Evaluating accuracy for two empirical methods in predicting settlement of drilled shafts

Several theoretical, empirical and semi-empirical methods are available in the literature to predict settlement of drilled shafts in sandy soils. In the Arabian Gulf countries, specifically in the United Arab Emirates, equations and procedure from the rest of the world are being used in analysis and design of drilled shafts without proper validation. It is the aim of this study to assess the applicability and evaluate the accuracy of two well known, and commonly used methods for pile prediction in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), namely Vesic (1977) and Poulos (1979), via comparison with data from field pile load tests conducted on shafts drilled in the region. Some of these tests were conducted for the purpose of this study, while others were made available through the courtesy of International Piling Contractors who are active in the region (e.g. Bauer International and Swiss Borings). Pile load test data were analyzed to back-calculate the model parameters related to settlement under different loading stages. Geological data and soil properties were obtained from studies conducted at the relevant sites. An effort is made to correlate soil properties with the prediction models. Statistical analysis is conducted to assess the accuracy of the results obtained from the two methods at different stages of loading via those obtained from pile load tests. Moreover, a detailed parametric study is conducted to assess the effect of the related parameters on the predicted pile settlement and the estimated settlement at different stages of loading. The study concluded with a recommendation of the most appropriate models and procedures to be followed for predicting the settlement of drilled shafts in the UAE, together with useful charts and correlation relations. Results showed that settlement values predicted by Vesic (1977) and Poulos (1979) overestimates the true values. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Design of backfilled thin-seam coal pillars using earth pressure theory

In underground coal mining any increase in coal recovery rate is dependent on a decrease in pillar size. Backfilling is one way of reducing the required size of pillars and hence the volume of coal left underground. Therefore any comparisons made between a self-supported mine layout and backfill supported mine layout are based directly on pillar design. The most effective way to examine the effect of backfill on pillar support, and subsequently the rate of recovery, would be to incorporate the mechanisms of backfill support directly into the current design procedure for coal pillars. This paper presents a review of the mechanics of backfill support, a method of estimating the magnitude of that support based on earth pressure theory, and an example that incorporates backfill support into current coal pillar design.     

Mountain Protection Forests against Natural Hazards and Risks: New French Developments by Integrating Forests in Risk Zoning

Forests can play a very significant role in protection against natural hazards and risks in mountain lands, especially against erosion and rockfalls. This paper first assesses knowledge concerning the capacity of forests to control natural hazards, with emphasis placed on forest location in catchments or slopes. Zoning aspects are then presented; based on the use of GIS, they allow determining priorities for forestry operations (cuts and biological engineering), in view to setting up an 'optimal management' of mountain forest ecosystems. Finally, an explanation is given of how the results of research are used for the management and planning of mountain ecosystems, illustrated by an example of researcher-practitioner transfer in France. Zoning, prevention, display and regular aspects are developed. On the basis of the experience and knowledge presented here, recommendations are proposed to better take into account the role of mountain forests in the control of natural hazards and risks. It is necessary to have an adapted legislative and economic framework, define priority forest intervention zones and determine an adapted sylviculture.     

探矿工程(岩土钻掘工程)技术与可持续发展

可持续发展是我们时代的主题，已被世界各国人民作为发展本国经济所追求的理想方式。作为国民经济建设先行官的地质工作组成部分的探矿工程(岩土钻掘工程)技术与可持续发展有密不可分的关系。针对我们所处的时代特征及人类生存发展的时代主题，面对国民经济建设新形势，简要阐述了探矿工程(岩土钻掘工程)技术与可持续发展的关系以及技术本身发展的有关问题。     

洪湖的环境变迁与生态保护

洪湖历史上经历了多次变迁，在同类型湖泊中表现出其生态的复杂性和多样性。通过分析洪湖从成湖以来所发生的的湖泊环境变化，阐述了人类活动对洪湖环境带来的一系列生态问题，对洪湖生态环境的恢复与优化提出对策与建议；同时，对于洪湖省级湿地自然保护区的建设和管理提出了科学的、可操作的具体措施。     

HJ-1复合型钻井液的研究及应用

分析和探讨了HJ-1复合型钻井液对复杂地层护壁的作用机理及护壁性能试验情况，介绍了其在寨上矿区复杂地层钻探中的成功应用。     

基于图论的树状河系结构化绘制模型研究

结合树状河系自身的结构特点和图论的思想，提出了基于图论的河系结构化绘制模型的建立，利用图论的思想描述了河系的结构并建立其自动符号化模型，阐述了主流、流向自动确定和结构化绘制实现的详细算法，并对通用图形数据格式DXF文件记录的河系数据进行了测试。     

谈县级地震部门依法管理建设工程抗震设防要求

以山西省祁县依法管理工程抗震设防要求为例，论述了强制性审核、确定一般工业、民用建设工程抗震设防要求的重要性及其深远意义。结合工作实际．总结了部分依法行政、规范管理和落实抗震设防要求的经验。     

陕西农村房屋抗震设防现状及对策

陕西省近年来发生的泾阳和石泉两次地震造成了农村房屋不同程度地破坏。通过对这两次地震的现场考察,分析总结了陕西农村房屋抗震设防现状及存在的主要问题,并提出了相应的改进措施及对策建议。     

Efficient analysis of pile-group effect on seismic stiffness and strength design of buildings

A new efficient method is developed for the analysis of pile-group effects on the seismic stiffness and strength design of buildings with pile foundations. An efficient continuum model consisting of a dynamic Winkler-type soil element and a pile is used to express the dynamic behavior of the structure-pile-soil system with only a small numerical error. The pile-group effect is taken into account through the influence coefficients among piles which are defined for interstory drifts and pile-head bending moments. It is shown that, while the pile-group effect reduces the interstory drift of buildings in general, it may increase the bending moment of piles at the head. This means that the treatment without the pile-group effect results in the conservative design for super-structures and requires a revised member design for piles.