Geotechnical Characteristics of Volcanic Soils Taken from Recent Eruptions

Recent volcanic eruptions at Mt. Unzen (Japan) in 1990 and Mt. Pinatubo (Philippines) in 1991 produced voluminous amounts of ash and sediments which inundated widespread areas. In later rehabilitation and reconstruction, it is practical and economical to use these freshly deposited sediments as materials for foundations and embankments. However, the geotechnical properties of young volcanic products have not been fully investigated. Accordingly, we investigated the geotechnical characteristics of volcanic soils associated with three recent eruptions, namely, the Unzen and Izu-Oshima eruptions of 1990 and 1986, respectively, in Japan and the Pinatubo eruption of 1991 in the Philippines. We specifically investigated index properties, permeability and compaction characteristics, and strength and deformation behavior in drained conditions. Additionally, we examined the dynamic properties and liquefaction characteristics of samples taken from Mt. Pinatubo. The results showed that the geotechnical characteristics of the deposits generally varied with the sampling sites. Depending on the location, either upstream or downstream from a volcano, the preferential sizing due to alluvial deposition affects engineering properties of the deposits. For example, volcanic sediments upstream from Mt. Pinatubo have high compressibility and low cyclic strength, whereas those taken downstream show dilative tendencies and high liquefaction strength.     

Shear Behaviour of Loose and Compacted Pond Ash

Massive utilization of pond ash in earth works requires thorough understanding of its geotechnical characteristics, especially strength characteristics. Here in this paper, a detailed experimental study carried on the strength and other geotechnical characteristics of pond ash samples, collected from inflow and outflow points of two ash ponds in India, are presented. Strength characteristics were investigated using consolidated drained (CD) and undrained ( [`(\textCU)] \overline{\text{CU}} ) triaxial tests with pore water pressure measurements, conducted on loose and compacted specimens of pond ash samples under different confining pressures. Ash samples from inflow point exhibited behaviour similar to sandy soils in many respects. They exhibited higher strengths than reference material (Yamuna sand), though their specific gravity and compacted maximum dry densities are significantly lower than sands. Ash samples from outflow point exhibited significant differences in their properties and values, compared to samples from inflow point. Shear strength of the ash samples from outflow point are observed to be low, particularly in loose state where static liquefaction is observed.     

Strength characteristics of compacted pond ash

Strength properties of compacted ash layers depend to a great extent on the moulding conditions. This paper focuses on the effects of compaction energy and degree of saturation on strength characteristics of compacted pond ash. The pond ash sample, collected from the ash pond of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), was subjected to compactive energies varying from 357 kJ/m³ to 3488 kJ/m³. The optimum moisture content and maximum dry densities corresponding to different compactive energies were determined by conventional compaction tests. The shear strength parameters, unconfined compressive strengths (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) values of specimens compacted to different dry densities and moisture content were assessed and reported. The effects of compaction energy and degree of saturation on shear strength parameters i.e. unit cohesion (c_u) and angle of internal friction (Ф) values and also the UCS values are evaluated and presented herein. The results indicate that the dry density and strength of the compacted pond ash can be suitably modified by controlling the compactive energy and moulding moisture content. The strength achieved in the present study is comparable to the good quality, similar graded conventional earth materials. Hence, it may be safely concluded that pond ash can replace the natural earth materials in geotechnical constructions.     

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.     

One-Dimensional Consolidation of Sedimented Stowed Pond Ash

Use of fly ash locked in the ash ponds in geotechnical applications such as stowing or backfilling of the mines is an attractive alternative to solve the disposal problem. Before it is used as a stowing or backfilling material, the response of the fly ash?to imposed load must be determined in order to assess its load taking ability. The present study examines the effect of time and incremental load on the consolidation characteristics of the sedimented stowed pond ash using a fixed ring consolidometer. The important parameters, viz. rate of settlement, consolidation coefficients and void ratio, etc. of the hydraulically stowed pond ash collected after 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35?days of stowing under step incremental loads are determined. The study revealed that 60.42–84.87% settlement of the sedimented stowed pond ash takes place in the initial 1?min of the loading. In addition, it is observed that the coefficient of consolidation of the sedimented stowed pond ash, which varies in the range of 0.0195–0.1882?cm²/min, is comparatively low and decreases with the increment of applied load and time. This indicates that the structures lying above the stowed pond ash mass will undergo gradual settling and not suffer large deformation.     

基于Hardin曲线的土体边界面本构模型在ADINA软件中的实现

为了提出一种适合于岩土地震数值模拟的土体本构模型,基于土体动应力-应变关系的Hardin曲线及其在非等幅往返荷载下的Pyke修正,采用von Mises准则在偏应力平面上构造边界面,以反向加载点和当前应力点的连线在边界面上投影的比例作为硬化参数,推导了塑性硬化模量并给出该边界面本构的具体增量表述。在有限元软件ADINA中通过自定义材料的二次开发实现了该本构模型,并利用动三轴试验对该本构模型进行了验证。数值模拟与试验结果的对比表明,本构模型能如实反映土体的应力-应变关系。针对实际工程场地的地震反应,应用边界面本构模型在ADINA中进行了二维数值模拟,与SHAKE91的计算结果进行了对比,说明了该本构模型应用于岩土地震工程问题的合理性。     

Back-analysis of a seismically induced highway embankment failure during the 1999 Düzce earthquake

An earthquake of magnitude 7.2 on the Richter scale occurred on 12 November 1999 in the Düzce-Bolu region of Turkey. The region was also hit approximately 3 months before during the devastating Kocaeli earthquake of 17 August 1999. Besides high casualties and damage to various engineering structures and buildings, slope and embankment failures on the highway and the country roads occurred. In this study, the authors are concerned with the back-analysis of an embankment failure that occurred on the four lanes E-5 highway connecting Ankara to Gstanbul at Bakacak in the Bolu Province during the 1999 Düzce earthquake. Both pseudo-dynamic and dynamic limiting equilibrium methods are used to back analyse the conditions for the initiation of failure and also displacement responses of the embankment during the earthquake shaking. After having given a brief summary of the investigations on the post-failure state, the geology and geotechnical characteristics of the site, and the dynamic limiting equilibrium method developed and used for analyses are described. The results of the back-analysis based on a pseudo-dynamic approach, revealed that the maximum ground acceleration to initiate the failure of the embankment was probably about 0.125 g. On the other hand, the application of a method for computing the displacement and velocity responses of the failed embankment showed that the failure was possible when the embankment was subjected to ground accelerations similar to that recorded at the Düzce station. In addition, the computations also revealed that the time history of accelerations could be very important for the failure of slopes and embankments.     

Utilization of bituminous limestone ash from EL-LAJJUN area for engineering applications

The following work aims at minimizing the environmental impact of the solid wastes (ash) that is produced after the utilization of the bituminous limestone in thermal power stations and /or retort processes. Limy ash has been prepared from the El-Lajjun bituminous limestone by direct combustion at 1,200, 950, and 525°C respectively. The laboratory tests have been selected with respect to construction needs and possible post construction conditions. Utilization of the various types of ash in the stabilization problematic soils from Jordan as brown soils and the clayey marl has revealed optimum results. The unconfined compressive strength of the parent brown soil and the clayey marl has been raised from 5 kg/cm² to 50 and 25 kg/cm², respectively. The CBR value has been raised from 4.5 to 150% for both problematic soil types. Various mortars and construction elements can be produced at normal room curing temperature without the use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Low quality sub-base and base course can be mixed with ash to produce cement treated base (CTB) and roller compacted concrete (RCC) without OPC. Durable pavements, embankments can be constructed with very long life and low cost. CTB and RCC utilizing ash can be used in dam construction instead of normal soil in earth fill dams. The high alkalinity of El-Lajjun ash is considered as a disadvantage to be utilized in normal concrete mixes for structural purposes. Ash only can be mixed with aggregates to produce lean concrete like for blinding purposes to be prepared for foundation activities.     

Ground reinforced embankments for rockfall protection: design and evaluation of full scale tests

Infrastructures such as roads and railways as well as urbanised areas, in mountainside regions, can frequently be endangered by rockfalls and, therefore, need to be protected against the impact of rolling blocks. Among the various protection works that can be used, ground reinforced embankments can be considered a feasible technique. A set of full-scale tests on embankments made of ground reinforced by geogrids are presented and discussed. The experiments were performed in a specifically designed and constructed test facility, where concrete blocks up to 9,000 kg in weight were thrown onto a geogrid reinforced embankment at a speed of about 30 m/s. Several embankments made of different geogrid types, different soils and construction layouts were tested at different impact energy levels, permitting a quantitative assessment of the resistance impact of these structures. The experimental results were compared with those obtained from a dynamic finite element method numerical model, and a good agreement was obtained.     

Observations of damage to buildings from M w 7.6 Padang earthquake of 30 September 2009

On 30 September 2009 at 05:16?pm local time (10:16 am UTC), a major earthquake registering a magnitude M _w 7.6 occurred off the coast of Padang in West Sumatra. This paper presents the observations from a reconnaissance mission that investigated the performance of structures, infrastructure and geotechnical structures within the affected region. As well as presenting the detailed observations made on the mission, insights as to why structures failed and deficiencies in the construction practices of the region are also presented. Considering the high seismic risk of this area and that seismic gaps suggest another earthquake with a magnitude greater than 8.7 may occur, these observations are particularly significant. One of the vital features of this earthquake was a number of very large and devastating landslides that occurred in the district of Pariaman. These landslides were not only extensive, but had an extremely high lethality. Another key feature of the earthquake was the surprisingly high number of government buildings that collapsed. The paper concludes by presenting a number of recommendations for both the rebuilding of failed structures as well as for hazard assessments of existing structures and geotechnical features.     

液化地基中桩的破坏机理研究进展

地震诱发的地基液化对桩基础的破坏极大,液化地基中桩的破坏机理是岩土地震工程中的一个重要研究课题。目前地基液化时桩土结构系统的地震性态尚没有认识充分,已有的研究内容较多局限于桩身材料的强度破坏方面,难以考虑液化土体侧向流动、基桩屈曲失稳、以及土与结构动力相互作用等复杂因素的影响。本文重点加强以下3个方面的深入探讨和研究:(1)液化地基中桩的屈曲失稳;(2)液化地基中桩基破坏的数值模拟新方法;(3)液化地基中桩-土-结构的动力相互作用分析。     

Degree of weathering in the identification of laterite materials for engineering purposes — a review

Laterite materials include a large succession of reddish, tropically weathered, decomposition products starting with fresh rock and ending with sesquioxide-rich pedogenic rock (cuirasse). Identification of the various grades of such materials for engineering purposes is a problem which repeatedly faces the engineer engaged in the design and construction of structures on or with laterite materials.The author has attempted to assemble available information useful for the identification and evaluation of all grades of laterite materials for engineering purposes. In the first part he summarises information on the significant genetic characteristics which appear to underlie the deviation of engineering behaviour of laterite materials from the expected properties based upon conventional soil mechanics as developed for temperate-zone soils.The second part summarises available information on the identification of significant geotechnical properties of various grades and genetic groups of laterite materials for engineering purposes.The engineering behaviour of laterite materials forms the substance of the third part of the paper.A literature study has revealed that the geotechnical characteristics and engineering behaviour of laterite materials depend mainly on the genesis and degree of weathering (i.e., decomposition, laterisation, dessication and/or hardening). Other significant genetic characteristics include morphological characteristics as well as the type and content of secondary minerals.Progress in the field of identification and evaluation of laterite materials for construction appears to depend on the simultaneous consideration of all the major factors which affect the behaviour of rocks and their derived soils (i.e., rock type, weathering condition, degree of weathering, type of derived materials as well as their chemical and mineralogical composition).Such an approach is desirable to increase the accuracy of predictions and assessments of the engineering behaviour of most laterite materials.     

铁矿尾矿料力学特性及坝体变形稳定性研究

尾矿料矿物成分复杂,物理力学特性区域差异性大。本文以西南地区某铁矿拟建尾矿库为研究对象,对粗、细两种尾矿料进行了系统的物理力学特性试验,获得了粗细尾矿料物理力学指标并应用到尾矿库坝数值分析,分析了该尾矿库坝的应力变形特性,对不同堆积高程、不同工况下尾矿库坝的安全稳定性进行计算分析。此外采用拟静力法对地震荷载作用下尾矿坝的稳定性进行分析。结果表明,粗尾矿料会呈现出剪胀和软化力学特性,而细尾矿料则无明显剪胀;尾矿坝坝体内以压应力为主,坝体表面出现小范围拉应力区;高堆积高程,坝体倾向于发生深层滑动,坝体最小安全稳定性系数较大;干滩长度增大明显提高坝体稳定性;最后对该尾矿库的安全运行提出了一些针对性措施及建议。     

Slope stability analysis for earthquakes

The method of slices commonly used for estimating static stability of natural slopes and embankments is extended to include the dynamic effects due to earthquake loading. The equation of motion of a typical slice along a path different from its base is derived. The calculations of displacement of a slide mass using the Newmark procedure are discussed and illustrated with an example problem.     

Effect of the combination of lime and natural pozzolana on the compaction and strength of soft clayey soils: a preliminary study

Soft soil stabilization has been practised for quite some time by mixing additives, such as cement, lime and fly ash to the soil to increase its strength. However, there is a lack of investigations on the use of natural pozzolana alone or combined with lime for ground improvement applications. An experimental programme was undertaken to study the effect of using lime, natural pozzolana or a combination of both on the geotechnical characteristics of soft soils. Lime or natural pozzolana was added to soft soils at ranges of 0?C10% and 0?C20%, respectively. In addition, combinations of lime?Cnatural pozzolana were added to soft soils at the same ranges. Test specimens were subjected to compaction tests, shear tests and unconfined compression tests. Specimens were cured for 1, 7, 28 and 90?days, after which they were tested for unconfined compression tests. Based on the favourable results obtained, it can be concluded that the soft soils can be successfully stabilized by the combined action of lime and natural pozzolana. Since natural pozzolana is much cheaper than lime, the addition of natural pozzolana in lime?Csoil mix may particularly become attractive and can result in cost reduction of construction.     

Reliability-Based Design of Spatially Random Two-Layered Clayey Slopes

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering - Two-layered cohesive slopes are encountered in geotechnical applications involving embankments, dams, levees, and natural cut slopes. The reliability of...     

青藏铁路多年冻土区路基变形裂缝发生机理及其防治

青藏铁路多年冻土区路基工程的修建,改变了路基基底多年冻土的热量平衡状态.通过对青藏铁路多年冻土区试验工程和已经施工的路基工程所发生的变形裂缝的调查和分析,认为多年冻土区路基几何尺寸不对称和路基边坡坡向不同导致的路基人为上限形态不同,是造成多年冻土区路基温度场不对称以及基底土体冻结融化过程不同步的主要原因,也是造成路基变形裂缝的主要原因.文章在此基础上提出了减少或消除路基温度场不对称,从而减少或消除这类变形裂缝的主要工程结构形式和工程措施,作者的看法和结论已经在2003年青藏铁路冻土区路基工程设计和成形路基补强工程措施设计中得到广泛应用.     

Performance of structures in the rural area during the March 8, 2010 Elazığ-Kovancılar earthquake

Numerous studies demonstrated the possibility of utilizing fly ash in the construction of embankments, road subgrades and stabilization of a wide range of soils. The present investigation aims at determining the optimum fly ash (OFA) for mechanical stabilization of expansive soils. Four different soils were tested for compaction characteristics and unconfined compressive strength with and without the addition of fly ash to determine the OFA. The liquid limit (LL) and the fraction coarser than 425 μ (CF) of these soils range from 50 to 120 and 25 to 70%, respectively. An experimental strategy called two-factor factorial design was adopted in the conducting experiments. LL and CF present in the soil are the two factors considered to influence the OFA content. Factorial experimentation enables relative quantification of the effect of each factor as well as their interaction with the OFA. The OFA was found to range from 5 to 40% depending upon the two factors. The LL and the CF were found to have dominating influence on OFA content in that order, whereas the interaction effect of these two factors was marginal to fair. A statistical regression model was developed for determination of the OFA in terms of the influencing factors. The validity of the model developed was verified by conducting laboratory tests on two more soils that were not used in the development of the model. Swell potential and swelling pressure of expansive soils were reduced to non-critical levels when treated with OFA.     

Finite element consolidation analysis of embankments

The construction of earth embankments may lead to the development of excess pore pressures in foundation and embankment soils. The ability to predict the development and dissipation of these pore pressures is important in assessing the performance of such structures. This paper describes a finite element analysis method that allows the prediction of the behaviour of embankments including stress-deformation and consolidation behaviour. The application of the method is demonstrated through application to a reinforced embankment on peat and clay and to a high rockfill dam.