Site-dependent strength reduction factors for soil-structure systems

The effect of soil conditions on strength reduction factors (SRFs) is investigated. Both site effect and soil-structure interaction (SSI) effect are considered in the study with special emphasis on the latter effect. The structure is modeled as an elasto-plastic single degree of freedom (SDOF) system, whereas the underlying soil is considered as a homogeneous half-space. The half-space is also replaced by a simplified 3DOF system, based on the concept of Cone Models. The whole 4DOF model is then analyzed under a total of 54 strong motions recorded on different soil types. A parametric study is done for a wide range of non-dimensional parameters, which completely define the problem. It is concluded that SSI reduces the SRF values, especially for the case of buildings located on soft soil. Consequently, using the fixed-base SRFs for soil-structure systems lead to non-conservative design forces. Simplified expressions are proposed to estimate SRF for soil-structure systems.     

A dredged material solidification treatment for fill soils in East China: A case history

Large amounts of sediments are dredged annually from Chinese oceans. Dredged materials (DMs) possess poor geotechnical properties and are normally treated as waste. This paper presents the first large-scale engineering application of DM solidification treatment in China. The technique has been used to treat approximately 1.8?×?10⁶?m³ of DM from Taihu Lake to produce fill soils. Portland cement was chosen as the solidification material, the amount of which is confirmed through indoor unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. Special solidification machines process DM at 120?m³/hours. Field-based DM solidification engineering began in September 2006. Curing specimens were examined over 28 days. Results show that both UCS and failure strain of solidified DM could meet fill soil requirements. Bearing capacity was also assessed with a cone penetrometer test. Samples were examined after 2 years (after project completion), and the mean UCS of the specimens was 237.2?kPa, which completely satisfied the engineering request. Wuxi Taihu City Science and Technology Industrial Park has now been established on top of the solidified DM storage yard. The successful engineering of such facilities results in economic and environmental benefits; thus, engineering applications of DM solidification treatment are widely promoted in China.     

软土中T型触探仪贯入阻力的数值模拟

T型触探仪近年来在国外的海洋软土地基原位测试中得到了广泛应用,但贯入速率、地基土强度的各向异性与渐进软化等因素对于贯入阻力的影响没有得到系统的研究。在大型有限元软件ABAQUS平台上进行二次开发,针对基于Tresca屈服准则的理想弹塑性模型进行了相应改进,使之可以比较合理地反映上述因素的影响,进而对软土中T型触探仪的贯入机制进行了比较系统的数值分析。计算结果表明,贯入速率、地基土强度的各向异性与强度软化效应对于T型触探仪的贯入阻力系数影响较大。通过与有关极限分析上限解的对比分析,在一定程度上验证了有限元分析结果的合理性。