Non-linear earthquake response of concrete gravity dams part 1: Modelling

A finite element procedure to model the non-linear earthquake response of concrete gravity dam systems is presented. A two-dimensional idealization is adopted for the dam and water in order to simplify the analysis and reduce the computational effort. The foundation of the dam is modelled as a rigid rectangular massless plate attached to a three-dimensional viscoelastic half-space. The non-linear behaviour is represented by smearing techniques and includes tensile cracking with subsequent opening, closing and sliding, as well as water cavitation in the reservoir. Special treatments are applied to suppress spurious oscillations in the water response associated with cavitation and to prevent cracks in the dam from spreading into wide zones. Experience from non-linear analyses is cited as it affects the design of the algorithm.     

Response of jointed arches to earthquake excitation

An efficient method for accurately modelling the gradual opening and closing of joints in two-dimensional slabs and arches has been devised. The method is used in computing the earthquake response of an arch which is a representative horizontal cross-section of a concrete arch dam. Responses of the arch with and without joints are compared to assess the effect of joint opening. An extension to three-dimensional arch dams is proposed.     

Buried trees,water table fluctuations,and 3000 years of changing climate in west-central Oklahoma

A sequence of radiocarbon-dated buried trees, buried soils, a carbonate zone, and a molluscan fauna from Carnegie Canyon indicate that between 3200 and 2600 yr B.P. the climate of west-central Oklahoma was drier than today. A high water table accompanied a period of moister climate 2000 to 1000 yr B.P. The water table dropped after 1000 yr B.P. due to a change toward dry conditions.     

Gelification of victorian tertiary soft brown coal wood. II. Changes in chemical structure associated with variation in the degree of gelification

The gross chemical structures of xylites and gelified soft brown coal woods, Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia, as determined by solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are compared with those of present-day wood-derived materials prepared from an angiosperm, Eucalyptus regnans, and a gymnosperm (conifer), Pinus radiata. Also examined are the changes in the gross chemical structures of soft brown coal woods with increase in their degree of gelification and the relationship between these changes and variations in their chemical composition and microscopic appearance.The Victorian xylites exhibit greater affinities with the present-day gymnosperm than the present-day angiosperm. The progressive removal of cellulose with increasing degree of gelification can be equated with an increase in huminite reflectance, elimination of humotelinite autofluorescence and changes in the relative proportions of the humotelinite submacerals. The lignin structure of xylite is also modified during the gelification process, including the progressive loss of methoxyl groups and evidence of minor oxidation.     

Rock moisture content in the field and the laboratory and its relationship to mechanical weathering studies

Rock moisture content is a major control of mechanical weathering, particularly freeze-thaw, and yet almost no data exist from field situations. This study presents moisture content values for rocks, taken from a variety of positions and conditions, in the maritime Antarctic. Additional information regarding the amount of water the rock could take up, as observed from laboratory experiments, is also presented. The results show that the approaches used in simulation experiments, particularly that of soaking a rock for 24 hours, may produce exaggerated results. It was found that the saturation coefficient (S-value) was a good indicator of frost susceptibility (based on water content) but that the derivation of that value may underestimate the potential of some rocks. The distribution of moisture within rocks is seen as an important, but unkown, factor. The results of these field moisture contents suggest that for simulations of freeze-thaw or hydration to be meaningful then they should have rock water contents based on field observations.     

The physical properties of quartz-micaschist and their application to freeze-thaw weathering studies in the maritime antarctic

As part of a study on freeze-thaw weathering in the maritime Antarctic an investigation was made of the physical properties of the local rock. Tests were made of point-load compressive strength, Schmidt hammer in situ rock strength, moisture content, indentor resistance and the size range of weathering products. The resulting data were used to consider the form of freeze-thaw weathering operative in the field and its relationship to laboratory simulations. A distinct difference between ‘massive rock’ and ‘intact rock’ is observed in the field. It is suggested that future studies should generate a greater database pertaining to rock properties as it is an invaluable aid in the study of mechanical weathering.