This article presents an innovative method of bio-mediated soil improvement for increasing the shear strength of loose sand.The improvement is realized by mixing the loose sand with the inoculum of Rhizopus oligosporu...This article presents an innovative method of bio-mediated soil improvement for increasing the shear strength of loose sand.The improvement is realized by mixing the loose sand with the inoculum of Rhizopus oligosporus,a kind of fungus widely used in food industry for making Indonesian tempeh.The objective of this article is to investigate the performance and mechanism of mixing tempeh inoculum as a binding agent of loose sand particles.The inoculum dosage,water content of loose sand,and curing time were examined for identifying the increment of unconfined compressive strength(q_u)of the samples.The results showed that q_u of the treated samples increased when the inoculum dosage was elevated.It shows that 5.24%inoculum could yield 68 kPa of q_u,and 5%water content and 3 d curing time produced the maximum q_u.Moreover,the mechanism of hypha and mycelium in binding the soil particles was clearly observed using a digital microscope and scanning electron microscope.展开更多
Kinked rebar is a special type of steel material,which is installed in beam column nodes and frame beams.It effectively enhances the blast resilience,seismic collapse resistance,and progressive collapse resistance of ...Kinked rebar is a special type of steel material,which is installed in beam column nodes and frame beams.It effectively enhances the blast resilience,seismic collapse resistance,and progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete(RC)structures without imposing substantial cost burdens,thereby emerging as a focal point of recent research endeavors.On the basis of explaining the working principle of kinked rebars,this paper reviews the research status of kinked rebars at home and abroad from three core domains:the tensile mechanical properties of kinked rebars,beam column nodes with kinked rebars,and concrete frame structures with kinked rebars.The analysis underscores that the straightening process of kinked rebars does not compromise their ultimate strength but significantly bolsters structural ductility and enhances energy dissipation capabilities.In beam-column joints,the incorporation of kinked rebars facilitates the seamless transfer of plastic hinges,adhering to the design principle of“strong columns and weak beams.”In addition,kinked rebars can greatly improve the resistance of the beam;The seismic resistance,internal explosion resistance,and progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete frame structures with kinked rebar have significantly improved.Beyond its primary application,the principle of kinked rebar was extended to other applications of kinked materials such as corrugated steel plates and origami structures,and the stress characteristics of related components and structures were studied.Intriguingly,this paper also proposes the application of kinked rebars in bridge engineering,aiming to address the challenges of localized damage concentration and excessive residual displacement in RC bridge piers.The introduction of kinked rebars in piers is envisioned to mitigate these issues,with the paper outlining its advantages and feasibility,thereby offering valuable insights for future research on kinked reinforcement and seismic design strategies for bridges.展开更多
Using the knowledge obtained from previous courses such as:soil mechanics,structural analysis,steel design,etc.,a team of seven students at California State University,Northridge(CSUN)designed a two-story residential ...Using the knowledge obtained from previous courses such as:soil mechanics,structural analysis,steel design,etc.,a team of seven students at California State University,Northridge(CSUN)designed a two-story residential steel house for their senior design course.The home was chosen to be located in the city of Pacific Palisades,California.The following paper outlines the design of the home ranging from the architectural plans to the beam,column,and foundation design.California is known to be seismically active,therefore,seismic loading played a large factor into the design of the house.Once the design of the house was completed,a cost estimate of the house was prepared using the estimating platform RSMeans.Additionally,a second estimate of the home was also completed with the addition of LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)features such as solar panels,LED lighting,and energy star appliances that make the home environmentally friendly and will give the owner a greater return on their investment in the future.展开更多
The present researched topic was conceived from a senior design course for Civil Engineering students at CSUN (California State University), Northridge. In this work, experimental trials were performed and compared to...The present researched topic was conceived from a senior design course for Civil Engineering students at CSUN (California State University), Northridge. In this work, experimental trials were performed and compared to establish theoretical values of the discharge coefficient. The discharge coefficient is a dimensionless number used to characterize the flow and pressure loss behavior of nozzles and orifices in fluid systems. A group of low-income undergraduate students with diverse backgrounds designed multiple 3D printed orifices where each 3D printed orifice had a specific shape. Utilizing the methods of technical problem solving, the undergraduates found experimental discharge coefficient values for the following orifices: borda, short-tubed, and sharp-edged. Implementing ethics of engineering practice and utilizing university resources, this study is a representation of the collaborative work of minorities and females that want to expand their knowledge within their respective discipline of Civil Engineering.展开更多
Purpose-This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Brazilian freight railway system,examining the efficacy of the current concession renewal model in light of persistent structural problems such as market con...Purpose-This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Brazilian freight railway system,examining the efficacy of the current concession renewal model in light of persistent structural problems such as market concentration,cargo dependence on export commodities and underutilization of the network.Situating Brazil within the broader international debate on railway reforms,the paper evaluates whether the ongoing early renewal of concessions can deliver a more diversified and competitive freight system.Design/methodology/approach-The study adopts a sequential mixed-methods research design that integrates longitudinal quantitative analysis with qualitative institutional and policy evaluation.The quantitative component examines time-series indicators published by ANTT,DNIT and INFRA S.A.from 1999 to 2023 to identify structural patterns in traffic growth,investment,safety and market concentration.The qualitative component employs a process-tracing logic to reconstruct the evolution of concession renewals and the implementation of Railway Law 14.273/2021,drawing on concepts from regulatory economics,institutional theory and industrial organization.These empirical streams are synthesized through an analytical framework that connects three dimensions-regulatory design,market structure and system performance-allowing for a systematic assessment of how Brazil’s institutional configuration shapes incentives,competitive dynamics and network utilization.Findings-The analysis confirms that the early renewal of concessions has successfully secured substantial private investment for capacity expansion on existing trunk lines.However,it has perpetuated the vertically integrated model,reinforcing the market power of incumbent operators and failing to significantly promote intramodal competition or cargo diversification.The system remains dominated by iron ore and agricultural commodities,with general cargo representing a minuscule share.The new authorization regime and short-line railway policies present a viable pathway for market opening but face significant operational and institutional barriers to implementation.Originality/value-This research offers a timely and critical assessment of a pivotal moment in Brazilian railway policy.It moves beyond a simplistic evaluation of volume growth to a structural analysis of market failures and the interplay between concession renewal and regulatory innovation.The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers in Brazil and other emerging economies seeking to balance private investment with public interest goals in railway infrastructure,highlighting the necessity of complementary,pro-competitive measures alongside financial investment.展开更多
As underground mining advances to greater depths,cemented paste backfill(CPB)is increasingly subjected to complex thermo-mechanical loading conditions,including multiaxial stress states and elevated temperatures.This ...As underground mining advances to greater depths,cemented paste backfill(CPB)is increasingly subjected to complex thermo-mechanical loading conditions,including multiaxial stress states and elevated temperatures.This study investigates the coupled effects of field-representative vertical self-weight and horizontal rockwall closure stresses,along with in-situ temperatures,on the mechanical behavior and pore water pressure(PWP)evolution of CPB.Experiments were conducted using a novel apparatus capable of controlling multiaxial stress and temperature during curing,replicating in-situ stress paths and thermal profiles typical of deep mine environments.Results show that multiaxial stress enhances CPB strength and stiffness by promoting denser particle packing,reducing porosity,and increasing frictional resistance.Elevated temperatures independently accelerate early-age cement hydration,further improving bond strength and stiffness.When combined,multiaxial stress and elevated temperature produce a synergistic enhancement in unconfined compressive strength(UCS)and elastic modulus,as confirmed by two-way ANOVA and synergy index analysis.PWP responses were also highly sensitive to thermo-mechanical conditions.The evolution of positive and negative PWP was governed by the interplay of thermal expansion,hydration-induced desaturation,and mechanical compaction.Multiaxial stress amplified early positive PWP and delayed its dissipation,whereas elevated temperature accelerated hydration and reduced pore pressure,leading to enhanced suction at later ages.A transient“stress-induced resaturation”effect was observed under late-stage excessive horizontal stress but was mitigated by elevated temperatures.These findings provide critical insights into the coupled mechanical and hydraulic behavior of CPB under realistic field conditions and offer guidance for optimizing backfill design,binder content,and barricade stability in deep mining applications.展开更多
This study presents a multi-physical modeling approach to analyze the dynamics of moisture potential and stress-deformation features near deep desiccation cracks in clayey soils under three consecutive years’climate ...This study presents a multi-physical modeling approach to analyze the dynamics of moisture potential and stress-deformation features near deep desiccation cracks in clayey soils under three consecutive years’climate variability in an arid region.A triple research approach of statistical analysis,analytical framework,and numerical modeling was used to investigate the complex thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of desiccation-cracked soil,incorporating realistic climatic data of Qom,Iran.The results revealed the interplay between stress,strain,and pore water pressure over time,demonstrating that soil experiences significant swelling and shrinkage due to cyclic wetting and drying.The horizontal stress distribution shows compressive stress concentration at crack tips during wetting,transitioning to tensile stresses uniformly across the soil surface during drying paths.Similarly,vertical stress distributions exhibit localized compressive stresses along crack boundaries during wetting and tensile stresses during drying,highlighting the critical stress conditions at crack tips.The model differentiates between microstructural and macrostructural changes in porosity.Annual trends in micro-porosity revealed cyclic-dependent behavior,with significant volumetric changes occurring in the first year,stabilizing with successive cycles.The results also indicated that part of the volumetric changes are irreversible,with volumetric plastic strain increasing exponentially but at a decreasing rate over three years.Principal stress analysis indicates a shift from compressive to tensile stress states around cracks,driven by climate-induced wetting and drying cycles.These findings underscore the critical role of climate variability in shaping cracked soil behavior in arid regions,providing insights into the heterogeneous behavior of cracked soil surfFicial layers.展开更多
We investigated the effects of fly ash(FA)content on the mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete(RAC)and its regeneration potential under freeze and thaw(F-T)cycles.The physical properties of second-gener...We investigated the effects of fly ash(FA)content on the mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete(RAC)and its regeneration potential under freeze and thaw(F-T)cycles.The physical properties of second-generation recycled concrete aggregates(RCA)were used to analyze the regeneration potential of RAC after F-T cycles.Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the interfacial transition zone microstructure of RAC after F-T cycles.Results showed that adding 20%FA to RAC significantly enhanced its mechanical properties and frost resistance.Before the F-T cycles,the compressive strength of RAC with 20%FA reached 48.3 MPa,exceeding research strength target of 40 MPa.A majority of second-generation RCA with FA had been verified to attain class Ⅲ,which enabled their practical application in non-structural projects such as backfill trenches and road pavement.However,the second-generation RCA with 20%FA can achieve class Ⅱ,making it ideal for 40 MPa structural concrete.展开更多
Concrete production often relies on natural aggregates,which can lead to resource depletion and environmental harm.In addition,improper disposal of thermoplastic waste exacerbates ecological problems.Although signific...Concrete production often relies on natural aggregates,which can lead to resource depletion and environmental harm.In addition,improper disposal of thermoplastic waste exacerbates ecological problems.Although significant attention has recently been given to recycling various waste materials into concrete,studies specifically addressing thermoplastic recycled aggregates are still trending.This underscores the need to comprehensively review existing literature,identify research trends,and recognize gaps in understanding the mechanical performance of thermoplastic-based recycled aggregate concrete.Accordingly,this review summarizes recent investigations focused on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic-based recycled aggregate concrete,emphasizing aspects such as compressive strength,tensile behavior,modulus of elasticity,and durability characteristics.The primary aim is to consolidate scattered research findings,identify key parameters influencing mechanical behavior,and propose future research directions.Understanding the influence of recycled thermoplastic aggregates on concrete performance significantly supports sustainable construction practices by reducing dependency on virgin aggregates and mitigating environmental impacts associated with waste disposal.In addition,assessing mechanical performance contributes to confidence in the practical application,encouraging the broader adoption of thermoplastic-based recycled aggregate concrete in construction projects.Through this critical synthesis,the review guides researchers and industry practitioners toward informed decisions on the feasibility and reliability of integrating thermoplastic waste into concrete,thereby promoting sustainable infrastructure development.展开更多
Accurate precipitation estimation in semiarid,topographically complicated areas is critical for water resource management and climate risk monitoring.This work provides a detailed,multi-scale evaluation of four major ...Accurate precipitation estimation in semiarid,topographically complicated areas is critical for water resource management and climate risk monitoring.This work provides a detailed,multi-scale evaluation of four major satellite precipitation products(CHIRPS,PERSIANN-CDR,IMERG-F v07,and GSMaP)over Isfahan province,Iran,over a 9-year period(2015-2023).The performance of these products was benchmarked against a dense network of 98 rain gauges using a suite of continuous and categorical statistical metrics,following a two-stage quality control protocol to remove outliers and false alarms.The results revealed that the performance of all products improves with temporal aggregation.At the daily level,GSMaP performed marginally better,although all products were linked with considerable uncertainty.At the monthly and annual levels,the GPM-era products(IMERG and GSMaP)clearly beat the other two,establishing themselves as dependable tools for long-term hydro-climatological studies.Error analysis revealed that topography is the dominant regulating factor,creating a systematic elevationdependent bias,largely characterized by underestimation from most products in high-elevation areas,though the PERSIANN-CDR product exhibited a contrasting overestimation tendency.Finally,the findings highlight the importance of implementing local,elevation-dependent calibration before deploying these products in hydrological modeling.展开更多
Concrete-filled steel tubes(CFST)are widely utilized in civil engineering due to their superior load-bearing capacity,ductility,and seismic resistance.However,existing design codes,such as AISC and Eurocode 4,tend to ...Concrete-filled steel tubes(CFST)are widely utilized in civil engineering due to their superior load-bearing capacity,ductility,and seismic resistance.However,existing design codes,such as AISC and Eurocode 4,tend to be excessively conservative as they fail to account for the composite action between the steel tube and the concrete core.To address this limitation,this study proposes a hybrid model that integrates XGBoost with the Pied Kingfisher Optimizer(PKO),a nature-inspired algorithm,to enhance the accuracy of shear strength prediction for CFST columns.Additionally,quantile regression is employed to construct prediction intervals for the ultimate shear force,while the Asymmetric Squared Error Loss(ASEL)function is incorporated to mitigate overestimation errors.The computational results demonstrate that the PKO-XGBoost model delivers superior predictive accuracy,achieving a Mean Absolute Percentage Error(MAPE)of 4.431%and R2 of 0.9925 on the test set.Furthermore,the ASEL-PKO-XGBoost model substantially reduces overestimation errors to 28.26%,with negligible impact on predictive performance.Additionally,based on the Genetic Algorithm(GA)and existing equation models,a strength equation model is developed,achieving markedly higher accuracy than existing models(R^(2)=0.934).Lastly,web-based Graphical User Interfaces(GUIs)were developed to enable real-time prediction.展开更多
This research centers on structural health monitoring of bridges,a critical transportation infrastructure.Owing to the cumulative action of heavy vehicle loads,environmental variations,and material aging,bridge compon...This research centers on structural health monitoring of bridges,a critical transportation infrastructure.Owing to the cumulative action of heavy vehicle loads,environmental variations,and material aging,bridge components are prone to cracks and other defects,severely compromising structural safety and service life.Traditional inspection methods relying on manual visual assessment or vehicle-mounted sensors suffer from low efficiency,strong subjectivity,and high costs,while conventional image processing techniques and early deep learning models(e.g.,UNet,Faster R-CNN)still performinadequately in complex environments(e.g.,varying illumination,noise,false cracks)due to poor perception of fine cracks andmulti-scale features,limiting practical application.To address these challenges,this paper proposes CACNN-Net(CBAM-Augmented CNN),a novel dual-encoder architecture that innovatively couples a CNN for local detail extraction with a CBAM-Transformer for global context modeling.A key contribution is the dedicated Feature FusionModule(FFM),which strategically integratesmulti-scale features and focuses attention on crack regions while suppressing irrelevant noise.Experiments on bridge crack datasets demonstrate that CACNNNet achieves a precision of 77.6%,a recall of 79.4%,and an mIoU of 62.7%.These results significantly outperform several typical models(e.g.,UNet-ResNet34,Deeplabv3),confirming their superior accuracy and robust generalization,providing a high-precision automated solution for bridge crack detection and a novel network design paradigm for structural surface defect identification in complex scenarios,while future research may integrate physical features like depth information to advance intelligent infrastructure maintenance and digital twin management.展开更多
An image processing and deep learning method for identifying different types of rock images was proposed.Preprocessing,such as rock image acquisition,gray scaling,Gaussian blurring,and feature dimensionality reduction...An image processing and deep learning method for identifying different types of rock images was proposed.Preprocessing,such as rock image acquisition,gray scaling,Gaussian blurring,and feature dimensionality reduction,was conducted to extract useful feature information and recognize and classify rock images using Tensor Flow-based convolutional neural network(CNN)and Py Qt5.A rock image dataset was established and separated into workouts,confirmation sets,and test sets.The framework was subsequently compiled and trained.The categorization approach was evaluated using image data from the validation and test datasets,and key metrics,such as accuracy,precision,and recall,were analyzed.Finally,the classification model conducted a probabilistic analysis of the measured data to determine the equivalent lithological type for each image.The experimental results indicated that the method combining deep learning,Tensor Flow-based CNN,and Py Qt5 to recognize and classify rock images has an accuracy rate of up to 98.8%,and can be successfully utilized for rock image recognition.The system can be extended to geological exploration,mine engineering,and other rock and mineral resource development to more efficiently and accurately recognize rock samples.Moreover,it can match them with the intelligent support design system to effectively improve the reliability and economy of the support scheme.The system can serve as a reference for supporting the design of other mining and underground space projects.展开更多
The biological stabilization of soil using microbially induced carbonate precipitation(MICP)employs ureolytic bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate(CaCO3),which binds soil particles,enhancing strength,stiffness,an...The biological stabilization of soil using microbially induced carbonate precipitation(MICP)employs ureolytic bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate(CaCO3),which binds soil particles,enhancing strength,stiffness,and erosion resistance.The unconfinedcompressive strength(UCS),a key measure of soil strength,is critical in geotechnical engineering as it directly reflectsthe mechanical stability of treated soils.This study integrates explainable artificialintelligence(XAI)with geotechnical insights to model the UCS of MICP-treated sands.Using 517 experimental data points and a combination of various input variables—including median grain size(D50),coefficientof uniformity(Cu),void ratio(e),urea concentration(Mu),calcium concentration(Mc),optical density(OD)of bacterial solution,pH,and total injection volume(Vt)—fivemachine learning(ML)models,including eXtreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),Light gradient boosting machine(LightGBM),random forest(RF),gene expression programming(GEP),and multivariate adaptive regression splines(MARS),were developed and optimized.The ensemble models(XGBoost,LightGBM,and RF)were optimized using the Chernobyl disaster optimizer(CDO),a recently developed metaheuristic algorithm.Of these,LightGBM-CDO achieved the highest accuracy for UCS prediction.XAI techniques like feature importance analysis(FIA),SHapley additive exPlanations(SHAP),and partial dependence plots(PDPs)were also used to investigate the complex non-linear relationships between the input and output variables.The results obtained have demonstrated that the XAI-driven models can enhance the predictive accuracy and interpretability of MICP processes,offering a sustainable pathway for optimizing geotechnical applications.展开更多
Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design.Due to the complex nature of truss systems,this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises stru...Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design.Due to the complex nature of truss systems,this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises structural weight under stress and frequency constraints.Two new algorithms,the Red Kite Optimization Algorithm(ROA)and Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm(SBOA),are utilized on five benchmark trusses with 10,18,37,72,and 200-bar trusses.Both algorithms are evaluated against benchmarks in the literature.The results indicate that SBOA always reaches a lighter optimal.Designs with reducing structural weight ranging from 0.02%to 0.15%compared to ROA,and up to 6%–8%as compared to conventional algorithms.In addition,SBOA can achieve 15%–20%faster convergence speed and 10%–18%reduction in computational time with a smaller standard deviation over independent runs,which demonstrates its robustness and reliability.It is indicated that the adaptive exploration mechanism of SBOA,especially its Levy flight–based search strategy,can obviously improve optimization performance for low-and high-dimensional trusses.The research has implications in the context of promoting bio-inspired optimization techniques by demonstrating the viability of SBOA,a reliable model for large-scale structural design that provides significant enhancements in performance and convergence behavior.展开更多
This study proposes to use the unconfined compressive strength(UCS)and the bender element(BE)tests for determining the strength and the initial small-strain shear modulus of Bangkok soft marine clay improved by cement...This study proposes to use the unconfined compressive strength(UCS)and the bender element(BE)tests for determining the strength and the initial small-strain shear modulus of Bangkok soft marine clay improved by cement and polyester fibers.This study varies the content of admixed cement(1%–20%)and polyester fibers(0–20%),including the curing time(3–28 d)for preparing 360 samples.Moreover,this study uses the Michaelis-Menten kinetics concept to model cement hydration saturation.From the study,it is concluded as follows.The modelled results reveals that at least 10%cement and 1%polyester fiber are recommended to attain the 28-d UCS standards(294 kPa)for highway subgrade materials in Thailand.This also fulfils sustainable construction due to reducing normal-use cement from 20%to 10%.Unfortunately,the addition of polyester fibers into the Bangkok clay with at least 5%cement reduces shear modulus by 1.12–1.32 times.The Abram's relationship between shear modulus and the mixing-water-to-cement ratio is found time-dependent.From the composite theory,the BE detects the polyester fiber zone as a defect in the Bangkok clay(matrix)with 5%–20%cement.So,the 28-d shear modulus in the polyester fiber zone is negative(up to0.034 MPa for 20%fiber),similar to softening phenomenon in concrete cracking(negative stiffness).For the 28-d shear modulus of fiber zone,the optimum cement content is around 2%for the positive influences of polyester fibers.Experimentally,the timedependent normalized UCS for 10%and 20%cement is compatible with other studies,and its development rate increases with the cement content as 0.3017,0.3172 and 0.3204 for 5%,10%and 20%cement,respectively.The 28-d relationship between shear modulus and UCS shows that low-cement soft clay requires high polyester fiber content(5%–20%)to activate UCS improvement.However,the soft clay with enough cement(20%)causes the uniformly distributed UCS improvement.展开更多
Quantitative detection of sleeve grouting compactness is a technical challenge in civil engineering testing.This study explores a novel quantitative detection method based on ultrasonic time-frequency dual-domain anal...Quantitative detection of sleeve grouting compactness is a technical challenge in civil engineering testing.This study explores a novel quantitative detection method based on ultrasonic time-frequency dual-domain analysis.It establishes a mapping relationship between sleeve grouting compactness and characteristic parameters.First,this study made samples with gradient defects for two types of grouting sleeves,G18 and G20.These included four cases:2D,4D,6D defects(where D is the diameter of the grouting sleeve),and no-defect.Then,an ultrasonic input/output data acquisition system was established.Three-dimensional sound field distribution data were obtained through an orthogonal detection layout and pulse reflection principles.Finally,a novel quantification detection with a comprehensive defect index(DI)was established by comprehensively considering eight feature parameters,such as time-frequency domain Kurtosis factor(KU),Skewness factor(SK),Formfactor(FF),Crest factor(CF),Impulse factor(IF),Clearance factor(CLF),Wavelet packet energy entropy(WPEE),and Hilbert energy peak(HEP).Construct a DI index by quantifying the difference between defect signals and defect free signals in the time-frequency domain.Experimental results show that,under no-defect conditions,the values of feature parameters are significantly lower than those under defect conditions.Among these,the KU,FF,CF,WPEE and HEP exhibit strong correlations with grout sleeve compactness.The proposed DI index in both types of grout sleeves showed good universality with a linear fit goodness of 0.847–0.962.However,G20 the larger inner diameter and length of the sleeve result in a more complex medium effect during ultrasonic propagation,making its DI index more sensitive to defects than the G18 sleeve.Therefore,the presented method is effective for quantitative detection and analysis of the compactness of grouting sleeves.展开更多
The stress-strain behavior of calcareous sand is significantly influencedby particle breakage(B)and initial relative density(Dri),but few constitutive models consider their combined effects.To bridge this gap,we condu...The stress-strain behavior of calcareous sand is significantly influencedby particle breakage(B)and initial relative density(Dri),but few constitutive models consider their combined effects.To bridge this gap,we conducted a series of triaxial tests on calcareous sand with varying Dri and stress paths,examining particle breakage and critical state behavior.Key findingsinclude:(1)At a constant stress ratio(η),B follows a hyperbolic relationship with mean effective stress(p'),and for a given p',B increases proportionally withη;(2)The critical state line(CSL)moves downward with increasing Dri,whereas the critical state friction angle(φcs)decreases with increasing B.Based on these findings,we propose a unifiedbreakage evolution model to quantify particle breakage in calcareous sand under various loading conditions.Integrating this model with the Normal Consolidation Line(NCL)and CSL equations,we successfully simulate the steepening of NCL and CSL slopes as B increases with the onset of particle breakage.Furthermore,we quantitatively evaluate the effect of B onφcs.Finally,within the framework of Critical State Soil Mechanics and Hypoplasticity theory,we develop a hypoplastic model incorporating B and Dri.The model is validated through strong agreement with experimental results across various initial relative densities,stress paths and drainage conditions.展开更多
During deep coal mining,an instability failure of coal usually occurs under the combined effect of initial damage and triaxial cyclic loading and unloading(TCLU).Therefore,this study investigated the impact of initial...During deep coal mining,an instability failure of coal usually occurs under the combined effect of initial damage and triaxial cyclic loading and unloading(TCLU).Therefore,this study investigated the impact of initial damage on mechanical behavior and acoustic emission(AE)characteristics of coal under TCLU.Initial damage variables(IDVs)of coal specimens were quantified using preloading,followed by TCLU experiments to assess the deformation,energy distribution,and fracture development.The results revealed that the increase in IDVs significantly reduced the structural integrity of coal specimens,increased the cumulative irreversible strain,and enhanced the dissipated energy owing to microfracture expansion.Moreover,AE monitoring showed earlier activation of fractures and a higher occurrence of large-scale rupture events of coal specimens with high IDVs,which correlated with decreasing AE b values(reflecting the different scales of fracture within specimens)and increasing S values(reflecting the AE activity within specimens).Additionally,computed tomography analysis revealed intensified fracture networks and increasing three-dimensional fractal dimensions of coal specimens with higher IDVs.Finally,the coupling effect of TCLU and initial damage on the weakening mechanism of coal was investigated.Initial damage significantly reduced the structural integrity of coal by increasing the number of weak planes within coal specimens,contributing to the earlier activation and rapid expansion of fractures at low stress levels under TCLU and eventually accelerating the weakening process of coal.This study provides a scientific basis and theoretical support for the prevention and control of dynamic disasters in deep coal mining.展开更多
This paper develops a semi-analytical solution for pile penetration in natural soft clays using the strain path method(SPM).The stress-strain behavior of soils is characterized by the S-CLAY1S model,which can capture ...This paper develops a semi-analytical solution for pile penetration in natural soft clays using the strain path method(SPM).The stress-strain behavior of soils is characterized by the S-CLAY1S model,which can capture the anisotropic evolution and destructuring nature of soft clays.By integrating the S-CLAY1S model into the theoretical framework of the SPM,a set of ordinary differential equations is formulated with respect to the vertical coordinate of soil particles.The distribution of excess pore water pressure(EPWP)following pile installation is approximated through one-dimensional(1D)radial integration around the pile shaft.The distribution of stresses and EPWP,along with the evolution of fabric anisotropy within the soil surrounding the pile,is presented to illustrate the response of pile penetration in natural soft clays.The proposed solution is validated against existing theoretical solutions using the SPM and cavity expansion method(CEM),along with experimental data.The findings demonstrate that the SPM reveals lower radial effective stresses and EPWP at the pile shaft than that of CEM.Pile penetration alters the soil's anisotropic properties,inducing rotational hardening and affecting post-installation stress distribution.Soil destructuration eliminates bonding among particles near the pile,resulting in a complete disruption of soil structure at the pile surface,which is particularly pronounced for higher initial soil structure ratios.Minimal variation was observed in the three principal stresses and shear stress on the cone side surface as the angle increased from 18°to 60°,except for a slight reduction in EPWP.展开更多
基金the research funding provided by Ikatan Alumni Teknik Sipil(IATS)UnparUniversitas Katolik Parahyangan.
文摘This article presents an innovative method of bio-mediated soil improvement for increasing the shear strength of loose sand.The improvement is realized by mixing the loose sand with the inoculum of Rhizopus oligosporus,a kind of fungus widely used in food industry for making Indonesian tempeh.The objective of this article is to investigate the performance and mechanism of mixing tempeh inoculum as a binding agent of loose sand particles.The inoculum dosage,water content of loose sand,and curing time were examined for identifying the increment of unconfined compressive strength(q_u)of the samples.The results showed that q_u of the treated samples increased when the inoculum dosage was elevated.It shows that 5.24%inoculum could yield 68 kPa of q_u,and 5%water content and 3 d curing time produced the maximum q_u.Moreover,the mechanism of hypha and mycelium in binding the soil particles was clearly observed using a digital microscope and scanning electron microscope.
基金supported by the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.LTGG23E080001Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Urban Infrastructure under Grant No.IUI2022-ZD-01.
文摘Kinked rebar is a special type of steel material,which is installed in beam column nodes and frame beams.It effectively enhances the blast resilience,seismic collapse resistance,and progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete(RC)structures without imposing substantial cost burdens,thereby emerging as a focal point of recent research endeavors.On the basis of explaining the working principle of kinked rebars,this paper reviews the research status of kinked rebars at home and abroad from three core domains:the tensile mechanical properties of kinked rebars,beam column nodes with kinked rebars,and concrete frame structures with kinked rebars.The analysis underscores that the straightening process of kinked rebars does not compromise their ultimate strength but significantly bolsters structural ductility and enhances energy dissipation capabilities.In beam-column joints,the incorporation of kinked rebars facilitates the seamless transfer of plastic hinges,adhering to the design principle of“strong columns and weak beams.”In addition,kinked rebars can greatly improve the resistance of the beam;The seismic resistance,internal explosion resistance,and progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete frame structures with kinked rebar have significantly improved.Beyond its primary application,the principle of kinked rebar was extended to other applications of kinked materials such as corrugated steel plates and origami structures,and the stress characteristics of related components and structures were studied.Intriguingly,this paper also proposes the application of kinked rebars in bridge engineering,aiming to address the challenges of localized damage concentration and excessive residual displacement in RC bridge piers.The introduction of kinked rebars in piers is envisioned to mitigate these issues,with the paper outlining its advantages and feasibility,thereby offering valuable insights for future research on kinked reinforcement and seismic design strategies for bridges.
文摘Using the knowledge obtained from previous courses such as:soil mechanics,structural analysis,steel design,etc.,a team of seven students at California State University,Northridge(CSUN)designed a two-story residential steel house for their senior design course.The home was chosen to be located in the city of Pacific Palisades,California.The following paper outlines the design of the home ranging from the architectural plans to the beam,column,and foundation design.California is known to be seismically active,therefore,seismic loading played a large factor into the design of the house.Once the design of the house was completed,a cost estimate of the house was prepared using the estimating platform RSMeans.Additionally,a second estimate of the home was also completed with the addition of LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)features such as solar panels,LED lighting,and energy star appliances that make the home environmentally friendly and will give the owner a greater return on their investment in the future.
文摘The present researched topic was conceived from a senior design course for Civil Engineering students at CSUN (California State University), Northridge. In this work, experimental trials were performed and compared to establish theoretical values of the discharge coefficient. The discharge coefficient is a dimensionless number used to characterize the flow and pressure loss behavior of nozzles and orifices in fluid systems. A group of low-income undergraduate students with diverse backgrounds designed multiple 3D printed orifices where each 3D printed orifice had a specific shape. Utilizing the methods of technical problem solving, the undergraduates found experimental discharge coefficient values for the following orifices: borda, short-tubed, and sharp-edged. Implementing ethics of engineering practice and utilizing university resources, this study is a representation of the collaborative work of minorities and females that want to expand their knowledge within their respective discipline of Civil Engineering.
文摘Purpose-This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Brazilian freight railway system,examining the efficacy of the current concession renewal model in light of persistent structural problems such as market concentration,cargo dependence on export commodities and underutilization of the network.Situating Brazil within the broader international debate on railway reforms,the paper evaluates whether the ongoing early renewal of concessions can deliver a more diversified and competitive freight system.Design/methodology/approach-The study adopts a sequential mixed-methods research design that integrates longitudinal quantitative analysis with qualitative institutional and policy evaluation.The quantitative component examines time-series indicators published by ANTT,DNIT and INFRA S.A.from 1999 to 2023 to identify structural patterns in traffic growth,investment,safety and market concentration.The qualitative component employs a process-tracing logic to reconstruct the evolution of concession renewals and the implementation of Railway Law 14.273/2021,drawing on concepts from regulatory economics,institutional theory and industrial organization.These empirical streams are synthesized through an analytical framework that connects three dimensions-regulatory design,market structure and system performance-allowing for a systematic assessment of how Brazil’s institutional configuration shapes incentives,competitive dynamics and network utilization.Findings-The analysis confirms that the early renewal of concessions has successfully secured substantial private investment for capacity expansion on existing trunk lines.However,it has perpetuated the vertically integrated model,reinforcing the market power of incumbent operators and failing to significantly promote intramodal competition or cargo diversification.The system remains dominated by iron ore and agricultural commodities,with general cargo representing a minuscule share.The new authorization regime and short-line railway policies present a viable pathway for market opening but face significant operational and institutional barriers to implementation.Originality/value-This research offers a timely and critical assessment of a pivotal moment in Brazilian railway policy.It moves beyond a simplistic evaluation of volume growth to a structural analysis of market failures and the interplay between concession renewal and regulatory innovation.The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers in Brazil and other emerging economies seeking to balance private investment with public interest goals in railway infrastructure,highlighting the necessity of complementary,pro-competitive measures alongside financial investment.
基金the University of Ottawa, the China Scholarship Council and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for their financial support.
文摘As underground mining advances to greater depths,cemented paste backfill(CPB)is increasingly subjected to complex thermo-mechanical loading conditions,including multiaxial stress states and elevated temperatures.This study investigates the coupled effects of field-representative vertical self-weight and horizontal rockwall closure stresses,along with in-situ temperatures,on the mechanical behavior and pore water pressure(PWP)evolution of CPB.Experiments were conducted using a novel apparatus capable of controlling multiaxial stress and temperature during curing,replicating in-situ stress paths and thermal profiles typical of deep mine environments.Results show that multiaxial stress enhances CPB strength and stiffness by promoting denser particle packing,reducing porosity,and increasing frictional resistance.Elevated temperatures independently accelerate early-age cement hydration,further improving bond strength and stiffness.When combined,multiaxial stress and elevated temperature produce a synergistic enhancement in unconfined compressive strength(UCS)and elastic modulus,as confirmed by two-way ANOVA and synergy index analysis.PWP responses were also highly sensitive to thermo-mechanical conditions.The evolution of positive and negative PWP was governed by the interplay of thermal expansion,hydration-induced desaturation,and mechanical compaction.Multiaxial stress amplified early positive PWP and delayed its dissipation,whereas elevated temperature accelerated hydration and reduced pore pressure,leading to enhanced suction at later ages.A transient“stress-induced resaturation”effect was observed under late-stage excessive horizontal stress but was mitigated by elevated temperatures.These findings provide critical insights into the coupled mechanical and hydraulic behavior of CPB under realistic field conditions and offer guidance for optimizing backfill design,binder content,and barricade stability in deep mining applications.
基金support provided by the Research Grant Office at Sharif University Technology by way of grants G4010902 and QB020105 is gratefully acknowledged.
文摘This study presents a multi-physical modeling approach to analyze the dynamics of moisture potential and stress-deformation features near deep desiccation cracks in clayey soils under three consecutive years’climate variability in an arid region.A triple research approach of statistical analysis,analytical framework,and numerical modeling was used to investigate the complex thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of desiccation-cracked soil,incorporating realistic climatic data of Qom,Iran.The results revealed the interplay between stress,strain,and pore water pressure over time,demonstrating that soil experiences significant swelling and shrinkage due to cyclic wetting and drying.The horizontal stress distribution shows compressive stress concentration at crack tips during wetting,transitioning to tensile stresses uniformly across the soil surface during drying paths.Similarly,vertical stress distributions exhibit localized compressive stresses along crack boundaries during wetting and tensile stresses during drying,highlighting the critical stress conditions at crack tips.The model differentiates between microstructural and macrostructural changes in porosity.Annual trends in micro-porosity revealed cyclic-dependent behavior,with significant volumetric changes occurring in the first year,stabilizing with successive cycles.The results also indicated that part of the volumetric changes are irreversible,with volumetric plastic strain increasing exponentially but at a decreasing rate over three years.Principal stress analysis indicates a shift from compressive to tensile stress states around cracks,driven by climate-induced wetting and drying cycles.These findings underscore the critical role of climate variability in shaping cracked soil behavior in arid regions,providing insights into the heterogeneous behavior of cracked soil surfFicial layers.
基金Funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20220626)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52078068)+2 种基金Science and Technology Innovation Foundation of NIT(No.KCTD006)Jiangsu Marine Structure Service Performance Improvement Engineering Research CenterKey Laboratory of Jiangsu"Marine Floating Wind Power Technology and Equipment"。
文摘We investigated the effects of fly ash(FA)content on the mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete(RAC)and its regeneration potential under freeze and thaw(F-T)cycles.The physical properties of second-generation recycled concrete aggregates(RCA)were used to analyze the regeneration potential of RAC after F-T cycles.Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the interfacial transition zone microstructure of RAC after F-T cycles.Results showed that adding 20%FA to RAC significantly enhanced its mechanical properties and frost resistance.Before the F-T cycles,the compressive strength of RAC with 20%FA reached 48.3 MPa,exceeding research strength target of 40 MPa.A majority of second-generation RCA with FA had been verified to attain class Ⅲ,which enabled their practical application in non-structural projects such as backfill trenches and road pavement.However,the second-generation RCA with 20%FA can achieve class Ⅱ,making it ideal for 40 MPa structural concrete.
文摘Concrete production often relies on natural aggregates,which can lead to resource depletion and environmental harm.In addition,improper disposal of thermoplastic waste exacerbates ecological problems.Although significant attention has recently been given to recycling various waste materials into concrete,studies specifically addressing thermoplastic recycled aggregates are still trending.This underscores the need to comprehensively review existing literature,identify research trends,and recognize gaps in understanding the mechanical performance of thermoplastic-based recycled aggregate concrete.Accordingly,this review summarizes recent investigations focused on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic-based recycled aggregate concrete,emphasizing aspects such as compressive strength,tensile behavior,modulus of elasticity,and durability characteristics.The primary aim is to consolidate scattered research findings,identify key parameters influencing mechanical behavior,and propose future research directions.Understanding the influence of recycled thermoplastic aggregates on concrete performance significantly supports sustainable construction practices by reducing dependency on virgin aggregates and mitigating environmental impacts associated with waste disposal.In addition,assessing mechanical performance contributes to confidence in the practical application,encouraging the broader adoption of thermoplastic-based recycled aggregate concrete in construction projects.Through this critical synthesis,the review guides researchers and industry practitioners toward informed decisions on the feasibility and reliability of integrating thermoplastic waste into concrete,thereby promoting sustainable infrastructure development.
文摘Accurate precipitation estimation in semiarid,topographically complicated areas is critical for water resource management and climate risk monitoring.This work provides a detailed,multi-scale evaluation of four major satellite precipitation products(CHIRPS,PERSIANN-CDR,IMERG-F v07,and GSMaP)over Isfahan province,Iran,over a 9-year period(2015-2023).The performance of these products was benchmarked against a dense network of 98 rain gauges using a suite of continuous and categorical statistical metrics,following a two-stage quality control protocol to remove outliers and false alarms.The results revealed that the performance of all products improves with temporal aggregation.At the daily level,GSMaP performed marginally better,although all products were linked with considerable uncertainty.At the monthly and annual levels,the GPM-era products(IMERG and GSMaP)clearly beat the other two,establishing themselves as dependable tools for long-term hydro-climatological studies.Error analysis revealed that topography is the dominant regulating factor,creating a systematic elevationdependent bias,largely characterized by underestimation from most products in high-elevation areas,though the PERSIANN-CDR product exhibited a contrasting overestimation tendency.Finally,the findings highlight the importance of implementing local,elevation-dependent calibration before deploying these products in hydrological modeling.
基金funded by United Arab Emirates University(UAEU)under the UAEU-AUA grant number G00004577(12N145)with the corresponding grant at Universiti Malaya(UM)under grant number IF019-2024.
文摘Concrete-filled steel tubes(CFST)are widely utilized in civil engineering due to their superior load-bearing capacity,ductility,and seismic resistance.However,existing design codes,such as AISC and Eurocode 4,tend to be excessively conservative as they fail to account for the composite action between the steel tube and the concrete core.To address this limitation,this study proposes a hybrid model that integrates XGBoost with the Pied Kingfisher Optimizer(PKO),a nature-inspired algorithm,to enhance the accuracy of shear strength prediction for CFST columns.Additionally,quantile regression is employed to construct prediction intervals for the ultimate shear force,while the Asymmetric Squared Error Loss(ASEL)function is incorporated to mitigate overestimation errors.The computational results demonstrate that the PKO-XGBoost model delivers superior predictive accuracy,achieving a Mean Absolute Percentage Error(MAPE)of 4.431%and R2 of 0.9925 on the test set.Furthermore,the ASEL-PKO-XGBoost model substantially reduces overestimation errors to 28.26%,with negligible impact on predictive performance.Additionally,based on the Genetic Algorithm(GA)and existing equation models,a strength equation model is developed,achieving markedly higher accuracy than existing models(R^(2)=0.934).Lastly,web-based Graphical User Interfaces(GUIs)were developed to enable real-time prediction.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52308332)the General Scientific Research Project of the Education Department of Zhejiang Province(No.Y202455824).
文摘This research centers on structural health monitoring of bridges,a critical transportation infrastructure.Owing to the cumulative action of heavy vehicle loads,environmental variations,and material aging,bridge components are prone to cracks and other defects,severely compromising structural safety and service life.Traditional inspection methods relying on manual visual assessment or vehicle-mounted sensors suffer from low efficiency,strong subjectivity,and high costs,while conventional image processing techniques and early deep learning models(e.g.,UNet,Faster R-CNN)still performinadequately in complex environments(e.g.,varying illumination,noise,false cracks)due to poor perception of fine cracks andmulti-scale features,limiting practical application.To address these challenges,this paper proposes CACNN-Net(CBAM-Augmented CNN),a novel dual-encoder architecture that innovatively couples a CNN for local detail extraction with a CBAM-Transformer for global context modeling.A key contribution is the dedicated Feature FusionModule(FFM),which strategically integratesmulti-scale features and focuses attention on crack regions while suppressing irrelevant noise.Experiments on bridge crack datasets demonstrate that CACNNNet achieves a precision of 77.6%,a recall of 79.4%,and an mIoU of 62.7%.These results significantly outperform several typical models(e.g.,UNet-ResNet34,Deeplabv3),confirming their superior accuracy and robust generalization,providing a high-precision automated solution for bridge crack detection and a novel network design paradigm for structural surface defect identification in complex scenarios,while future research may integrate physical features like depth information to advance intelligent infrastructure maintenance and digital twin management.
基金financially supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project——Deep Earth Probe and Mineral Resources Exploration(No.2024ZD1003701)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFC2905004)。
文摘An image processing and deep learning method for identifying different types of rock images was proposed.Preprocessing,such as rock image acquisition,gray scaling,Gaussian blurring,and feature dimensionality reduction,was conducted to extract useful feature information and recognize and classify rock images using Tensor Flow-based convolutional neural network(CNN)and Py Qt5.A rock image dataset was established and separated into workouts,confirmation sets,and test sets.The framework was subsequently compiled and trained.The categorization approach was evaluated using image data from the validation and test datasets,and key metrics,such as accuracy,precision,and recall,were analyzed.Finally,the classification model conducted a probabilistic analysis of the measured data to determine the equivalent lithological type for each image.The experimental results indicated that the method combining deep learning,Tensor Flow-based CNN,and Py Qt5 to recognize and classify rock images has an accuracy rate of up to 98.8%,and can be successfully utilized for rock image recognition.The system can be extended to geological exploration,mine engineering,and other rock and mineral resource development to more efficiently and accurately recognize rock samples.Moreover,it can match them with the intelligent support design system to effectively improve the reliability and economy of the support scheme.The system can serve as a reference for supporting the design of other mining and underground space projects.
文摘The biological stabilization of soil using microbially induced carbonate precipitation(MICP)employs ureolytic bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate(CaCO3),which binds soil particles,enhancing strength,stiffness,and erosion resistance.The unconfinedcompressive strength(UCS),a key measure of soil strength,is critical in geotechnical engineering as it directly reflectsthe mechanical stability of treated soils.This study integrates explainable artificialintelligence(XAI)with geotechnical insights to model the UCS of MICP-treated sands.Using 517 experimental data points and a combination of various input variables—including median grain size(D50),coefficientof uniformity(Cu),void ratio(e),urea concentration(Mu),calcium concentration(Mc),optical density(OD)of bacterial solution,pH,and total injection volume(Vt)—fivemachine learning(ML)models,including eXtreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),Light gradient boosting machine(LightGBM),random forest(RF),gene expression programming(GEP),and multivariate adaptive regression splines(MARS),were developed and optimized.The ensemble models(XGBoost,LightGBM,and RF)were optimized using the Chernobyl disaster optimizer(CDO),a recently developed metaheuristic algorithm.Of these,LightGBM-CDO achieved the highest accuracy for UCS prediction.XAI techniques like feature importance analysis(FIA),SHapley additive exPlanations(SHAP),and partial dependence plots(PDPs)were also used to investigate the complex non-linear relationships between the input and output variables.The results obtained have demonstrated that the XAI-driven models can enhance the predictive accuracy and interpretability of MICP processes,offering a sustainable pathway for optimizing geotechnical applications.
文摘Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design.Due to the complex nature of truss systems,this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises structural weight under stress and frequency constraints.Two new algorithms,the Red Kite Optimization Algorithm(ROA)and Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm(SBOA),are utilized on five benchmark trusses with 10,18,37,72,and 200-bar trusses.Both algorithms are evaluated against benchmarks in the literature.The results indicate that SBOA always reaches a lighter optimal.Designs with reducing structural weight ranging from 0.02%to 0.15%compared to ROA,and up to 6%–8%as compared to conventional algorithms.In addition,SBOA can achieve 15%–20%faster convergence speed and 10%–18%reduction in computational time with a smaller standard deviation over independent runs,which demonstrates its robustness and reliability.It is indicated that the adaptive exploration mechanism of SBOA,especially its Levy flight–based search strategy,can obviously improve optimization performance for low-and high-dimensional trusses.The research has implications in the context of promoting bio-inspired optimization techniques by demonstrating the viability of SBOA,a reliable model for large-scale structural design that provides significant enhancements in performance and convergence behavior.
基金allocated by National Science,Research and Innovation Fund(NSRF)King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok(project no.KMUTNB-FF-67-B-44 and KMUTNB-FF-67-B-45)supported by the NSRF through the Program Management Unit for Human Resources&Institutional Development,Research and Innovation(grant no.B40G660036).
文摘This study proposes to use the unconfined compressive strength(UCS)and the bender element(BE)tests for determining the strength and the initial small-strain shear modulus of Bangkok soft marine clay improved by cement and polyester fibers.This study varies the content of admixed cement(1%–20%)and polyester fibers(0–20%),including the curing time(3–28 d)for preparing 360 samples.Moreover,this study uses the Michaelis-Menten kinetics concept to model cement hydration saturation.From the study,it is concluded as follows.The modelled results reveals that at least 10%cement and 1%polyester fiber are recommended to attain the 28-d UCS standards(294 kPa)for highway subgrade materials in Thailand.This also fulfils sustainable construction due to reducing normal-use cement from 20%to 10%.Unfortunately,the addition of polyester fibers into the Bangkok clay with at least 5%cement reduces shear modulus by 1.12–1.32 times.The Abram's relationship between shear modulus and the mixing-water-to-cement ratio is found time-dependent.From the composite theory,the BE detects the polyester fiber zone as a defect in the Bangkok clay(matrix)with 5%–20%cement.So,the 28-d shear modulus in the polyester fiber zone is negative(up to0.034 MPa for 20%fiber),similar to softening phenomenon in concrete cracking(negative stiffness).For the 28-d shear modulus of fiber zone,the optimum cement content is around 2%for the positive influences of polyester fibers.Experimentally,the timedependent normalized UCS for 10%and 20%cement is compatible with other studies,and its development rate increases with the cement content as 0.3017,0.3172 and 0.3204 for 5%,10%and 20%cement,respectively.The 28-d relationship between shear modulus and UCS shows that low-cement soft clay requires high polyester fiber content(5%–20%)to activate UCS improvement.However,the soft clay with enough cement(20%)causes the uniformly distributed UCS improvement.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Grant 11962006the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province of China Grant 20232BAB204067.
文摘Quantitative detection of sleeve grouting compactness is a technical challenge in civil engineering testing.This study explores a novel quantitative detection method based on ultrasonic time-frequency dual-domain analysis.It establishes a mapping relationship between sleeve grouting compactness and characteristic parameters.First,this study made samples with gradient defects for two types of grouting sleeves,G18 and G20.These included four cases:2D,4D,6D defects(where D is the diameter of the grouting sleeve),and no-defect.Then,an ultrasonic input/output data acquisition system was established.Three-dimensional sound field distribution data were obtained through an orthogonal detection layout and pulse reflection principles.Finally,a novel quantification detection with a comprehensive defect index(DI)was established by comprehensively considering eight feature parameters,such as time-frequency domain Kurtosis factor(KU),Skewness factor(SK),Formfactor(FF),Crest factor(CF),Impulse factor(IF),Clearance factor(CLF),Wavelet packet energy entropy(WPEE),and Hilbert energy peak(HEP).Construct a DI index by quantifying the difference between defect signals and defect free signals in the time-frequency domain.Experimental results show that,under no-defect conditions,the values of feature parameters are significantly lower than those under defect conditions.Among these,the KU,FF,CF,WPEE and HEP exhibit strong correlations with grout sleeve compactness.The proposed DI index in both types of grout sleeves showed good universality with a linear fit goodness of 0.847–0.962.However,G20 the larger inner diameter and length of the sleeve result in a more complex medium effect during ultrasonic propagation,making its DI index more sensitive to defects than the G18 sleeve.Therefore,the presented method is effective for quantitative detection and analysis of the compactness of grouting sleeves.
基金support to this study from the National Natural Science Foundation of China,NSFC(Grant No.52278367)The Belt and Road Special Foundation of the National Key Laboratory ofWater Disaster Prevention(Grant No.2024nkms08).
文摘The stress-strain behavior of calcareous sand is significantly influencedby particle breakage(B)and initial relative density(Dri),but few constitutive models consider their combined effects.To bridge this gap,we conducted a series of triaxial tests on calcareous sand with varying Dri and stress paths,examining particle breakage and critical state behavior.Key findingsinclude:(1)At a constant stress ratio(η),B follows a hyperbolic relationship with mean effective stress(p'),and for a given p',B increases proportionally withη;(2)The critical state line(CSL)moves downward with increasing Dri,whereas the critical state friction angle(φcs)decreases with increasing B.Based on these findings,we propose a unifiedbreakage evolution model to quantify particle breakage in calcareous sand under various loading conditions.Integrating this model with the Normal Consolidation Line(NCL)and CSL equations,we successfully simulate the steepening of NCL and CSL slopes as B increases with the onset of particle breakage.Furthermore,we quantitatively evaluate the effect of B onφcs.Finally,within the framework of Critical State Soil Mechanics and Hypoplasticity theory,we develop a hypoplastic model incorporating B and Dri.The model is validated through strong agreement with experimental results across various initial relative densities,stress paths and drainage conditions.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2022YFC3004704)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52174166)Graduate Research and Innovation Foundation of Chongqing,China(Grant No.CYB23031),which were gratefully acknowledged.
文摘During deep coal mining,an instability failure of coal usually occurs under the combined effect of initial damage and triaxial cyclic loading and unloading(TCLU).Therefore,this study investigated the impact of initial damage on mechanical behavior and acoustic emission(AE)characteristics of coal under TCLU.Initial damage variables(IDVs)of coal specimens were quantified using preloading,followed by TCLU experiments to assess the deformation,energy distribution,and fracture development.The results revealed that the increase in IDVs significantly reduced the structural integrity of coal specimens,increased the cumulative irreversible strain,and enhanced the dissipated energy owing to microfracture expansion.Moreover,AE monitoring showed earlier activation of fractures and a higher occurrence of large-scale rupture events of coal specimens with high IDVs,which correlated with decreasing AE b values(reflecting the different scales of fracture within specimens)and increasing S values(reflecting the AE activity within specimens).Additionally,computed tomography analysis revealed intensified fracture networks and increasing three-dimensional fractal dimensions of coal specimens with higher IDVs.Finally,the coupling effect of TCLU and initial damage on the weakening mechanism of coal was investigated.Initial damage significantly reduced the structural integrity of coal by increasing the number of weak planes within coal specimens,contributing to the earlier activation and rapid expansion of fractures at low stress levels under TCLU and eventually accelerating the weakening process of coal.This study provides a scientific basis and theoretical support for the prevention and control of dynamic disasters in deep coal mining.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42407256)the State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering,China(Grant No.SKHL2113)the Sichuan Science and Technology Program(Grant No.2024YFHZ0341).
文摘This paper develops a semi-analytical solution for pile penetration in natural soft clays using the strain path method(SPM).The stress-strain behavior of soils is characterized by the S-CLAY1S model,which can capture the anisotropic evolution and destructuring nature of soft clays.By integrating the S-CLAY1S model into the theoretical framework of the SPM,a set of ordinary differential equations is formulated with respect to the vertical coordinate of soil particles.The distribution of excess pore water pressure(EPWP)following pile installation is approximated through one-dimensional(1D)radial integration around the pile shaft.The distribution of stresses and EPWP,along with the evolution of fabric anisotropy within the soil surrounding the pile,is presented to illustrate the response of pile penetration in natural soft clays.The proposed solution is validated against existing theoretical solutions using the SPM and cavity expansion method(CEM),along with experimental data.The findings demonstrate that the SPM reveals lower radial effective stresses and EPWP at the pile shaft than that of CEM.Pile penetration alters the soil's anisotropic properties,inducing rotational hardening and affecting post-installation stress distribution.Soil destructuration eliminates bonding among particles near the pile,resulting in a complete disruption of soil structure at the pile surface,which is particularly pronounced for higher initial soil structure ratios.Minimal variation was observed in the three principal stresses and shear stress on the cone side surface as the angle increased from 18°to 60°,except for a slight reduction in EPWP.
