Simulation of drilling‐induced compaction bands using discrete element method

Rock failure is observed around boreholes often with certain types of failure zones, which are called breakouts. Laboratory‐scale drilling tests in some high‐porosity quartz‐rich sandstone have shown breakouts in the form of narrow localized compacted zones in the minimum horizontal stress direction. They are called fracture‐like breakouts. Such compaction bands may affect hydrocarbon extraction by forming barriers that inhibit fluid flow and may also be a source of sand production. This paper presents the results of numerical simulations of borehole breakouts using 3D discrete element method to investigate the mechanism of the fracture‐like breakouts and to identify the role of far‐field stresses on the breakout dimensions. The numerical tool was first verified against analytical solutions. It was then utilized to investigate the failure mechanism and breakout geometry for drilled cubic rock samples of Castlegate sandstone subjected to different pre‐existing far‐field stresses. Results show that failure occurs in the zones of the highest concentration of tangential stress around the borehole. It is concluded that fracture‐like breakout develops as a result of a nondilatant failure mechanism consisting of localized grain debonding and repacking and grain crushing that lead to the formation of a compaction band in the minimum horizontal stress direction. In addition, it is found that the length of fracture‐like breakouts depends on both the mean stress and stress anisotropy. However, the width of the breakout is not significantly changed by the far‐field stresses. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The application of satellite differential SAR interferometry-derived ground displacements in hydrogeology

The application of satellite differential synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry, principally coherent (InSAR) and to a lesser extent, persistent-scatterer (PSI) techniques to hydrogeologic studies has improved capabilities to map, monitor, analyze, and simulate groundwater flow, aquifer-system compaction and land subsidence. A number of investigations over the previous decade show how the spatially detailed images of ground displacements measured with InSAR have advanced hydrogeologic understanding, especially when a time series of images is used in conjunction with histories of changes in water levels and management practices. Important advances include: (1) identifying structural or lithostratigraphic boundaries (e.g. faults or transitional facies) of groundwater flow and deformation; (2) defining the material and hydraulic heterogeneity of deforming aquifer-systems; (3) estimating system properties (e.g. storage coefficients and hydraulic conductivities); and (4) constraining numerical models of groundwater flow, aquifer-system compaction, and land subsidence. As a component of an integrated approach to hydrogeologic monitoring and characterization of unconsolidated alluvial groundwater basins differential SAR interferometry contributes unique information that can facilitate improved management of groundwater resources. Future satellite SAR missions specifically designed for differential interferometry will enhance these contributions.     

强夯振动加速度的量测及现场试验研究

结合延安新区强夯加固地基工程,进行强夯振动加速度测试现场试验。选取填方区场地,结合地形设计监测方案,以测试强夯波沿水平方向和斜坡的传播规律。在选定试验段的某级填方场地上布置多组加速度传感器,运用多个8通道24位高速采集卡记录强夯振动加速度在平面和斜坡的传播和衰减过程,探讨强夯振动波沿水平面和斜坡的传播规律以及能级对振动加速度的影响。结果表明:径向和竖向加速度值均随与夯点距离的增大而减小;在与夯击点距离相同处,强夯振动波沿水平方向传播的径向和竖向加速度值要大于沿斜坡方向;随着能级的增大,强夯产生的夯击波增强,在与夯击点相同距离处产生的径向和竖向加速度均明显增大。     

TWO-PHASE OIL MIGRATION IN COMPACTING SEDIMENTARY BASINS MODELLED BY THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

The upstream-weighted finite element method with lumped mass matrix is applied to the modelling of oil migration in compacting sedimentary basins. An implicit formulation is made in Lagrangian co-ordinates of a pressure, saturation and a temperature equation, which is based on immiscible two-phase flow of oil and water. The formulation accounts for the compaction of the sediments, the generation of oil from solid organic material (kerogen), the eventual pore space generated by kerogen breakdown, and the density variations of the fluids which may set up thermal convection. The model is validated by comparison with results from a one-dimensional (1D) fractional flow-based migration model. A 2D case example showing oil expulsion from source rocks, and the filling of a trap is presented. The mass balance of the model is easily checked because all oil in the basin originates from breakdown of kerogen. Compared with other alternatives, the simple upstream-weighted finite element method is suggested as a possible first choice for a numerical method for the modelling of oil migration in compacting sedimentary basins. It easily deals with the complex geometry of a basin, it yields reasonably good results, is simple to implement, and the same implementation applies to all spatial dimensions. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

多边形断层系及其研究现状

多边形断层为一类非构造断层,主要分布于深水环境下的细粒沉积物中。它的形成与沉积物的早期压实作用和流体排出作用有关。多边形断层系的识别主要通过时间切片分析和地震剖面解释等手段进行。研究表明,多边形断层系发育一般要经历3个阶段,即超压封存箱的形成、密度反转和多期水力压裂作用。对多边形断层系的研究有助于泥岩压实、油气运移、泥岩中流体活动状态以及对深水砂体分布和几何形态特征的分析等。由于我国还未发现有多边形断层系的存在,希望本文的介绍能为我国开展此类断层研究时有所帮助。     

凸轮型冲击旋压钻头成孔机理研究

挤密钻头是潜孔锤冲击挤密钻进技术的关键所在,其结构形式直接影响着钻进效率、成孔质量和应用效果。应用非线性有限元理论,对动载荷作用下土体的弹塑性和压缩性的变化规律进行了分析。研究发现,常规钻头在冲击挤密钻进过程中产生的桩效应是导致钻进效率降低的主要原因。为了克服桩效应的影响,利用ANSYS/LSDYNA软件对阶梯式钻头和凸轮旋压钻头的钻进过程进行数值模拟分析,并通过实钻试验进行验证。数值模拟分析和试验结果均表明：凸轮旋压钻头能够有效避免钻进过程中土体回弹问题,降低桩效应对钻进效率的影响。试验结果与模拟结果相吻合,表明数值模拟的结果相对可靠。     

Use of fly ash with no water consumption for cold regions transportation infrastructure

The construction period in cold regions is very short due to problems related to excavation and use of frozen soils in embankment construction, which leads to excessive deformations upon thawing. Also, handling of compaction water is critical due to freezing temperatures. Coalburning thermal power plants are very common in cold regions to supply electricity. The inorganic part of the pulverized coal after burning produces fly ash, which is available in large volumes. Due to excavation difficulties and the poor engineering behavior of frozen soils in cold regions, the utilization of fly ash when it is readily available must be promoted. Any construction technique which utilizes alternative materials like fly ash and minimizes water consumption has a potential to extend the short construction season and even allow service and maintenance during extreme weather conditions. This paper presents two potential techniques to solve the moisture affinity of silt-sized materials like fly ash. One technique involves in-plant production of fly ash pellets using cold-bonding pelletization to manufacture aggregates of up to 40,000-μm diameter from 15- to 60-μm-diameter fly ash grains. Large disc pelletizers have annual production capacities of up to one million ton at a reasonable cost. The product has adequate strength for embankment construction even when no water is used and no compaction is applied. The second technique is an in situ mixing technique which uses snow instead of compaction water for fly ash. The snow is the main element in this technique to compact the embankment. Water is needed for the hydration reactions to form cementitious minerals in fly ash. The slower the hydration reaction, the greater the crystal growth of cementitious minerals. In the proposed technique, in situ snow is mixed with fly ash and is compacted on-site. The temperature increase due to the hydration reaction of fly ash upon contact with snow crystals provides water for continued long-term hydration, which results in high strength, a high void ratio, light weight, and high thermal insulation capability. The presented techniques have the potential to extend the short construction season in cold regions and will provide fill material, decreasing the need for excavation. Both techniques are well documented under laboratory conditions, the research results have been published, and the techniques are ready for field trials to assess implementability.     

强夯法加固夹砂粘土吹填场地的现场试验研究

江苏省连云港赣榆港区陆域采用航道和港池的疏浚土方吹填形成作业港区,吹填工艺以绞吸式疏浚为主,疏浚涉及土层为粘土和砂土,由此形成了粘土和砂土的混合土地基。为了提高地基承载力和均匀性,采用了强夯法对地基进行加固,但是目前对夹砂粘土地基强夯加固的理论和实践较少。为此,以砂夹粘土构成的混合土地基为对象,测试了多种能量单点夯击时的地基土夯沉量、孔压和夯坑周围土体强度等参数,探讨了强夯法加固该类地基的加固深度和水平影响范围。结果表明：对于该类地基而言,有效加固深度修正系数取0.35~0.5为宜;强夯过程中,孔压与强度的增长范围不对应,即孔压影响范围远大于强度影响范围。     

强夯法施工振动效应分析

对强夯法施工引起的振动效应进行了详细分析,得出对邻近建筑物影响因素的估计,为强夯施工方案设计提供设计借鉴。     

Liquefaction mitigation in silty soils using composite stone columns and dynamic compaction

The objective of this study is to develop an analytical methodology to evaluate the effectiveness ofvibro stone column (S. C.) and dynamic compaction (D.C.) techniques supplemented with wick drains to densify and mitigate liquethctionin saturated sands and non-plastic silty soils. It includes the following: (i) develop numerical models to simulate and analyze soil densification during S.C. installation and D.C. process, and (ii) identify parameters controlling post-improvement soil density in both cases, and (iii) develop design guidelines for densification of silty soils using the above techniques. An analytical procedure was developed and used to simulate soil response during S.C. and D.C. installations, and the results were compared with available case history data. Important construction design parameters and soil properties that affect the effectiveness of these techniques, and construction design choices suitable for sands and non-plastic silty soils were identified. The methodology is expected to advance the use of S.C. and DC. in silty soils reducing the reliance on expensive field trials as a design tool. The ultimate outcome of this research will be design charts and design guidelines for using composite stone columns and composite dynamic compaction techniques in liquefaction mitigation of saturated silty soils.