Influence of Lode angle‐dependent failure criteria on shear localization analysis in sand

Geotechnical experiments show that Lode angle‐dependent constitutive formulations are appropriate to describe the failure of geomaterials. In the present study, we have adopted one such class of failure criteria along with a versatile constitutive relationship to theoretically analyze the effects of Lode angle on localized shear deformation or shear band formation in loose sand for both drained and undrained conditions. We determine the variation in the possible stress states for shear localization due to the introduction of Lode angle by considering the localized deformation as a bifurcation problem. Further, similar bifurcation analysis is performed for the stress states along a specific loading path, namely, plane strain compression at the constitutive level. In addition, the plane strain compression tests have been simulated as a boundary value finite element problem to see how Lode angle affects the post‐localization response. Results show that the inclusion of a Lode angle parameter within the failure criterion has considerable effects on the onset, plastic strain, and propagation of shear localization in loose sand specimens. For drained condition, we notice early inception of shear localization and multiple band formation when the Lode angle‐dependent failure criterion is used. Undrained localization characteristics, however, found to be independent of Lode angle consideration.     

Very low frequency (VLF) chorus emissions: A topical survey

In this paper we have tried to present, coherently, a review of the observations of natural VLF radio emissions, termed chorus, that have been made on the ground and aboard satellites, and also their dependence on various geomagnetic phenomena. We have highlighted current theoretical interpretations of the generation and propagation of chorus signals.     

Laboratory model tests for cyclic load-induced settlement of a strip foundation on a clayey soil

Laboratory model test results are presented for the cyclic load-induced settlement of a strip foundation supported by a saturated clayey soil. In performing the tests, the foundation was initially subjected to an allowable static load, after which a cyclic load with a frequency of one cycle per second was superimposed on it. The magnitudes of the static load and the amplitude of the cyclic load were varied. Based on the model test results, relationships for the foundation settlement and intensities of the static and cyclic loads are presented.     

Lightly cemented sand in tension and compression

Summary Laboratory test results for the stress-strain relationships for lightly cemented sand specimens are presented. The tests were conducted with the specimens under compression and tension without any confining pressure. The cement content was varied from 4% to 8%. Based on the test results, the variations of the stress and strain ratios at failure with cement content are presented for specimens under compression and tension.     

The effects of foundation width on model tests for the bearing capacity of sand with geogrid reinforcement

Summary Laboratory model test results for the ultimate bearing capacity of surface strip foundations on geogrid-reinforced sand and unreinforced sand are presented. A fine uniform sand and one type of geogrid (Tensar BX1000(SSO)) were used for the tests. The width of the foundation and the relative density of sand were varied to determine their effects on the bearing capacity ratio. It was found that the bearing capacity ratio of the sand-geogrid system decreased with an increase in foundation width. However, above a certain foundation width (130–140 mm) a practically constant value of bearing capacity ratio was observed.     

Simulation of rain-bearing summer monsoon systems along the west coast of India by use of ARMEX re-analysis

Re-analysis, using surface, upper-air, and satellite observations specially collected during the Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment-I (ARMEX-I), has been performed with a global data assimilation system at T-80/L18 resolution. Re-analysis was performed for the entire ARMEX-I period (15th June–16th August 2002). In this paper we discuss the results based on re-analysis and subsequent forecasts for two successive intensive observation periods associated with heavy rainfall along the west coast of India during 2–12 August, 2002. Results indicate that the re-analysed fields can bring out better synoptic features, for example troughs along the west coast and mid tropospheric circulation over the Arabian Sea. Simulated rainfall distribution using re-analysis as initial condition also matches observed rainfall better than data from the initial analysis.