength as the vibration times of loading increase.     

Experimental study on DX pile performance in frozen soils under lateral loading

Experiments about working mechanism and mechanical characteristics of the DX model pile foundation under lateral dynamic and static loading were conducted by using a model system of the dynamic frozen ...     

Influence of repeated freeze-thaw on dynamic modulus and damping ratio properties of silty sand

Under repeated freezing and thawing in deep seasonal frozen regions, the stability and strength of the soil are imposed in the form of large uneven settlement, instability and strength reduction, which...     

Shallow earthquakes in a viscoelastic shear zone with depth-dependent friction and rheology

Summary. Most crustal earthquakes of the world are observed to occur within a seismogenic layer which extends from the Earth's surface to a depth of a few tens of kilometres at most. A model is proposed in which the shear zone along a transcurrent plate margin is represented as a viscoelastic medium with depth-dependent power-law rheology. A frictional resistance linearly increasing with depth is assumed on a vertical transcurrent fault within the shear zone. Such a model is able to reproduce a continuous transition from the brittle behaviour of the upper crust to the ductile behaviour at depth. Assuming that the shear zone is subjected to a constant strain rate from the opposite motions of the two adjacent plates, it is found that there exists a maximum depth H below which tectonic stress can never reach the frictional threshold: this may be identified as the maximum depth of earthquake nucleation. The value of H is consistent with observations for plausible values of the model parameters. The stress evolution in the shear zone is calculated in the linear approximation of the constitutive equation. A change in rigidity with depth, which is also introduced in the model, may reproduce the high vertical gradient of shear stress, which has been measured across the San Andreas fault, and the fact that most earthquakes are nucleated at some depth in the seismogenic layer. A crack which drops the ambient stress to the dynamic frictional level is then introduced in the model. To this aim, a crack solution is employed without a stress singularity at its edges, which is compatible with a frictional stress threshold criterion for fracture. A constraint on the vertical friction gradient is obtained if such cracks are assumed to be entirely confined within the seismogenic layer.     

Dynamic behavior of the Qinghai-Tibetan railway embankment in permafrost regions under trained-induced vertical loads

The unfrozen water content and ice content of frozen soil change continuously with varying temperatures, resulting in the temperature dependence of mechanical properties of frozen soil. Thus the dynamic behavior of embankment in permafrost regions under train loading also alters with seasons. Based on a series of strong-motion tests that were carried out on the traditional embankment of Qinghai-Tibet Railway(QTR) in permafrost regions, the acceleration waveforms recorded at the embankment shoulder and slope toes were obtained. Testing results show an obvious attenuation effect on the vertical train loading from road shoulder to slope toes. Furthermore, numerical simulations of a traditional embankment under vertical train loading in different seasons were conducted, and the dynamic behavior of the embankment was described. The results show that the vibration attenuation in the cold season is greater than that in the warm season. The maximum acceleration of vibration drops to about 5% when the train vibration load is transferred through the embankment into the permafrost, and the high-frequency components are absorbed when the vibration transmits downward. Moreover, the dynamic stress under the dynamic train loading decreases exponentially with an increasing depth in different seasons. The results can be a reference for design and maintenance of embankments in permafrost regions.     

The effect of subgrade inhomogeneity induced by freeze-thaw on the dynamic response of track-subgrade system

The developed vertical coupling model of Vehicle-Track-Subgrade which considered subgrade layer vibration is present-ed. The equations of motion for the ballast, top and bottom subgrade layers are pres...     

Seasonally frozen soil effects on the dynamic behavior of highway bridges

Frozen ground is significantly stiffer than unfrozen ground. For bridges supported on deep foundations, bridge stiffness is also measurably higher in winter months. Significant changes due to seasonal freezing in bridge pier boundary conditions require additional detailing in order to ensure a ductile performance of the bridge during a design earthquake event. This paper reports the latest results obtained from a project that systematically investigated the effects of seasonally frozen soil on the seismic behavior of highway bridges in cold regions. A bridge was chosen and was monitored to study its seismic performance and assess the impact of seasonally frozen soil on its dynamic properties. A Finite Element (FE) model was created for this bridge to analyze the impact of seasonal frost. It was found that when frost depth reaches 1.2 m, the first transverse modal frequency increases about 200% when compared with the no-frost case. The results show that seasonal frost has a significant impact on the overall dynamic behavior of bridges supported by pile foundations in cold regions, and that these effects should be accounted for in seismic design.     

Experimental study of the dynamic behavior of high-grade highway-subgrade soil in a seasonally frozen area

Regarding the freezing damage of high-grade highway subgrade in seasonally frozen area,the thesis explores the effect on the dynamic behavior of subgrade soil under freeze–thaw cycles and draws the change law of parameters(including dynamic strength,dynamic cohesion,and internal friction angle;and dynamic elastic modulus)of high-grade highway-subgrade soil with the number of freeze–thaw cycles.It aims to provide the reference for operation and maintenance of a high-grade highway.Conclusions:(1)Dynamic strength tends to decline evidently after freeze–thaw cycles,with 60%~70%decline after three cycles,and remains stable after five to seven cycles.(2)With the number of freeze–thaw cycles increasing,the internal friction angle fluctuates within a certain range without an obvious change law,only presenting the tendency of dropping off.The dynamic cohesion declines obviously,about 20%~40%after seven freeze–thaw cycles,and then tends to be stable.(3)With the number of freeze-thaw cycles increasing,the dynamic elastic modulus and maximum dynamic elastic modulus are inclined to decrease distinctly.After five freeze–thaw cycles,the former declines 30%~40%and then remains stable.Meanwhile,the latter falls 20%~40%.     

车辆碾压对沙质草原表土物理力学性质的影响

通过野外现场调查、载荷试验、轻型圆锥动力触探、车辆碾压原状草地观测试验及室内试验方法,对呼伦贝尔沙质草原不同碾压程度表层沙土物理力学性质及变形和剪切破坏特征进行研究。结果表明:碾压使上软下硬高压缩性的原状表层沙土因应力集中产生振动密实沉降、塑性变形,直接破坏表土层原状结构。碾压程度越大,沙土密实度越高、抗剪强度越大、承载力越高。碾压形成上硬下软土层,因强度不足发生整体剪切破坏,塑性变形区的沙土在重复荷载作用下产生振动蠕变及砂土液化,使土层强度、稳定性显著降低。车辆碾压可直接或间接破坏沙质草原表层沙土,加剧土层破口形成及扩大,加速草原沙漠化。     

莲花山断裂带汕尾段韧性剪切带浅层滑塌特征与成因机制

深汕特别合作区是莲花山断裂带的主要展布区,2条大型韧性剪切带从深汕区南北两侧穿过。2015年以来,区内韧性剪切带内（简称“带内”）产生了大量的浅表滑塌,发生密度远高于周边山体。因为深汕特别合作区地质灾害风险区划的需要,有必要查明带内浅层滑塌的特征与分布规律,分析其成因机制,预测其发展变化趋势。文章通过地面调查与遥感解译,查明了带内浅层滑塌的单体规模为小型,滑塌主要沿基岩面产生,滑塌体主要是土体与全风化岩体;利用信息量模型分析浅层滑塌规律,得出滑塌密度与韧性变形程度（强烈→中等→弱）、距脆性断裂的距离（近→远）、地形坡度（高→低）呈正相关,其分布密度与地貌单元、坡向、原岩类型、斜坡类型也有较强的关联。结合区域地质、勘探、气象等资料,分析得出带内浅层滑塌是在以剪切为主的多期构造作用影响形成的较弱本底条件下,在山区地块现今缓慢上升的背景下,在台风迭加暴雨的诱发下产生的,其发展变化具有迁移性、自愈性、扩展性的特点;带内斜坡在经历了2015年“彩虹”台风期间普遍性滑塌事件后,产生浅层破坏的敏感性下降,需要较长时间孕育才能进入下一次爆发期。     

松嫩平原盐沼湿地冻融期水盐动态研究--吉林省长岭县十三泡地区湖滩地为例

以吉林省长岭县十三泡地区湖滩地为例 ,选取有代表性的月份进行定位观测、实验和对比分析 ,研究了冻融期盐沼湿地水盐运移的特殊规律性。研究表明 ,盐沼湿地冻结期 ,由于冻层的存在 ,土体内产生的温度梯度、水势梯度 ,是冬季水盐积累的驱动力。在冻结期 ,冻层水盐自底层向上迁移 ;融冻期 ,冻层自地表向下及自暖土层向上双向融化 ,在冻层形成上层滞水 ,在冻层之下水盐从下向冻层迁移冻结。冻融期间盐沼湿地水盐迁移的热力学机制是松嫩平原土壤盐化发生机制的重要组成部分。     

1960-2009年中国西北地区东部低层风切变对雨日的控制作用及其在不同季节的降水效率

利用中国西北地区东部61个气象站1960-2009年逐日降水资料,结合同时次NCEP全球再分析风场资料,在气旋性风切变辨识算法的支撑下,分析了近50年西北地区东部低层气旋性风切变演变对同期雨日多寡的控制与指示作用,结合低层水汽条件与气旋性风切变的配置关系,对其在不同季节对雨日的可能影响程度及降水效率进行了逐一比对与成因探讨。结果表明:在冷暖空气交汇频繁的春、秋两季,即一年中气旋性风切变多发时段,700 hPa气旋性风切变在干旱区和半干旱区,对雨日产生的差异性最为显著,降水效率相差达24%,而冬季仅为10%;通过对比分析西北地区东部不同季节风切变效率多年和少年比湿分布,发现在在春、夏两季,水汽条件对700 hPa气旋性风切变的降水效率影响最为显著。气旋性风切变降水效率概念的引入,不仅较为符合西北地区的天气气候特点,且能够较好地反映雨日与700 hPa气旋性风切变之间在不同季节与不同区域中的相关性,对现实预报有较重要的指示意义。