This Special Issue of the Journal of Rock Mechanics and GeotechnicalEngineering (JRMGE) contains 13 papers prepared by internationalexperts on various general topics in geomechanics, rockmechanics and geotechnical e...This Special Issue of the Journal of Rock Mechanics and GeotechnicalEngineering (JRMGE) contains 13 papers prepared by internationalexperts on various general topics in geomechanics, rockmechanics and geotechnical engineering. It represents a usefulmix of theoretical developments, testing and practical applications.We present in the following brief details in the papers, alphabeticallyin accordance with the last name of the first author.Barla presents a review of tunneling techniques with emphasison the full-face method combining full-face excavation and facereinforcement by means of fiber-glass elements with a yieldcontrolsupport. This method has been used successfully in difficultgeologic conditions, and for a wide spectrum of ground situations.The validation of the method with respect to the Saint Martin LaPorte access adit along the LyoneTurin Base tunnel experiencingseverely squeezing conditions during excavation is also includedin the paper. The numerical modeling with consideration of therock mass time-dependent behavior showed a satisfactory agreementwith monitoring results.展开更多
The dynamic interaction between tunnel lining and its surrounding soil is a complicated issue as the magnitude of seismic wave from bedrock to the structure can be easily influenced by the geometrical layout and struc...The dynamic interaction between tunnel lining and its surrounding soil is a complicated issue as the magnitude of seismic wave from bedrock to the structure can be easily influenced by the geometrical layout and structural stiffness of the tunnel.A series of numerical analysis was conducted to study the dynamic response of the tunnel lining of side-by-side and vertically stacked double-tube tunnel since the inertia and kinematic interactions between the tunnel lining and the surrounding soil during an earthquake could induce excessive stresses to the lining itself due to the stiffness variation between the lining and the soil.Real earthquake ground acceleration was used as an input motion in the dynamic analysis.The interactive behavior of bending moment and axial forces,and the displacement of the tunnels were used to evaluate the effect of tunnel geometrical layout on the performance of the lining.It is found that the effect of earthquake on the axial thrust of the lining is insignificant,and there is a reduction of the bending moment in the lining due to the redistribution of the surrounding soil after the earthquake.展开更多
Utilizing the acoustic emission(AE) technique, an experimental investigation into the damage evolution for steel strand under axial tension was described. The damage evolution model for steel stand relating the damage...Utilizing the acoustic emission(AE) technique, an experimental investigation into the damage evolution for steel strand under axial tension was described. The damage evolution model for steel stand relating the damage evolution to acoustic emission parameters was proposed by incorporating the AE rate process theory. The AE monitoring results indicate that damages occur in both elastic and plastic phases of steel strand. In elastic phase, AE signals are mainly sent out from the micro damage due to the surface friction among the wires of steel strand, while in plastic phase, AE signals emitted from the plastic deformation of wires. In addition, the AE cumulative parameters curves closely resemble the loading curve. The AE cumulative parameters curves can well describe the damage evolution process including the damage occurrence and damage development for steel strands. It is concluded that the AE technique is an effective and useful nondestructive technique for evaluating the damage characteristics of steel strand.展开更多
Three types of pure geopolymer pastes (poly-sialate PS, poly- sialate-siloxo PSS, and poly- sialate-siloxo PSDS) were first prepared by alkali (NaOH and KOH) activated metakaolin. Then a void space network was emp...Three types of pure geopolymer pastes (poly-sialate PS, poly- sialate-siloxo PSS, and poly- sialate-siloxo PSDS) were first prepared by alkali (NaOH and KOH) activated metakaolin. Then a void space network was employed to simulate the 3-D pore-throat distribution across the unit cell of the various hardened geopolymer pastes with reference to their experimental mercury intrusion curves. Based on the simulated 3-D pore-throat structure models, a wide range of pore-level properties such as porosity, connectivity, permeability and tortuosity of various geopolymer pastes were calculated. The 3-D structural model and calculated parameters showed that most of the pores in Na-PS geopolymer paste was very small size pores ranging from 0 to 100 nm. A few very large pores were spread amongst the small pores, resulting in a very high penetration pressure, permeability resistance. Unlike Na-PS geopolymer paste, pore size with medium size of Na-PSS, K-PS and K-PSS geopolymer pastes distributed uniformly across the unit cell, and the size changes of adjacent pores in the 3 geopolymer pastes were little, producing higher penetration pressure, lower permeability, smaller connectivity and larger tortuosity. In contrast, pores in Na-PSDS and K-PSDS geopolymer pastes were relatively large and distributed concentratively, which caused samples to be easily penetrated by mercury, methane and nitrogen etc under relatively low pressures.展开更多
Characterization of rock masses and evaluation of their mechanical properties are important and challenging tasks in rock mechanics and rock engineering. Since in many cases rock quality designation (RQD) is the onl...Characterization of rock masses and evaluation of their mechanical properties are important and challenging tasks in rock mechanics and rock engineering. Since in many cases rock quality designation (RQD) is the only rock mass classification index available, this paper outlines the key aspects on determination of RQD and evaluates the empirical methods based on RQD for determining the deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of rock masses. First, various methods for determining RQD are presented and the effects of different factors on determination of RQD are highlighted. Then, the empirical methods based on RQD for determining the deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of rock masses are briefly reviewed. Finally, the empirical methods based on RQD are used to determine the deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of rock masses at five different sites including 13 cases, and the results are compared with those obtained by other empirical methods based on rock mass classification indices such as rock mass rating (RMR), Q-system (Q) and geological strength index (GSI). It is shown that the empirical methods based on RQD tend to give deformation modulus values close to the lower bound (conservative) and unconfined compressive strength values in the middle of the corresponding values from different empirical methods based on RMR, Q and GSI. The empirical methods based on RQD provide a convenient way for estimating the mechanical properties of rock masses but, whenever possible, they should be used together with other empirical methods based on RMR, Qand GSI.展开更多
The randomness of strength and deformation of concrete material is serious and should be considered both in theoretical analyses such as Finite Element Methods and engineering practice, specially for those structural ...The randomness of strength and deformation of concrete material is serious and should be considered both in theoretical analyses such as Finite Element Methods and engineering practice, specially for those structural members with a uniform stress field, where stresses or strains are approximately the same under loading. A mathematical ap- proach of producing a series of random variables of the ultimate tensile strain in concrete is proposed to describe the randomness ofconcrete deformation. With reinforced concrete finite elements a real model calculation method is found for the randomness of initial cracks determined by a minimum tension strain within the uniform stress fields of concrete members. The proposed methods in our paper have as aim to improve the existing method used by FEM and other rela- tive approaches, which normally pay less attention to randomness with consequences that may possibly differ from testing or practice. The method and sample computation as indicated is meaningful and comply with testing and engi- neering practice.展开更多
This paper explains how a model of the universe can be constructed by incorporating time and space into geometry in a unique way to produce a 4-space dimension/1-time dimension model. The model can then show how dark ...This paper explains how a model of the universe can be constructed by incorporating time and space into geometry in a unique way to produce a 4-space dimension/1-time dimension model. The model can then show how dark matter can be the gravity that is produced by real matter that exists throughout our entire universe. The model can also show how dark energy is not an increase in energy that is causing the accelerated expansion of the universe, but is an accelerating decrease in matter throughout the universe as the stars and galaxies in the universe continue to convert matter into energy during their life cycles. And then the model can show how a fourth space dimension must exist in our universe to locate a point in space.展开更多
We present a novel approach for calculating the energy budget components during the progressive failure process in cohesive-frictional geomaterials.The energy supplied through external loading can be either stored as ...We present a novel approach for calculating the energy budget components during the progressive failure process in cohesive-frictional geomaterials.The energy supplied through external loading can be either stored as elastic strain energy and plastic energy storage or dissipated through damage growth and irreversible plastic deformation mechanisms.Analytical functions describing energy budget components are derived based on a thermodynamic formulation in geomaterials fracture.The thermodynamically consistent derivation leads to a non-local ductile damage model,which is solved numerically in a non-linear finite element framework.The proposed model captures geomaterial fractures in three benchmark examples,including tensile and biaxial-compressive shear scenarios and slope stability analysis.The aspects of shear fracture propagation and energy budget mechanisms are elaborately investigated,considering different material properties and stochastic distributions.The numerical results are validated against existing experimental data and other analytical methods.The model provides a physics-based understanding of energy budget in geomaterials fracture,leading to advances in ground improvement and other geotechnical supporting systems.展开更多
A systematic and generic procedure for the determination of the reasonable finished state of self-anchored suspension bridges is proposed, the realization of which is mainly through adjustment of the hanger tensions. ...A systematic and generic procedure for the determination of the reasonable finished state of self-anchored suspension bridges is proposed, the realization of which is mainly through adjustment of the hanger tensions. The initial hanger tensions are first obtained through an iterative analysis by combining the girder-tower-only finite element(FE) model with the analytical program for shape finding of the spatial cable system. These initial hanger tensions, together with the corresponding cable coordinates and internal forces, are then included into the FE model of the total bridge system, the nonlinear analysis of which involves the optimization technique. Calculations are repeated until the optimization algorithm converges to the most optimal hanger tensions(i.e. the desired reasonable finished bridge state). The "temperature rigid arm" is introduced to offset the unavoidable initial deformations of the girder and tower, which are due to the huge axial forces originated from the main cable. Moreover, by changing the stiffness coefficient K in the girder-tower-only FE model, the stiffness proportion of the main girder, the tower or the cable subsystem in the whole structural system could be adjusted according to the design intentions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is examined and demonstrated by one simple tutorial example and one self-anchored suspension bridge.展开更多
This paper presents an automated method for discontinuity trace mapping using three-dimensional point clouds of rock mass surfaces.Specifically,the method consists of five steps:(1)detection of trace feature points by...This paper presents an automated method for discontinuity trace mapping using three-dimensional point clouds of rock mass surfaces.Specifically,the method consists of five steps:(1)detection of trace feature points by normal tensor voting theory,(2)co ntraction of trace feature points,(3)connection of trace feature points,(4)linearization of trace segments,and(5)connection of trace segments.A sensitivity analysis was then conducted to identify the optimal parameters of the proposed method.Three field cases,a natural rock mass outcrop and two excavated rock tunnel surfaces,were analyzed using the proposed method to evaluate its validity and efficiency.The results show that the proposed method is more efficient and accurate than the traditional trace mapping method,and the efficiency enhancement is more robust as the number of feature points increases.展开更多
In order to improve the efficiency in management of public work projects, screening and controlling influencing factors affecting the quality of a public work project is essential. This study synthesized 9 influential...In order to improve the efficiency in management of public work projects, screening and controlling influencing factors affecting the quality of a public work project is essential. This study synthesized 9 influential categories including 91 factors related to quality management of public works in Taiwan using a sequential analysis procedure. According to the Borda-values of influencing factors obtained from a first stage questionnaire, the number of primary factors selected by the re-sponsible entities and the design-supervisory entities were 44 and 45 respectively. A Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was used to prioritize and rank these factors. The top five factors ranked by the responsible entities were (1) introduction of the earned value analysis, (2) working efficiency, (3) environmental laws and regulations, (4) price-index fluctuation, and (5) on-site safety management. The top five factors ranked by the design-supervisory entities were (1) man power, (2) laws and regulations, (3) price-index fluctuation, (4) traffic conditions, and (5) faulty design.展开更多
Conventional streamflow forecasting does not generally take into account the effects of irrigation practice on the magnitude of floods and flash floods. In this paper, we report the results of a study in which we mode...Conventional streamflow forecasting does not generally take into account the effects of irrigation practice on the magnitude of floods and flash floods. In this paper, we report the results of a study in which we modeled the impacts of an irrigated area in the US Southwest on streamflow. A calibrated version of the Variable Infiltration Capacity model (VIC), coupled with a routing algorithm, was used to investigate two strategies for irrigating alfalfa in the Beaver Creek watershed (Arizona, USA), for the period January to March of 2010, at a resolution of 1.8 km and hourly time step. By incorporating the effects of irrigation in artificially maintaining soil moisture, model performance is improved without requiring changes in the resolution or quality of input data. Peak flows in the watershed were found to increase by 10 to 500 times, depending on the irrigation scenario, as a function of the strategy and the intensity of rainfall. The study suggests that both flood control and irrigation efficiency could be enhanced by applying improved irrigation techniques.展开更多
Pushover analysis is common because of its conceptual simplicity and computational attractiveness in computing seismic demand.Considering that traditional pushover analysis is restricted in underground structures due ...Pushover analysis is common because of its conceptual simplicity and computational attractiveness in computing seismic demand.Considering that traditional pushover analysis is restricted in underground structures due to the stark differences in the seismic response characteristics of surface structures,this paper proposes a pushover analysis method for underground structures and its application in seismic damage assessment.First,three types of force distribution are presented based on ground response analysis.Next,the target displacements and analysis models are established according to force-based and performance-based design.Then,the pushover analysis procedure for underground structures is described.Next,the applicability of pushover analysis to underground structures is verified by comparing the responses of a Chongwenmen subway station determined by the proposed procedure and by nonlinear response history analysis.In addition,two other points are made:that the inverted triangular distribution of effective earthquake acceleration is more practical than the other two distributions,and that performance-based design is more effective than force-based design.Finally,a cyclic reversal loading pattern based on one cycle of reversal loads as an earthquake event is presented and applied to the seismic damage assessment of underground structures.The results show that the proposed pushover analysis can be effectively applied to the seismic design and damage assessment of underground structures.展开更多
Traffic safety and performance measures such as crash risk and queue lengths or travel times are influenced by several important factors including those related to environment,human,and roadway design,especially at in...Traffic safety and performance measures such as crash risk and queue lengths or travel times are influenced by several important factors including those related to environment,human,and roadway design,especially at intersections.Previous research has studied different aspects related to these factors,yet these characteristics are not fully investigated with a focus on age and experience of drivers.In this paper,we investigate this issue by using a two-phase approach via a case study application on a critical T-intersection in the City of Tallahassee,Florida.The first phase includes a scenario-based microsimulation analysis through the use of a microscopic simulation software,namely VISSIM,to illustrate the variations in traffic performance measures with respect to driver compositions of different age groups in the traffic stream.A variety of scenarios is created where the driving characteristics are provided as inputs to these scenarios in terms of decision making and risk taking.This is also supported by a sensitivity analysis conducted based on the driver composition in the traffic.The second phase includes the analysis of microsimulation outputs via a tool developed by Federal Highway Administration tool,namely the Surrogate Safety Assessment Model(SSAM),in order to determine the traffic conflicts that occur in each scenario.These conflicts are also compared with real-life crash data for validation purposes.Results show that(a) the differences in risk perception that affect driving behavior might be significant in influencing traffic safety and performance measures,and(b) the proposed approach is considerably successful in simulating the actual crash conflict points.展开更多
A methodology is developed for interactive risk assessment of physical infrastructure and spatially distributed response systems subjected to debris flows.The proposed framework is composed of three components,namely ...A methodology is developed for interactive risk assessment of physical infrastructure and spatially distributed response systems subjected to debris flows.The proposed framework is composed of three components,namely geotechnical engineering,geographical information systems and disaster management.With the integration of slope stability analysis,hazard scenario and susceptibility,geological conditions are considered as temporary static data,while meteorological conditions are treated as dynamic data with a focus on typhoons.In this research,the relevant parameters required for database building are defined,and the procedures for building the geological database and meteorological data sets are explained.Based on the concepts and data sets,Nantou and Hualien in Taiwan are used as the areas for case studies.展开更多
A unified constitutive modeling approach is highly desirable to characterize a wide range of engineeringmaterials subjected simultaneously to the effect of a number of factors such as elastic, plastic and creepdeforma...A unified constitutive modeling approach is highly desirable to characterize a wide range of engineeringmaterials subjected simultaneously to the effect of a number of factors such as elastic, plastic and creepdeformations, stress path, volume change, microcracking leading to fracture, failure and softening,stiffening, and mechanical and environmental forces. There are hardly available such unified models. Thedisturbed state concept (DSC) is considered to be a unified approach and is able to provide materialcharacterization for almost all of the above factors. This paper presents a description of the DSC, andstatements for determination of parameters based on triaxial, multiaxial and interface tests. Statementsof DSC and validation at the specimen level and at the boundary value problem levels are also presented.An extensive list of publications by the author and others is provided at the end. The DSC is considered tobe a unique and versatile procedure for modeling behaviors of engineering materials and interfaces. 2016 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license展开更多
A novel building integrated photovoltaic thermal(BIPVT)roofing panel has been designed considering both solar energy harvesting efficiency and thermal performance.The thermal system reduces the operating temperature o...A novel building integrated photovoltaic thermal(BIPVT)roofing panel has been designed considering both solar energy harvesting efficiency and thermal performance.The thermal system reduces the operating temperature of the cells by means of a hydronic loop integrated into the backside of the panel,thus resulting in maintaining the efficiency of the solar panels at their feasible peak while also harvesting the generated heat for use in the building.The performance of the proposed system has been evaluated using physical experiments by conducting case studies to investigate the energy harvesting efficiency,thermal performance of the panel,and temperature differences of inlet/outlet working liquid with various liquid flow rates.The physical experiments have been simulated by coupling the finite element method(FEM)and finite volume method(FVM)for heat and mass transfer in the operation.Results show that the thermal system successfully reduced the surface temperature of the solar module from 88℃to as low as 55℃.Accordingly,the output power that has been decreased from 14.89 W to 10.69 W can be restored by 30.2%to achieve 13.92 W.On the other hand,the outlet water from this hydronic system reaches 45.4℃which can be used to partially heat domestic water use.Overall,this system provides a versatile framework for the design and optimization of the BIPVT systems.展开更多
Water-saturated porous media often exhibit a seismoelectric effect due to the existence of an electrical double layer and a relative flow of pore fluid. Here we consider the seismoelectric waves in an open borehole su...Water-saturated porous media often exhibit a seismoelectric effect due to the existence of an electrical double layer and a relative flow of pore fluid. Here we consider the seismoelectric waves in an open borehole surrounded by water-saturated porous formation which exhibits discontinuity of electrochemical properties at a cylindrical interface. We carefully analyze the seismoelectric interface response since these signals show sensitivity to contrasts in electrochemical properties across an interface. Both coupled and approximate methods are used to compute borehole seismoelectric fields. The simulation results show that the radiated electromagnetic wave from the electrochemical interface is generated due to the change of salinity in pore fluid in the porous formation. However, the elastic properties of the formation remain unchanged across such an electrochemical interface. As a result it is difficult to recognize such a change in electrochemical properties using only elastic waves. Therefore, the seismoelectric interface response is potentially used to detect the changes of the electrochemical properties in the formation.展开更多
文摘This Special Issue of the Journal of Rock Mechanics and GeotechnicalEngineering (JRMGE) contains 13 papers prepared by internationalexperts on various general topics in geomechanics, rockmechanics and geotechnical engineering. It represents a usefulmix of theoretical developments, testing and practical applications.We present in the following brief details in the papers, alphabeticallyin accordance with the last name of the first author.Barla presents a review of tunneling techniques with emphasison the full-face method combining full-face excavation and facereinforcement by means of fiber-glass elements with a yieldcontrolsupport. This method has been used successfully in difficultgeologic conditions, and for a wide spectrum of ground situations.The validation of the method with respect to the Saint Martin LaPorte access adit along the LyoneTurin Base tunnel experiencingseverely squeezing conditions during excavation is also includedin the paper. The numerical modeling with consideration of therock mass time-dependent behavior showed a satisfactory agreementwith monitoring results.
文摘The dynamic interaction between tunnel lining and its surrounding soil is a complicated issue as the magnitude of seismic wave from bedrock to the structure can be easily influenced by the geometrical layout and structural stiffness of the tunnel.A series of numerical analysis was conducted to study the dynamic response of the tunnel lining of side-by-side and vertically stacked double-tube tunnel since the inertia and kinematic interactions between the tunnel lining and the surrounding soil during an earthquake could induce excessive stresses to the lining itself due to the stiffness variation between the lining and the soil.Real earthquake ground acceleration was used as an input motion in the dynamic analysis.The interactive behavior of bending moment and axial forces,and the displacement of the tunnels were used to evaluate the effect of tunnel geometrical layout on the performance of the lining.It is found that the effect of earthquake on the axial thrust of the lining is insignificant,and there is a reduction of the bending moment in the lining due to the redistribution of the surrounding soil after the earthquake.
基金Projects(51308073,51378081)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(20124316120002)supported by PhD Programs Foundation of Ministry of Education of China+1 种基金Project(12KB02)supported by the Key Laboratory for Safety Control of Bridge Engineering of Ministry of Education of ChinaProject(14JJ3087)supported by the Science Foundation of Hunan Province,China
文摘Utilizing the acoustic emission(AE) technique, an experimental investigation into the damage evolution for steel strand under axial tension was described. The damage evolution model for steel stand relating the damage evolution to acoustic emission parameters was proposed by incorporating the AE rate process theory. The AE monitoring results indicate that damages occur in both elastic and plastic phases of steel strand. In elastic phase, AE signals are mainly sent out from the micro damage due to the surface friction among the wires of steel strand, while in plastic phase, AE signals emitted from the plastic deformation of wires. In addition, the AE cumulative parameters curves closely resemble the loading curve. The AE cumulative parameters curves can well describe the damage evolution process including the damage occurrence and damage development for steel strands. It is concluded that the AE technique is an effective and useful nondestructive technique for evaluating the damage characteristics of steel strand.
基金Funded by the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China(973 Program)(No.2015CB655102)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51378116)PhD Programs Foundation of Ministry of Education of China(No.20120092110037)
文摘Three types of pure geopolymer pastes (poly-sialate PS, poly- sialate-siloxo PSS, and poly- sialate-siloxo PSDS) were first prepared by alkali (NaOH and KOH) activated metakaolin. Then a void space network was employed to simulate the 3-D pore-throat distribution across the unit cell of the various hardened geopolymer pastes with reference to their experimental mercury intrusion curves. Based on the simulated 3-D pore-throat structure models, a wide range of pore-level properties such as porosity, connectivity, permeability and tortuosity of various geopolymer pastes were calculated. The 3-D structural model and calculated parameters showed that most of the pores in Na-PS geopolymer paste was very small size pores ranging from 0 to 100 nm. A few very large pores were spread amongst the small pores, resulting in a very high penetration pressure, permeability resistance. Unlike Na-PS geopolymer paste, pore size with medium size of Na-PSS, K-PS and K-PSS geopolymer pastes distributed uniformly across the unit cell, and the size changes of adjacent pores in the 3 geopolymer pastes were little, producing higher penetration pressure, lower permeability, smaller connectivity and larger tortuosity. In contrast, pores in Na-PSDS and K-PSDS geopolymer pastes were relatively large and distributed concentratively, which caused samples to be easily penetrated by mercury, methane and nitrogen etc under relatively low pressures.
文摘Characterization of rock masses and evaluation of their mechanical properties are important and challenging tasks in rock mechanics and rock engineering. Since in many cases rock quality designation (RQD) is the only rock mass classification index available, this paper outlines the key aspects on determination of RQD and evaluates the empirical methods based on RQD for determining the deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of rock masses. First, various methods for determining RQD are presented and the effects of different factors on determination of RQD are highlighted. Then, the empirical methods based on RQD for determining the deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of rock masses are briefly reviewed. Finally, the empirical methods based on RQD are used to determine the deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of rock masses at five different sites including 13 cases, and the results are compared with those obtained by other empirical methods based on rock mass classification indices such as rock mass rating (RMR), Q-system (Q) and geological strength index (GSI). It is shown that the empirical methods based on RQD tend to give deformation modulus values close to the lower bound (conservative) and unconfined compressive strength values in the middle of the corresponding values from different empirical methods based on RMR, Q and GSI. The empirical methods based on RQD provide a convenient way for estimating the mechanical properties of rock masses but, whenever possible, they should be used together with other empirical methods based on RMR, Qand GSI.
文摘The randomness of strength and deformation of concrete material is serious and should be considered both in theoretical analyses such as Finite Element Methods and engineering practice, specially for those structural members with a uniform stress field, where stresses or strains are approximately the same under loading. A mathematical ap- proach of producing a series of random variables of the ultimate tensile strain in concrete is proposed to describe the randomness ofconcrete deformation. With reinforced concrete finite elements a real model calculation method is found for the randomness of initial cracks determined by a minimum tension strain within the uniform stress fields of concrete members. The proposed methods in our paper have as aim to improve the existing method used by FEM and other rela- tive approaches, which normally pay less attention to randomness with consequences that may possibly differ from testing or practice. The method and sample computation as indicated is meaningful and comply with testing and engi- neering practice.
文摘This paper explains how a model of the universe can be constructed by incorporating time and space into geometry in a unique way to produce a 4-space dimension/1-time dimension model. The model can then show how dark matter can be the gravity that is produced by real matter that exists throughout our entire universe. The model can also show how dark energy is not an increase in energy that is causing the accelerated expansion of the universe, but is an accelerating decrease in matter throughout the universe as the stars and galaxies in the universe continue to convert matter into energy during their life cycles. And then the model can show how a fourth space dimension must exist in our universe to locate a point in space.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52179128)the Sand Hazards and Opportunities for Resilience,Energy,and Sustainability(SHORES)Center,funded by Tamkeen under the NYUAD Research Institute Award CG013.
文摘We present a novel approach for calculating the energy budget components during the progressive failure process in cohesive-frictional geomaterials.The energy supplied through external loading can be either stored as elastic strain energy and plastic energy storage or dissipated through damage growth and irreversible plastic deformation mechanisms.Analytical functions describing energy budget components are derived based on a thermodynamic formulation in geomaterials fracture.The thermodynamically consistent derivation leads to a non-local ductile damage model,which is solved numerically in a non-linear finite element framework.The proposed model captures geomaterial fractures in three benchmark examples,including tensile and biaxial-compressive shear scenarios and slope stability analysis.The aspects of shear fracture propagation and energy budget mechanisms are elaborately investigated,considering different material properties and stochastic distributions.The numerical results are validated against existing experimental data and other analytical methods.The model provides a physics-based understanding of energy budget in geomaterials fracture,leading to advances in ground improvement and other geotechnical supporting systems.
基金Project(20133204120015) supported by Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of ChinaProject(12KJB560003) supported by the Natural Science Foundation of the Higher Education Institution of Jiangsu Province,China
文摘A systematic and generic procedure for the determination of the reasonable finished state of self-anchored suspension bridges is proposed, the realization of which is mainly through adjustment of the hanger tensions. The initial hanger tensions are first obtained through an iterative analysis by combining the girder-tower-only finite element(FE) model with the analytical program for shape finding of the spatial cable system. These initial hanger tensions, together with the corresponding cable coordinates and internal forces, are then included into the FE model of the total bridge system, the nonlinear analysis of which involves the optimization technique. Calculations are repeated until the optimization algorithm converges to the most optimal hanger tensions(i.e. the desired reasonable finished bridge state). The "temperature rigid arm" is introduced to offset the unavoidable initial deformations of the girder and tower, which are due to the huge axial forces originated from the main cable. Moreover, by changing the stiffness coefficient K in the girder-tower-only FE model, the stiffness proportion of the main girder, the tower or the cable subsystem in the whole structural system could be adjusted according to the design intentions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is examined and demonstrated by one simple tutorial example and one self-anchored suspension bridge.
基金supported by the Special Fund for Basic Research on Scientific Instruments of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.4182780021)Emeishan-Hanyuan Highway ProgramTaihang Mountain Highway Program。
文摘This paper presents an automated method for discontinuity trace mapping using three-dimensional point clouds of rock mass surfaces.Specifically,the method consists of five steps:(1)detection of trace feature points by normal tensor voting theory,(2)co ntraction of trace feature points,(3)connection of trace feature points,(4)linearization of trace segments,and(5)connection of trace segments.A sensitivity analysis was then conducted to identify the optimal parameters of the proposed method.Three field cases,a natural rock mass outcrop and two excavated rock tunnel surfaces,were analyzed using the proposed method to evaluate its validity and efficiency.The results show that the proposed method is more efficient and accurate than the traditional trace mapping method,and the efficiency enhancement is more robust as the number of feature points increases.
文摘In order to improve the efficiency in management of public work projects, screening and controlling influencing factors affecting the quality of a public work project is essential. This study synthesized 9 influential categories including 91 factors related to quality management of public works in Taiwan using a sequential analysis procedure. According to the Borda-values of influencing factors obtained from a first stage questionnaire, the number of primary factors selected by the re-sponsible entities and the design-supervisory entities were 44 and 45 respectively. A Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was used to prioritize and rank these factors. The top five factors ranked by the responsible entities were (1) introduction of the earned value analysis, (2) working efficiency, (3) environmental laws and regulations, (4) price-index fluctuation, and (5) on-site safety management. The top five factors ranked by the design-supervisory entities were (1) man power, (2) laws and regulations, (3) price-index fluctuation, (4) traffic conditions, and (5) faulty design.
文摘Conventional streamflow forecasting does not generally take into account the effects of irrigation practice on the magnitude of floods and flash floods. In this paper, we report the results of a study in which we modeled the impacts of an irrigated area in the US Southwest on streamflow. A calibrated version of the Variable Infiltration Capacity model (VIC), coupled with a routing algorithm, was used to investigate two strategies for irrigating alfalfa in the Beaver Creek watershed (Arizona, USA), for the period January to March of 2010, at a resolution of 1.8 km and hourly time step. By incorporating the effects of irrigation in artificially maintaining soil moisture, model performance is improved without requiring changes in the resolution or quality of input data. Peak flows in the watershed were found to increase by 10 to 500 times, depending on the irrigation scenario, as a function of the strategy and the intensity of rainfall. The study suggests that both flood control and irrigation efficiency could be enhanced by applying improved irrigation techniques.
基金supported by the Tsinghua Initiative Scientific Research Program(Grant No.2012THZ02-2)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.8111001)+1 种基金National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2011CB013602)Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.91215301)
文摘Pushover analysis is common because of its conceptual simplicity and computational attractiveness in computing seismic demand.Considering that traditional pushover analysis is restricted in underground structures due to the stark differences in the seismic response characteristics of surface structures,this paper proposes a pushover analysis method for underground structures and its application in seismic damage assessment.First,three types of force distribution are presented based on ground response analysis.Next,the target displacements and analysis models are established according to force-based and performance-based design.Then,the pushover analysis procedure for underground structures is described.Next,the applicability of pushover analysis to underground structures is verified by comparing the responses of a Chongwenmen subway station determined by the proposed procedure and by nonlinear response history analysis.In addition,two other points are made:that the inverted triangular distribution of effective earthquake acceleration is more practical than the other two distributions,and that performance-based design is more effective than force-based design.Finally,a cyclic reversal loading pattern based on one cycle of reversal loads as an earthquake event is presented and applied to the seismic damage assessment of underground structures.The results show that the proposed pushover analysis can be effectively applied to the seismic design and damage assessment of underground structures.
基金supported by United States Department of Transportation grant DTRT13-G-UTC42
文摘Traffic safety and performance measures such as crash risk and queue lengths or travel times are influenced by several important factors including those related to environment,human,and roadway design,especially at intersections.Previous research has studied different aspects related to these factors,yet these characteristics are not fully investigated with a focus on age and experience of drivers.In this paper,we investigate this issue by using a two-phase approach via a case study application on a critical T-intersection in the City of Tallahassee,Florida.The first phase includes a scenario-based microsimulation analysis through the use of a microscopic simulation software,namely VISSIM,to illustrate the variations in traffic performance measures with respect to driver compositions of different age groups in the traffic stream.A variety of scenarios is created where the driving characteristics are provided as inputs to these scenarios in terms of decision making and risk taking.This is also supported by a sensitivity analysis conducted based on the driver composition in the traffic.The second phase includes the analysis of microsimulation outputs via a tool developed by Federal Highway Administration tool,namely the Surrogate Safety Assessment Model(SSAM),in order to determine the traffic conflicts that occur in each scenario.These conflicts are also compared with real-life crash data for validation purposes.Results show that(a) the differences in risk perception that affect driving behavior might be significant in influencing traffic safety and performance measures,and(b) the proposed approach is considerably successful in simulating the actual crash conflict points.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51278104,51578151,and 51438002)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University of Ministry of Education,China(No.NCET-13-0128)
文摘A methodology is developed for interactive risk assessment of physical infrastructure and spatially distributed response systems subjected to debris flows.The proposed framework is composed of three components,namely geotechnical engineering,geographical information systems and disaster management.With the integration of slope stability analysis,hazard scenario and susceptibility,geological conditions are considered as temporary static data,while meteorological conditions are treated as dynamic data with a focus on typhoons.In this research,the relevant parameters required for database building are defined,and the procedures for building the geological database and meteorological data sets are explained.Based on the concepts and data sets,Nantou and Hualien in Taiwan are used as the areas for case studies.
文摘A unified constitutive modeling approach is highly desirable to characterize a wide range of engineeringmaterials subjected simultaneously to the effect of a number of factors such as elastic, plastic and creepdeformations, stress path, volume change, microcracking leading to fracture, failure and softening,stiffening, and mechanical and environmental forces. There are hardly available such unified models. Thedisturbed state concept (DSC) is considered to be a unified approach and is able to provide materialcharacterization for almost all of the above factors. This paper presents a description of the DSC, andstatements for determination of parameters based on triaxial, multiaxial and interface tests. Statementsof DSC and validation at the specimen level and at the boundary value problem levels are also presented.An extensive list of publications by the author and others is provided at the end. The DSC is considered tobe a unique and versatile procedure for modeling behaviors of engineering materials and interfaces. 2016 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
基金the National Science Foundation IIP#1941244,CMMI#1762891U.S.Department of Agriculture NIFA#2021-67021-34201,whose support is gratefully acknowledged.
文摘A novel building integrated photovoltaic thermal(BIPVT)roofing panel has been designed considering both solar energy harvesting efficiency and thermal performance.The thermal system reduces the operating temperature of the cells by means of a hydronic loop integrated into the backside of the panel,thus resulting in maintaining the efficiency of the solar panels at their feasible peak while also harvesting the generated heat for use in the building.The performance of the proposed system has been evaluated using physical experiments by conducting case studies to investigate the energy harvesting efficiency,thermal performance of the panel,and temperature differences of inlet/outlet working liquid with various liquid flow rates.The physical experiments have been simulated by coupling the finite element method(FEM)and finite volume method(FVM)for heat and mass transfer in the operation.Results show that the thermal system successfully reduced the surface temperature of the solar module from 88℃to as low as 55℃.Accordingly,the output power that has been decreased from 14.89 W to 10.69 W can be restored by 30.2%to achieve 13.92 W.On the other hand,the outlet water from this hydronic system reaches 45.4℃which can be used to partially heat domestic water use.Overall,this system provides a versatile framework for the design and optimization of the BIPVT systems.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.40974067,41474098,and 11134011)the State Key Laboratory of Acoustics,China(Grant No.SKLA201608)
文摘Water-saturated porous media often exhibit a seismoelectric effect due to the existence of an electrical double layer and a relative flow of pore fluid. Here we consider the seismoelectric waves in an open borehole surrounded by water-saturated porous formation which exhibits discontinuity of electrochemical properties at a cylindrical interface. We carefully analyze the seismoelectric interface response since these signals show sensitivity to contrasts in electrochemical properties across an interface. Both coupled and approximate methods are used to compute borehole seismoelectric fields. The simulation results show that the radiated electromagnetic wave from the electrochemical interface is generated due to the change of salinity in pore fluid in the porous formation. However, the elastic properties of the formation remain unchanged across such an electrochemical interface. As a result it is difficult to recognize such a change in electrochemical properties using only elastic waves. Therefore, the seismoelectric interface response is potentially used to detect the changes of the electrochemical properties in the formation.