A model for stress and plastic strain induced nonlinear,hyperelastic anisotropy in soils

The experimental evidence that cohesive and granular soils possess an elastic range in which the elasticity is both nonlinear and anisotropic—with stiffness and directional characteristics strongly dependent on stress and plastic strain (the so‐called ‘stress history’)—is given a formulation based on hyperelasticity. This is accomplished within the framework of elastoplastic coupling, through a new proposal of elastic potentials and a combined use of a plastic‐strain‐dependent fabric tensor and nonlinear elasticity. When used within a simple elastoplastic framework, the proposed model is shown to yield very accurate simulations of the evolution of elastic properties from initial directional stiffening to final isotropic degradation. Within the proposed constitutive framework, it is shown that predictions of shear band formation and evolution become closer to the existing experimental results, when compared to modelling in which elasticity does not evolve. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Energy (heat) analysis of greisenization process

An attempt at energy (heat) analysis of greisenization is made on the basis of determining the solution and specific heat of the original rocks and their metasomatites. A great amount of heat is released in greisenization; metasomatic zones are formed with the energy level lower than in the original rocks. -- Author.     

Fluorescence spectroscopy of U(VI)-silicates and U(VI)-contaminated Hanford sediment

Time-resolved U(VI) laser fluorescence spectra (TRLFS) were recorded for a series of natural uranium-silicate minerals including boltwoodite, uranophane, soddyite, kasolite, sklodowskite, cuprosklodowskite, haiweeite, and weeksite, a synthetic boltwoodite, and four U(VI)-contaminated Hanford vadose zone sediments. Lowering the sample temperature from RT to ∼ 5.5 K significantly enhanced the fluorescence intensity and spectral resolution of both the minerals and sediments, offering improved possibilities for identifying uranyl species in environmental samples. At 5.5 K, all of the uranyl silicates showed unique, well-resolved fluorescence spectra. The symmetric O = U = O stretching frequency, as determined from the peak spacing of the vibronic bands in the emission spectra, were between 705 to 823 cm⁻¹ for the uranyl silicates. These were lower than those reported for uranyl phosphate, carbonate, or oxy-hydroxides. The fluorescence emission spectra of all four sediment samples were similar to each other. Their spectra shifted minimally at different time delays or upon contact with basic Na/Ca-carbonate electrolyte solutions that dissolved up to 60% of the precipitated U(VI) pool. The well-resolved vibronic peaks in the fluorescence spectra of the sediments indicated that the major fluorescence species was a crystalline uranyl mineral phase, while the peak spacing of the vibronic bands pointed to the likely presence of uranyl silicate. Although an exact match was not found between the U(VI) fluorescence spectra of the sediments with that of any individual uranyl silicates, the major spectral characteristics indicated that the sediment U(VI) was a uranophane-type solid (uranophane, boltwoodite) or soddyite, as was concluded from microprobe, EXAFS, and solubility analyses.     

Improved rotational hardening rule for cohesive soils and definition of inherent anisotropy

Improved, microfabric‐inspired rotational hardening rules for the plastic potential and bounding surfaces associated with the generalized bounding surface model for cohesive soils are presented. These hardening rules include 2 new functions, f_η and , that improve the simulation of anisotropically consolidated cohesive soils. Three model parameters are associated with the improved hardening rules. A detailed procedure for obtaining suitable values for these parameters is presented. The first 2 parameters affect the simulation of constant stress ratio loading where, because of the presence of f_η, the third parameter is inactive. The second new function, , accelerates the rotation of the plastic potential and bounding surfaces during shearing, which is particularly important for overconsolidated soils tested in extension. This paper also describes the proper manner in which to define the inherent anisotropy. This seemingly straightforward test has rarely been discussed in sufficient detail.     

A semi-discrete procedure for dynamic response analysis of saturated soils

Biot's equations of wave propagation through fluid-saturated porous elastic media are discretized spatially using the finite element method in conjunction with Galerkin's procedure. Laplace transformation of the discretized equations is used to suppress the time variable. Introducing Laplace transforms of constituent velocities at nodal points as additional variables, the quadratic set of equations in the Laplace transform parameter is reduced to a linear form. The solution in the Laplace transform space is inverted, term by term, to get the complete time history of the solid and fluid displacements and velocities. Since the solution is exact in the time domain, the error in the calculated response is entirely due to the spatial approximation. The procedure is applied to one-dimensional wave propagation in a linear elastic material and in a fluid-saturated elastic soil layer with ‘weak’, ‘strong’ as well as ‘moderate’ coupling. With refinement of the spatial mesh, convergence to the exact solution is established. The procedure can provide a useful benchmark for validation of approximate temporal discretization schemes and estimation of errors due to spatial discretization.     

Degradation of carbon disulphide (CS2) in soils and groundwater from a CS2-contaminated site

This study is the first investigation of biodegradation of carbon disulphide (CS₂) in soil that provides estimates of degradation rates and identifies intermediate degradation products and carbon isotope signatures of degradation. Microcosm studies were undertaken under anaerobic conditions using soil and groundwater recovered from CS₂-contaminated sites. Proposed degradation mechanisms were validated using equilibrium speciation modelling of concentrations and carbon isotope ratios. A first-order degradation rate constant of 1.25 × 10^?2 h^?1 was obtained for biological degradation with soil. Carbonyl sulphide (COS) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) were found to be intermediates of degradation, but did not accumulate in vials. A ¹³C/¹²C enrichment factor of ?7.5 ± 0.8 ‰ was obtained for degradation within microcosms with both soil and groundwater whereas a ¹³C/¹²C enrichment factor of ?23.0 ± 2.1 ‰ was obtained for degradation with site groundwater alone. It can be concluded that biological degradation of both CS₂-contaminated soil and groundwater is likely to occur in the field suggesting that natural attenuation may be an appropriate remedial tool at some sites. The presence of biodegradation by-products including COS and H₂S indicates that biodegradation of CS₂ is occurring and stable carbon isotopes are a promising tool to quantify CS₂ degradation.     

Sorption and precipitation of Co(II) in Hanford sediments and alkaline aluminate solutions

Sorption and precipitation of Co(II) in simplified model systems related to the Hanford site high-level nuclear waste tank leakage were investigated through solution studies, geochemical modeling, and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Studies of Co(II) sorption to pristine Hanford sediments (ERDF and Sub), which consist predominantly of quartz, plagioclase, and alkali feldspar, show an adsorption edge centered at pH ≈ 8.0 for both sediments studied, with sorption >99% above pH ≈ 9.0. Aqueous SiO₂ resulting from dissolution of the sediments increased in concentration with increasing pH, though the systems remained undersaturated with respect to quartz. XAFS studies of Co(II) sorption to both sediment samples reveal the oxidation of Co(II) to Co(III), likely by dissolved O₂, although this oxidation was incomplete in the Sub sediment samples. The authors propose that Fe(II) species, either in aqueous solution or at mineral surfaces, partially inhibited Co(II) oxidation in the Sub sediment samples, as these sediments contain significantly higher quantities of Fe(II)-bearing minerals which likely partially dissolved under the high-pH solution conditions. In alkaline solutions, Al precipitated as bayerite, gibbsite, or a mixture of the two at pH > 7; an amorphous gel formed at pH values less than 7. Aqueous Co concentrations were well below the solubility of known Co-bearing phases at low pH, suggesting that Co was removed from solution through an adsorption mechanism. At higher pH values, Co concentrations closely matched the solubility of a Co-bearing hydrotalcite-like solid. XAFS spectra of Co(II) sorbed to Al-hydroxide precipitates are similar to previously reported spectra for such hydrotalcite-like phases. The precipitation processes observed in this study can significantly reduce the environmental hazard posed by ⁶⁰Co in the environment.     

A complementary section for the proposed Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) global stratotype: The Almonacid de la Cuba section (Spain)

We present the biostratigraphy (ammonites, brachiopods, foraminifers, and ostracodes), lithostratigraphy, sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and isotope stratigraphy of the Almonacid de la Cuba section located in the Iberian Range, central-eastern Spain. This section, which contains a continuous and expanded record of the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary (Early Jurassic), has been proposed as a complementary section for the Toarcian GSSP. An excellent ammonite-based biozonation has been obtained. Four ammonite assemblages characterized by the presence of Pleuroceras, Canavaria, Dactylioceras (Eodactylites), and Dactylioceras (Orthodactylites) have been distinguished. The base of the Toarcian is located at level CU35.2, based on the first occurrence of Dactylioceras. The occurrence of taxa from the NW European and the Mediterranean provinces is useful to improve the correlation between both provinces. Foraminiferal and ostracode assemblages are rich and diversified and no significant biostratigraphic events take place at the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary. The magnetostratigraphic data presented here are the most complete record of reversals of the earth magnetic field for the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary. A good record of the onset of the positive δ¹³C excursion reported in the Lower Toarcian of many European sections has been obtained. Average paleotemperatures measured at the latest Pliensbachian Spinatum Biochron of about 12.5°C, recorded a marked increase of the seawater temperature which started during the Toarcian, reaching average temperatures of 16.7°C at the Tenuicostatum Biochron. The obtained ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values fully agree with the LOWESS calibration curve.     

Numerical analysis of the miniature piezocone penetration tests (PCPT) in cohesive soils

An analytical model to simulate the penetration of the piezocone penetrometer in cohesive soils is presented here. The elasto-plastic coupled field equations of the saturated cohesive soils (given by Voyiadjis and Abu-Farsakh) is used in this analysis. The numerical simulation of the piezocone penetration is implemented into a finite element program. The analytical model is used to analyze the miniature piezocone penetration tests (PCPT) conducted at LSU calibration chambers. Simulation of the piezocone penetration is done for two cases. In the first case, the soil–penetrometer interface friction is neglected, while in the second case, the soil–penetrometer interface friction is taken into consideration. The constraint approach is used to model the soil–piezocone interface friction in which the Mohr–Coulomb frictional model is used to define the sliding potential. Analysis is done for three different soil specimens with different stress histories. The results of the numerical simulations are compared with the experimental measurements of the miniature piezocone penetration tests (PCPT) in cohesive soil specimens conducted in LSU calibration chambers. The resulting excess pore pressure distribution and its dissipation using the numerical model are compared with some available prediction methods. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Terrestrial laser scanning for rockfall stability analysis in the cultural heritage site of Pitigliano (Italy)

Traditional surveying methods are often not sufficient to achieve a complete geomechanical characterization of the rock mass, to analyze the instability mechanisms threatening the cultural heritage of hilltop historic towns. In Pitigliano (Tuscany, Central Italy), terrestrial laser scanning was employed complementarily to conventional geomechanical techniques. The overall 3D survey of the exposed surfaces was combined with scanlines of the inner walls of the subterranean cavities running underneath the historic centre. The rock mass discontinuities geometry was extracted, and the most critical instability mechanisms were mapped, with particular interest in the potential impacts on the ancient buildings located along the cliff edge. The geomechanical analysis of the surveyed joint sets confirmed a structural control on the cliff morphology by two main joint sets. Thanks to the laser scanner-based kinematic analysis, flexural toppling and wedge failure were found as the main hazardous instability mechanisms in Pitigliano. Finally, the conservation criticalities were identified and a pilot monitoring system was installed in a sector highly susceptible to block detachment.     

Model study for the proposed magnetotelluric (MT) traverse in North India

In anticipation of an MT traverse into the Himalayas, extensive modelling was done to determine survey specifications. This was based on a combination of geologic, seismic and low frequency electromagnetic induction data available in the literature. The modelling technique used is one which is now fairly standard, involving the numerical solution of Maxwell's equations for a two-dimensional geoelectrical structure. The models included most known features of the surface and subsurface, including the Ganges Basin, the topography of the mountains, and the Main Boundary Thrust. Proposed high temperature zones were also modelled. In the course of the modelling, some constraints were found for the source of the Aravalli anomaly observed by Lilley et al. (1981).     

拟建深基坑降水试验岩土工程分析

通过对上海轨道交通9号线宜山路车站深基坑降水试验结果分析,得到不同土层受降水影响的岩土工程特征,并对个别土层的实测沉降与由室内试验参数进行估算的沉降进行比较,以获得真实的沉降影响状况,指导深基坑的设计和施工。     

A proposed mechanism for the growth of chalcedony

The structural disparities that distinguish chalcedony from macrocrystalline quartz suggest that different crystallization mechanisms are operative during the growth of these two forms of silica. Although the paragenesis of chalcedony has provoked marked disagreement among researchers, a review of previous studies supports the idea that chalcedony can precipitate from slightly saturated aqueous solutions at relatively low temperatures (<100° C). These conditions for deposition suggest a model for chalcedony crystallization that involves the assembly of short-chain linear polymers via bridging silica monomers. This assembly occurs through a spiral growth mechanism activated by a screw dislocation withb=n/2 [110], wheren is an integer. The proposed model can account for a number of peculiarities that have been observed in chalcedony at the microstructural scale, such as: (1) the direction of fiber elongation along [110] rather than [001]; (2) the periodic twisting of chalcedony fibers about [110]; (3) the high density of Brazil twin composition planes; (4) the common intergrowth of moganite within chalcedony.     

基于强度折减概念的滑坡稳定性三维分析方法(I)：滑带土抗剪强度参数反演分析

滑带土抗剪强度是滑坡稳定性分析和防治工程设计中十分重要而又难于确定的参数之一。因此,基于临界状态假定的二维反分析方法得到了广泛应用。但是,自然界发生的滑坡基本上呈三维形态,其主滑方向有时变化也较大,使得有必要研究一种滑带土抗剪强度的三维反分析方法和滑坡稳定性的三维评价方法。笔者建议了一种基于强度折减概念的滑带土抗剪强度反分析方法,即通过逐步折减滑动面的强度参数,使滑动面的塑性区完全贯通,此时,塌滑体处于极限状态,所用强度参数即为滑带土的平均抗剪强度参数。从洪家渡水电站1#塌滑体计算成果来看,反演的滑带土摩擦角较二维反演值低4.1?,反映了滑坡体的三维效应,验证了所建议方法的可行性。     

A proposed geotechnical-based method for evaluation of liquefaction potential analysis subjected to earthquake provocations (case study: Korzan earth dam, Hamedan province, Iran)

During the earthquakes, a number of earth dams have had severe damages or suffered major displacements as a result of liquefaction, thus modeling by computer codes can provide a reliable tool to predict the response of the dam foundation against earthquakes. These modeling can be used in the design of new dams or safety assessments of existing ones. In this paper, on the basis of the field and laboratory tests and by combination of several software packages a seismic geotechnical-based analysis procedure is proposed and verified by comparison with computer model tests and field and laboratory experiences. Verification or validation of the analyses relies to the ability of the applied computer codes. By using the Silakhor earthquake (2006, M _s 6.1) as a basis in order to check the efficiency of the proposed framework, the procedure is applied to the Korzan earth dam of Iran which is located in Hamedan Province to analyze and estimate the liquefaction and safety factor. Design and development of a computer code by the authors which was named as the ??Abbas Converter?? with graphical user interface which operates as logic connecter function that can compute and model the soil profiles is the critical point of this study. The results confirmed and proved the ability of the generated computer code on the evaluation of soil behavior during earthquake excitations. Also, this code was able to facilitate this study better than previous ones have, taking over the encountered problem.     

Seismic site characterization and site response study of Nirsa (India)

Natural Hazards - The Nirsa block, a coal mining area, and an industrial town lies in the southern part of Dhanbad district, at the border between the Indian states of Jharkhand and West Bengal....     

一种基于数值应力场的强度各向异性边坡稳定性分析方法

提出了一种基于数值应力场下的边坡临界滑动面和临界坡高的分析方法。该分析方法首先利用有限元得到边坡内部较为精确的应力场,再通过在边坡内部模拟类似于链式反应过程中粒子产生和运动规律,在此基础上完成临界滑动面的搜索。主要结论如下：（1）提出了一种基于数值应力场的边坡临界滑动面的搜索方法,该方法可在不对边坡滑动面形状和位置进行干预的情况下完成潜在破坏路径的搜索。（2）通过对算法中区域与边界、激发源、产物扩散路径、路径权值4方面要素进行合理控制,可使算法在具有较高精度的同时又能保证较好的分析效率。（3）算法能较为方便地考虑真实应力条件下地层强度各向异性对边坡稳定性的影响,并能对临界坡高进行很好的分析。（4）通过具体算例对本文算法的计算结果进行验证,将所得结果与PSO和Monte Carlo两种方法得到结果进行对比,对本文方法的可靠性进行了验证,取得了较好的效果。     

A rational method for determining the swelling pressure of expansive soils: Paired swell test (PS-test)

Acta Geotechnica - Experimental investigations on the expansion behavior of clayey soils are of great importance to correctly understand the response of the soil–foundation. In this context,...