Microscale Energy Dissipation Mechanisms in Cyclically-Loaded Granular Soils

This paper utilizes the Discrete Element Method to characterize energy dissipation mechanisms in cyclically loaded soils based on micromechanical considerations. Computational simulations of consolidated undrained cyclic triaxial tests were conducted at various relative densities and were subjected to cyclic loading of different frequencies and shear strain amplitudes. The different components of microscale energies were monitored during the course of the simulations and characterized into input and dissipated energies. A comparison is made between the dissipated energy computed from microscopic energy components and macroscopic energy calculated based on the area of the deviator stress-axial strain loops. These energies are then used to obtain the specific damping capacity defined as the ratio of dissipated energy during one cycle to the maximum stored elastic energy during the same cycle. The conducted simulations highlight the importance of calculating actual stored energy in the system as opposed to approximating it to be that calculated as the triangular area under the secant modulus. Finally, a series of simulations that resulted in liquefaction are discussed, and the amount of energy dissipated to liquefaction is examined based on these results.     

Determination of microscopic parameters of quartz sand through tri-axial test using the discrete element method

A calibration procedure, in which coupled effects of microscopic parameters are considered, is proposed to determine the values of the microscopic parameters in the Discrete Element Method (DEM) for Fujian quartz sand. Laboratory tri-axial tests are conducted to be compared with the DEM simulations and the effects of end restraint in the laboratory tests are eliminated through a digital image measurement system. Sensitivities of the macroscopic behaviour of the specimen to the microscopic parameters are analyzed through DEM simulations. Four coupled effects of the microscopic parameters on the macroscopic behaviour are investigated through a graphic method and then considered in the calibration procedure.     

循环荷载下砂土液化特性颗粒流数值模拟

利用PFC2D常体积循环双轴试验条件,对砂土在不排水循环荷载作用下的液化特性进行了颗粒流数值模拟,数值模拟按等应力幅加荷方式进行。颗粒流数值模拟的优点在于得到试样液化宏观力学表现的同时,通过不同循环加荷时刻试样内细观组构参量（包括配位数、接触法向分布、粒间法向接触力、粒间切向接触力）的演化规律,分析砂土液化过程中细观组构变化与宏观力学响应之间的内在联系,从而可进一步探讨砂土液化的细观力学机制。数值模拟研究结果表明,砂土液化现象在宏观力学表现上反映为超静孔隙水压力的累积上升和平均有效主应力的不断减小,在细观组构上对应于配位数的累积损失和粒间接触力的不断减小。砂土液化细观机制分析表明,试样配位数的减少与循环加荷过程中组构各向异性滞后于应力各向异性有关。     

Predicting flow liquefaction,a constitutive model approach

In this paper, flow liquefaction criterion for contractive loose sands is analytically extracted based on the fundamental definition of flow liquefaction. In order to obtain the closed form of this criterion, Dafalias–Manzari constitutive model is employed; so the stress ratio at the onset of flow liquefaction is presented as a function of model parameters, state parameter and void ratio. Flow liquefaction line, as a graphical form of suggested criterion in stress space, shows that the peak points of undrained stress paths with same void ratios are not necessarily in a straight line. In order to validate the reliability of proposed flow liquefaction line to predict the onset of instability, it has been compared with the results of experimental tests performed on Toyoura, Ottawa and Leighton Buzzard sands. The verification results show that the present criterion can satisfactorily predict the onset of flow liquefaction in monotonic and cyclic undrained tests of saturated sands as well as the structural collapse in constant deviatoric stress tests of loose dry sands.     

Three-dimensional DEM investigation of critical state and dilatancy behaviors of granular materials

The critical state is significant to the mechanical behaviors of granular materials and the foundation of the constitutive relations. Using the discrete element method (DEM), the mechanical behaviors of granular materials can be investigated on both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. A series of DEM simulations under true triaxial conditions have been performed to explore the critical state and dilatancy behavior of granular materials, which show the qualitatively similar macroscopic responses as the experimental results. The critical void ratio and stress ratio under different stress paths are presented. A unique critical state line (CSL) is shown to indicate that the intermediate principal stress ratio does not influence the CSL. Within the framework of the unique critical state, the stress–dilatancy relation of DEM simulations is found to fulfill the state-dependent dilatancy equations. As a microscopic parameter to evaluate the static determinacy of the granular system, the redundancy ratio is defined and investigated. The results show that the critical state is very close to the statically determinate state. Other particle-level indexes, including the distribution of the contact forces and the anisotropies, are carefully investigated to analyze the microstructural evolution and the underlying mechanism. The microscopic analysis shows that both the contact orientations and contact forces influence the mechanical behaviors of granular materials.     

A continuum‐discrete hydromechanical analysis of granular deposit liquefaction

A coupled continuum‐discrete hydromechanical model was employed to analyse the liquefaction of a saturated loose deposit of cohesionless particles when subjected to a dynamic base excitation. The pore fluid flow was idealized using averaged Navier–Stokes equations and the discrete element method was employed to model the solid phase particles. A well established semi‐empirical relationship was utilized to quantify the fluid–particle interactions. The conducted simulations revealed a number of salient micro‐mechanical mechanisms and response patterns associated with the deposit liquefaction. Space and time variation of porosity was a major factor which affected the coupled response of the solid and fluid phases. Pore fluid flow was within Darcy's regime. The predicted response exhibited macroscopic patterns consistent with experimental results and case histories of the liquefaction of granular soil deposits. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Liquefaction behavior of dredged silty-fine sands under cyclic loading for land reclamation: laboratory experiment and numerical simulation

Medium-coarse sands (CS) were dredged and exhausted in land reclamation. However, the remaining silty-fine sands (FS) were wasted. The liquefaction behavior of dredged silty-FS and the possibility of utilizing the remaining silty-FS as dredger fill source for land reclamation should be investigated. Cyclic consolidation-undrained triaxial tests were performed to investigate the liquefaction resistance of dredged silty-FS under different influencing factors. The cyclic stress ratio (CSR) of dredged silty-FS increased with the increase in initial relative density and consolidation stress ratio and decreased with the increase in silt content and consolidation stress. The CSR first decreased with the increase in clay content up to a threshold value and increased with the increase in clay content. A regression model was created to estimate the relationship between CSR and silt content, clay content, initial relative density, consolidation stress, consolidation stress ratio, and cyclic resistance ratio. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the mutual influence among the five independent variables. On the basis of cyclic triaxial tests, particle flow code models were introduced to investigate the microscopic internal fabric changes of dredged silty-FS and the influence of extended factors on liquefaction. The average microscopic contact force and coordination number between particles controlled the macroscopic mechanical behavior of sands. Sand liquefaction was due to the cumulative loss of coordination number under cyclic loading. The average contact force between particles was linearly decreased to 0 and the coordination number sharply decreased when the sample reached initial liquefaction. On the basis of numerical tests, CSR increased with the increase in D₅₀ and vibration frequency. The influence of vibration frequency was relatively small. In addition, the CS–FS and CS–FS–CS combination layers showed greater liquefaction resistance than the FS layer. In the filling process, the interbed of FS and CS improved the liquefaction resistance of dredged silty-FS to a certain extent.     

Criterion for flow liquefaction instability

This study describes a general liquefaction flow instability criterion for elastoplastic soils based on the concept of loss of uniqueness. We apply the criterion to the general case of axisymmetric loading and invoke the concepts of effective stresses and loss of controllability to arrive at a general criterion for the onset of liquefaction flow. The criterion is used in conjunction with an elastoplastic model for sands to generate numerical simulations. The numerical results are compared with experimental evidence to give the following insights into predicting liquefaction. (1) The onset of liquefaction flow is a state of instability occurring under both monotonic and cyclic tests, and coincides with loss of controllability. (2) The criterion proposed herein clearly and naturally differentiates between liquefaction flow (instability) and cyclic mobility. (3) Flow liquefaction not only depends on the potential of the material to generate positive excess pore pressures, but more importantly, it also depends on the current state of the material, which is rarely predicted by phenomenology.     

含细粒砂土反常剪切行为的数值模拟研究

针对含细颗粒砂土的反常剪切行为,开展了双轴剪切试验的数值模拟,从宏细观角度分析了其反常剪切行为发生的内在机制。数值模拟结果表明,增加围压能提高含细颗粒砂土的抗剪切液化能力,该反常行为的根本原因在于围压上升使得粗细颗粒更有效地参与了力链传递,增加了颗粒间的接触,增强了土体的密实度。细颗粒在土骨架中的移动对砂土的液化起着至关重要的作用,而粗颗粒仅起次要作用。研究表明,细颗粒在剪切过程中会持续从有效土骨架中移出成为无效颗粒,而部分粗颗粒也因失去细颗粒的支撑作用会脱离土骨架,直至试样最终液化。细颗粒一般参与土骨架中的弱力链,而粗颗粒则一般参与强力链,导致细颗粒较粗颗粒更容易在土骨架中移动。     

Micro‐inertia origin of instabilities in granular materials

Within the framework of the second‐order work theory, the onset of instabilities is explored numerically in loose granular materials through three‐dimensional DEM simulations. Stress controlled directional analysis are performed in Rendulic's plane, and a particular attention is paid to transient evolutions at the microscale. Thanks to a micromechanical analysis, the onset and development of transient mechanical instabilities is explored. It is shown that these instabilities result from the unjamming and bending of a few force chains associated with a local burst of kinetic energy. This burst of kinetic energy propagates to the whole sample and provokes a generalized unjamming of force chains. As force chains buckle, a phase transition from a quasi‐static to an inertial regime is observed. At the macroscopic scale, this results in a transient softening and a loss of controllability. After the collapse of existing force chains, the development of plastic strain is eventually stopped as new stable force chains are built.     

煤层气成藏的宏观动力能条件及其地质演化过程--以山西沁水盆地为例

煤层气成藏维系于其能量平衡系统,宏观上受控于“四场互动”过程,核心是能量的有效传递及其地质选择过程。以沁水盆地为例,对构造动力能、热动力能、地下水动力能等宏观动力能的地质演化过程进行了深入探讨,阐明了不同宏观动力能对煤层气成藏的控制作用。结果表明:研究区构造动力能及其演化总体经历了4个阶段;热动力能及其演化和由其控制的煤化作用同样经历了4个阶段;地下水动力能及其演化包括3个阶段。其中,燕山中期的剧烈岩浆活动是宏观动力能条件演化的关键时期。以构造动力能为主线,将其他能量场贯穿起来,可知宏观动力能与煤层气成藏之间的耦合关系如下:盆地北部阳泉—寿阳区域,是煤层气成藏有利区域之一,但不利于煤层气高产;盆地南部晋城—阳城及沁水北部区域,不仅是煤层气成藏有利区域,而且利于煤层气高产;盆地中部沁源地区是煤层气成藏和高产的有利区域;盆地东部的屯留—襄垣区域是煤层气成藏有利区域之一,但不利于煤层气高产。     

Instability criteria for quasi‐saturated viscous soils

This paper presents a theoretical framework to interpret the inception of unstable undrained creep in quasi‐saturated soils. For this purpose, the effect of gas bubbles occluded in the fluid phase is embedded into an augmented compressibility of the fluid mixture, while the mechanical characteristics of the solid skeleton have been simulated through a viscoplastic strain‐hardening model. This constitutive framework has been been used to formulate a theoretical platform able to detect runaway failures resulting from extended stages of undrained creep. It is shown that the conditions identifying the onset of spontaneous accelerations are governed by the same stability index associated with the initiation of static liquefaction. At variance with soils saturated by incompressible fluids, the conditions for undrained instability are altered by the appearance of the Skempton coefficient B, thus reflecting the beneficial effect of the fluid compressibility and its ability to decrease the liquefaction potential. The capabilities of the theory are verified through a sequence of undrained creep simulations showing the transition from stable to unstable behavior resulting from an increase of the degree of saturation. The proposed findings provide a conceptual framework to interpret the effects of gas bubbles in loose soils, as well as to assess effectiveness and longevity of liquefaction mitigation strategies based on desaturation technologies.     

A micromorphic elastoplastic model and finite element simulation on failure behaviors of granular materials

One of the purposes in this study is to develop a modified micromorphic continuum model for granular materials on the basis of a micromechanics approach. A symmetric curvature tensor is proposed in this model, and a symmetric couple stress tensor is derived conjugating the symmetric curvature tensor. In addition, a correct derivation is presented to obtain the symmetric stress tensor conjugated with the symmetric strain tensor. The modified model provides a complete deformation mode for granular materials by considering the decomposition for motions (displacement and rotation) of particles. Consequently, the macroscopic constitutive relationships and constitutive moduli are derived in expressions of the microstructural information. Furthermore, the balance equations and boundary conditions are obtained for the modified micromorphic model. By considering the extended Drucker-Prager yield criterion, the micromorphic elastoplastic model is developed. Another purpose of this study is to derive the finite element formulation for the developed micromorphic elastoplastic model. Based on the ABAQUS user element (UEL) interface, numerical simulations investigated the load-displacement relationship and the strain localization behavior of granular materials and investigated the influence of microscopic parameters in the micromorphic model on these macroscopic mechanical responses. Numerical results illustrate the presented model's capability of simulating the strain-softening and strain localization behaviors, and the capability of considering the influence of microstructural information on the macroscopic mechanical behaviors of granular materials.     

An expression for the permeability of anisotropic granular media

There are many expressions proposed for the permeability of isotropic media based on flow channel and pore size distribution concepts, but there are no such expressions for anisotropic media. In this paper an expression for the permeability of an anisotropic medium is proposed, which has been verified in the laboratory. The mechanism behind fluid flow through soil was investigated using microscopic computer simulations to propose an expression for macroscopic permeability. The soil was assumed to be a spatially periodic porous medium, and the Navier-Stokes equation was solved using the FEM with appropriate boundary conditions for several different arrangements of the porous medium. The basic variables influencing flow through soil at the microscopic level were identified as specific surface area, void ratio, particle shape, material heterogeneity and the arrangement of particles in a porous medium. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to obtain an expression for the permeability in terms of the above variables. The corresponding macroscopic variables for the above microscopic variables are average specific surface area, average void ratio, anisotropy, tortuosity due to material heterogeneity, and the arrangement of particles respectively. An expression for the directional permeability is proposed in terms of these variables for the most common occurrence of particles in a porous medium. For the verification of the proposed equation, the permeability values of a fine-grained sand were measured at different void ratios and were compared with those predicted by the proposed equation. The results show that the predicted permeability values from the proposed equation are very close to the measured values.     

高原季节性冻土区砂土液化探讨——以阿克陶MS6.7地震为例

2016年11月25日新疆阿克陶县木吉乡发生MS6.7地震,发震构造为公格尔山拉张系北端的木吉断裂,断裂总长度超过100 km,以右旋走滑为主兼有一定的拉张分量。文章在对震区进行了初步的地震地质灾害调查,总结砂土液化和地裂缝在高原季节性冻土地区的分布及发育特点的基础上,发现:1)在研究区Ⅰ维日麻村的砂土液化主要沿原有泉眼或沿地裂缝发育,沿泉眼形成的砂土液化其喷砂锥的覆盖面积达36.1 m2,占总液化面积的60%,研究区Ⅱ布拉克村的砂土液化则主要是沿草甸的根系喷出,在地表形成大面积的最新涌水结冻特征;2)对研究区Ⅱ布拉克村地裂缝的深度进行统计,反演出区域冻土层厚度,结合探槽揭露的地层剖面,推断冻土层发生大面积地裂缝是因为地震引起冻土层下部融土层发生砂土液化导致土层变形失稳,从而使冻土层发生形变产生一系列规律性的地裂缝。     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S167498711100137X

This study presents promising variants of genetic programming (GP),namely linear genetic programming (LGP) and multi expression programming (MEP) to evaluate the liquefaction resistance of sandy soils....     

Review of soil liquefaction characteristics during major earthquakes of the twenty-first century

Liquefaction, which can be defined as a loss of strength and stiffness in soils, is one of the major causes of damage to buildings and infrastructure during an earthquake. To overcome a lack of comprehensive analyses of seismically induced liquefaction, this study reviews the characteristics of liquefaction and its related damage to soils and foundations during earthquakes in the first part of the twenty-first century. Based on seismic data analysis, macroscopic phenomena of liquefaction (e.g., sand boiling, ground cracking, and lateral spread) are summarized, and several new phenomena related to earthquakes from the twenty-first century are highlighted, including liquefaction in areas with moderate seismic intensity, liquefaction of gravelly soils, liquefaction of deep-level sandy soils, re-liquefaction in aftershocks, liquid-like behavior of unsaturated sandy soils. Additionally, phenomena related to damage in soils and foundations induced by liquefaction are investigated and discussed.     

湍流混合动力学机理研究

在分析传统混合动力学机理基础上,通过宏观混合与微观混合时间量级的对比,提出了湍流条件下,涡流扩散主导宏观混合,分子扩散主导微观混合,而混合过程由宏观混合主导,欧拉数Eu可作为混合效果的控制指标,并通过3种不同容积反应器的混合搅拌试验,进一步证实了该指标的实用性。