Elastoplastic multiphase model for simulating the response of piled raft foundations subject to combined loadings

A multiphase model and corresponding computational time‐saving finite element code is proposed in this paper for predicting the settlements experienced by a piled raft foundation when subject to the combined action of vertical and lateral loadings. This model, which is formulated in the framework of an elastoplastic behaviour for the soil and the reinforcing piles as well, explicitly accounts for the shear and flexural behaviour of the latter. Starting from a simple analytical example where all the concepts attached to this model are clearly illustrated, the main stages leading to its finite element implementation are then presented. The numerical tool thus elaborated, is applied to the simulation of a pile‐reinforced strip foundation submitted to a horizontally applied seismic load in addition to a permanent vertical load. One of the key results of such a simulation in terms of design recommendation, lies in the conclusion that, while the shear and flexural contributions of the reinforcement play quite a negligible role in the case of a vertical load (as compared with their axial resistance), they remain absolutely essential for withstanding the seismic lateral loading. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A three-phase model for evaluating the seismic resistance of soils reinforced by a network of symmetrically inclined piles

The stability analysis of a piled embankment under seismic loading is considered, with a special emphasis on the optimization of the reinforcement layout by splitting the initial group of vertical piles into two symmetrically inclined arrays of parallel inclusions. The bidirectionally-reinforced soil thus obtained is appropriately described, at the macroscopic scale, by a three-phase model, conceived as an extension of the two-phase model previously developed for unidirectionally-reinforced soils. The model is implemented in a finite element formulation and related numerical code, which is used for simulating the behavior of the piled embankment up to failure. The results of these simulations, which favourably compare with upper bound yield design calculations, clearly indicate that the seismic resistance of the embankment can be considerably increased from symmetrically inclining the piles, even without taking the potential benefits of their flexural resistance into account.     

The origin of dolomite associated with salt diapirs in central Tunisia: Preliminary investigations of field relationships and geochemistry

Black and white dolomite crystals (mm to cm width) of different isotopic composition are associated with Triassic diapirism in central Tunisia, as well as with evaporite minerals and clays. The white dolomites occur mostly in the Jabal Hadifa diapir near the contact with Cretaceous limestones, whereas the smaller black dolomites occur in the Jabal Hamra diapir. The former dolomite has a narrow range of δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values (− 3.83‰ to − 6.60‰ VPDB for δ¹⁸O; − 2.11‰ to − 2.83‰ VPDB for δ¹³C), whereas the latter dolomite has a wider range and more depleted values (− 4.92‰ to − 9.97‰ for δ¹⁸O; − 0.55‰ to − 6.08‰ for δ¹³C). However, the ⁸⁷Sr / ⁸⁶Sr ratios of most of the samples are near Triassic seawater values. Dolomite formation is due to at least two different fluids. The main fluid originated from deeper hydrothermal or basinal sources related to the Triassic saliferous rocks and ascended through faults during the diapiric intrusion. The second, less important fluid source is related to meteoric water originating from Cretaceous rocks.