JournalTOCs

Studia Geotechnica et Mechanica
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.221

Citation Impact (citeScore): 1
Number of Followers: 0

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 0137-6365 - ISSN (Online) 2083-831X
Published by Sciendo

[370 journals]

Case studies on Q-slope method use for slope stability analyses
- Abstract: The use of the Q-slope value is a relatively new approach for the stability investigations of rock slopes. In this study, four different slopes in Giresun and Ordu cities of Turkey were investigated to assess whether the Q-slope approach is usable for varying slope heights, or not. A back analysis was carried out for a landslide in a case study quarry located in Kovanlik municipality of Giresun city. Carrying out detailed investigations on the geotechnical drill cores and the field studies, the Q-slope value of the rock mass of the Kovanlik quarry was determined as 0.58. According to the Q-slope approach, the slope which had a landslide under the case of 49° general slope angle and 225 m height should have been stable at a general slope angle of 59°. It has been found that the Q-slope approach is not favorable for a high slope with the height of 225 m. Two roadway excavations with steep slope angles and low heights smaller than 25 m were also investigated within this study. According to the Q-slope value, the roadway slopes which are stable for more than 3 years are estimated to be unstable. Therefore, the Q-slope approach was found also misleading for slopes with low heights like those under 25 m. On the other hand, the Q-slope method usability is confirmed obtaining parallel results with the observations from another case study slope with a height of 78 m. Although it has become a popular empirical method in the recent years, it is recommended to revise the Q-slope approach or limit its use depending on the slope height parameter.
  PubDate: Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Does water lubrication affect friction differently for rocks and
soils' Evidence and open questions
- Abstract: The present paper focuses on the shear strength exhibited by rocks and soils when sliding along dry and wet surfaces, with this mechanism of failure being strongly related to the water lubrication phenomenon. It is well known that the frictional behaviour of geomaterials requires multiscale investigation. Under this perspective, experimental evidence of both friction at the grain scale (i.e. interparticle friction) and friction along sliding surfaces of rock and granular soil samples (i.e. surface friction) are analysed by using data from the literature. The review is addressed at linking different scales, stating the differences between rocks and soils in terms of frictional response to sliding and trying to point out still open problems for the research.
  PubDate: Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Observation Method in the Control of Stacker Capacity Under Landslide
Hazard – A Case Study
- Abstract: The article presents both an application and the purpose of the observation method in the control of stacker capacity. It lists the types of the measured (observed) quantities, which serve as a basis for the observation method. It also describes the procedure of the method and discusses its individual steps. It further provides examples of applying the method in defining the capacity levels of a stacking machine ZGOT-11500, based on the recorded surface and subsurface soil displacement values. The article also offers the increment values and speeds for the individual parameters, which serve as a warning against deterioration of the geotechnical condition of the soil. Knowledge of the relationships between the parameters that describe soil deformation and the required defined stacker capacity may serve as a basis for further research and experiments on the observation method, which may increase the safety of stacking operations. The analysis was based on the results of geotechnical and geodetic measurements, as well as on the operating parameters of the stacker, acquired over a period of 5 months.
  PubDate: Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Behavior of Vertically Confined Square Footing on Reinforced Sand under
Centric Inclined Loading
- Abstract: This study presents the behavior of vertically confined square footing on geogrid-reinforced sand under centric inclined loading through a series of experimental tests. The load was applied at 5°, 10° and 20° angles of inclination with the vertical. The tests were conducted on surface footing, footing with confiner and footing with confiner and horizontal reinforcement configurations subjected to inclined loading. Parametric variations like depth of the confiner (d=1B, 1.5B, 2B), number of geogrid layers (N; varies with variation in depth of confiner), and spacing between horizontal reinforcements (Y=0.25B, 0.5B, 0.75B, 1B) have been investigated at the top surface dimension of confiner (D) as 1.0B, 1.5B and 2.0B (where B is the width of the model footing). Results show that combined effect of confiner and horizontal reinforcement increases the ultimate bearing capacity of footing significantly compared to only confiner for all angle of inclinations. It can also be observed that load bearing capacities decrease with increase in angles of inclination and record the minimum improvement at 20° angle of inclination. Improvement in bearing capacities and reduction in settlement of footing analyzed in terms of bearing capacity ratio (BCR) and settlement reduction factor (SRF) are compared for all footing configurations. To summarize, the test results showed that confiner along with reinforcement can be considered as an economic ground improvement technique for shallow foundations to counter against heavily inclined loading.
  PubDate: Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Probabilistic Liquefaction Analysis Using Standard Penetration Test
- Abstract: The Youd etal liquefaction resistance curves developed in 2001 to characterize the cyclic resistance of soil based on SPT test are the most used in the context of the Seed and Idriss simplified procedure as a deterministic model. These curves were developed from a modified database of Seed etal. in 1985 with the assumption that the actual peak shear stress (τd) induced at depth h is always less than that predicted by the simplified procedure (τr) of Seed and Idriss (rd= τd/τr<1). By using a suite of equivalent linear site response analyses to adjust the dynamic and the simplified shear stress at depth h, Filali and Sbartai showed in 2017 that the dynamic peak shear stress for some earthquakes is greater than the simplified peak shear stress (rd>1). As in this case, the assumption of the simplified procedure is not verified, Filali and Sbartai have proposed a corrector factor (RC) in the range where rd>1 to adjust the deformable and rigid body. In this paper, we will present a probabilistic study for the evaluation of the liquefaction potential using a database based on SPT measurement compiled after the Chi-Chi Taiwan earthquake, in which the cyclic stress ratio is evaluated using the proposed corrector factor. The objective of this study is to present a probabilistic shape of the cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) curves based on the original simplified method of Seed and Idriss and the corrected version and a new formulation for computing the probability of liquefaction.
  PubDate: Sat, 04 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Numerical Evaluation of Partially Strengthened Floating Granular Pile Raft
With Vertical and Radial Displacement Compatibility
- Abstract: In today’s time, construction is the main key for development of any nation, but land resources are getting deplete. Thus, construction on compressible soil is left as a choice. Stone columns or granular piles (GPs) are broadly used to advance the bearing capacity of crummy ground and lessen the displacement of constructionserected on them. GP is the most efficient and cheap for ground improvement. Analysis of single partially strengthened (SPS) floating granular piled raft is presented in this paper in terms of several normalized aspects like vertical and radial displacement impact factors, settlement impact factor (SIF) for any depth, the normalized GP–soil interface shear and radial stresses, the load ratio, i.e., the percentage of the load taken by the GP and raft to the total load, and the normalized contact pressure distribution below the raft, which are evaluated for SPS floating granular piled raft. The SIF for top of GP is noticed to decline with the surge in the values of the strengthening parameters. The interfacial shear stresses get reorganized along the length of the GP.
  PubDate: Sat, 28 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Excavations in the vicinity of the antiflood embankments –
calculating issues
- Abstract: According to Polish law, it is prohibited to perform excavations or locate buildings closer than 50 m from the embankment. In order to obtain exemption from this ban, filtration and stability analysis of the embankment and excavation in the flood conditions have to be performed. This paper presents results of the numerical investigations on interactions between excavations and embankment. Complex nature of the problem is presented. Methodology of numerical simulations and real case examples are described.
  PubDate: Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Nonlinear buckling analysis of network arch bridges
- Abstract: The paper presents designing due to the instability in-plane problem of the net-arch bridge. Firstly, three essential nonlinear examples are benchmarked in a finite element software. Secondly, linear and nonlinear buckling analyses are conducted, with the purpose of investigating the impact of nonlinear behavior of cables on steel arch instability, involving a comparison of the critical load factor and form from both the linear buckling and the post-critical third-order theory analyses. The impact of prestress and tension, elevation, and hanger failure on instability is discussed. Moreover, a new method for determining nonlinear buckling form for the net-arch structure is proposed in order to allow implementation of Unique Global and Local Imperfection method in cable structures. Calculations are conducted in the finite element software. The model of the network arch bridge is based on the bridge over Vistula River in Cracow.
  PubDate: Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Modern methods for monitoring water leakages in water networks
- Abstract: The main idea of this article is to adopt the thesis that the main and, at the same time, the most effective (apart from proper maintenance and operation) element of the strategy of limiting water losses in water supply networks is continuous integrated monitoring of the network using the latest achievements of IT technologies, including GIS (Geographical Information System), GPS (Global Positioning System), GSM (The Global System for Mobile Communications) and software based on a cloud platform.Considering the above, the paper highlights the problem of leakages against the background of water deficit in the world and proposes a classification of methods for detecting and estimating the size of leakages. On the basis of available literature sources, selected modern and, in the authors’ opinion, most interesting water loss monitoring systems enabling leak detection and estimation of the amount of wasted water are presented. Then, these methods are analysed, pointing to their strengths and weaknesses in terms of leak detection efficiency.
  PubDate: Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Upper Bounds for the Complex Growth Rate of a Disturbance in
Ferrothermohaline Convection
- Abstract: It is proved analytically that the complex growth rate σ= σr+iσi (σr and σi are the real and imaginary parts of σ, respectively) of an arbitrary oscillatory motion of neutral or growing amplitude in ferrothermohaline convection in a ferrofluid layer for the case of free boundaries is located inside a semicircle in the right half of the σrσi-plane, whose center is at the origin and radius = Rs[1−M1′(1−1M5)]Pr′,{\rm{radius}}\, = \,\sqrt {{{{R_s}\left[{1 - M_1^{'}\left({1 - {1 \over {{M_5}}}} \right)} \right]} \over {P_r^{'}}}},where Rs is the concentration Rayleigh number, Pr′ is the solutal Prandtl number, M1′ is the ratio of magnetic flux due to concentration fluctuation to the gravitational force, and M5 is the ratio of concentration effect on magnetic field to pyromagnetic coefficient. Further, bounds for the case of rigid boundaries are also derived separately.
  PubDate: Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Influence of Permanent Deflections on The Vibrations of Bridge Spans in
Operating Conditions
- Abstract: The paper presents the method and results of numerical simulations of the mutual dynamic interactions between vehicles and the bridge structure, which has defect in the form of excessive permanent deformations. The parametric analyses were carried out taking into account the following parameters: permanent deflections of spans, with a maximum value ranging from 0 to 150 mm, vehicle speed from 10 m/s (36 km/h) to 30 m/s (108 km/h), and two types of heavy vehicle suspension systems, each with very different properties. The presented analyses are based on the characteristics of real motorway bridge structure with permanent deflections of the multi-span main girders, constructed of steel beams and reinforced concrete slab. The proposed procedure of dynamic numerical analysis can also be useful in the assessment of the influence of permanent deflections on the interactions between vehicles and other types of bridge structures.
  PubDate: Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Evaluation of sand p–y curves by predicting both monopile lateral
response and OWT natural frequency
- Abstract: Extending the use of the p–y curves included in the regulation codes API and DNV to design large-diameter monopiles supporting offshore wind turbines (OWTs) was unsuccessful as it resulted in an inaccurate estimation of the monopile behavior. This had prompted many investigators to propose formulations to enhance the performances of Winkler model. In this paper, two case studies are considered. A case consisting of an OWT at Horns Rev (Denmark) supported by a monopile in a sandy soil was studied first. Taking the FEA using ABAQUS as reference, results of WILDOWER 1.0 (a Winkler computer code) using the recently proposed p–y curves giving design parameters were plotted and evaluated. In order to see the ability of proposed p–y curves to predict the monopile head movements, and consequently the first natural frequency (1st NF), a second case study consisting of a monopile supporting an OWT at North Hoyle (UK) was selected. The monopile head stiffness in terms of lateral, rocking, and cross-coupling stiffness coefficients, necessary for the 1st NF, were computed using both ABAQUS and WILDPOWER 1.0. Comparisons with the measured 1st NF showed that with the exception of one p–y model, none of other proposed Winkler methods is able to predict accurately this parameter.
  PubDate: Thu, 10 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Importance of seismic wave frequency in FEM-based dynamic stress and
displacement calculations
- Abstract: Reliable assessment of earthen dams’ stability and tailing storage facilities widely used in the mining industry is challenging, particularly under seismic load conditions. In this paper, we propose to take into account the effect of the dominant frequency of seismic load on the stability assessment of tailing/earthen dams. The calculations are performed by finite element modelling (FEM) with the Mohr–Coulomb failure criteria. To separate the frequency content from other dynamic parameters describing the seismic wave, synthetic waveforms with identical amplitude and attenuation characteristics, but differing spectral characteristics have been used. The analysis has been performed for three different slope angles and two scenarios of seismic wave propagation. Consequently, the changes of total displacement and shear stresses depending on the frequencies have been determined and clearly show that lower frequencies cause higher stress levels and displacement. Finally, the response surface methodology has been applied to determine how different parameters affect the slope stability under dynamic load conditions. Overall, this study is a first step to improve the existing methods to assess slope stability when considering seismic load.
  PubDate: Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Displacements of shell in soil-steel bridge subjected to moving load:
determination using strain gauge measurements and numerical simulation
- Abstract: This paper analyses displacements of a shell in a soil-steel bridge subjected to quasi-static moving loads. The considerations relate to a large span structure located in Ostróda, Poland. In particular, shell displacements during a loading cycle consisting of consecutive passages of a pair of trucks over the bridge are investigated. The results of a full-scale test, that is, the readings from a system of strain gauges arranged along the shell circumferential section, are the basis for determination of shell displacements. The proposed algorithm makes it possible to calculate any component of the displacement using just a simple model of the shell in the form of a linear elastic curvilinear beam. The approach uses real measurements, and thus, it yields results of displacements reflecting the actual mechanical behaviour of the entire composite structure including not only the shell, but also the backfill, the pavement, etc. The calculated state of displacement sets the basis for calibration of the numerical model. Finite element (FE) analyses include staged construction, that is, backfilling the shell by placing successive soil layers, as well as the loading test with the vehicles moving over the bridge. It is demonstrated that the ballasting of the shell during backfilling contributes to the improvement of the simulated behaviour of the object at the stage of operation, that is, when subjected to moving truck load. Thus, the calibration of the FE model is successfully carried out using the results of strain gauge measurements.
  PubDate: Thu, 20 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Risk Reduction of a Terrorist Attack on a Critical Infrastructure Facility
of LGOM Based on the Example of the Tailings Storage Facility (OUOW )
- Abstract: This paper identifies the threats and risks of a terrorist attack on a critical infrastructure facility based on the example of Żelazny Most Tailings Storage Facility (OUOW). The threat analysis primarily took into account the threats of deliberate human actions. Identification of potential threats concerning the infrastructure surrounding the facility was conducted based on information that is readily available on the Internet. The reasons why it may be a potential target were also justified. Numerical calculations of the stress–deformation scale of the initial state of the reservoir, based on the Biot model with the Kelvin–Voight rheological skeleton, were presented as a starting point for in-depth research on the scale of threats and risks to the reservoir. The presented numerical model can be a starting point for calculating the stability of a reservoir subjected to explosives. The facility constitutes a major element of Lubińsko-Głogowski Okręg Miedziowy (Lubin-Głogów Copper District). OUOW Żelazny Most is the biggest such facility in Europe and is utilized to collect tailing waist. When expanded in its southern quarter, the facility will be the biggest in the world.
  PubDate: Fri, 25 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Using Triaxial Tests to Determine the Shearing Strength of
Geogrid-Reinforced Sand
- Abstract: Geogrids are widely used in civil engineering projects to reinforce road and railway structures. This paper presents research on the shearing strength of soil samples that have been reinforced with geogrids. The relationship between soil and geogrids is explored and evaluated by modeling the mechanical behavior of heterogeneous materials. For the purposes of this research, data obtained from tests of unreinforced sand samples with triaxial cells were compared with the data obtained from tests of reinforced sand samples. It was found that the shearing strength for reinforced samples was higher (from 9% to 49%) compared to unreinforced samples. Some damage to the geogrid was detected during the experiment, and for this reason, the same tests were numerically simulated for both unreinforced samples and samples reinforced with geogrids. Numerical simulations revealed the main reasons for damage to the geogrids during triaxial testing.
  PubDate: Fri, 25 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Statistical analysis of mechanical properties on the example of aggregates
of Carpathian sandstones
- Abstract: The constantly growing, broadly understood, construction industry requires the use of a large amount of aggregates. The construction of roads, motorways, railway lines and hydrotechnical structures requires the use of aggregates of high quality, which is primarily determined by mechanical properties. The basic parameters describing mechanical properties of aggregates are the Los Angeles (LA) fragmentation resistance coefficient and the Micro-Deval (MDE) abrasion resistance coefficient. The LA and MDE coefficients depend mainly on the type of rock and its physical and mechanical properties. This has been thoroughly researched and documented as evidenced by the abundant literature in the field. However, the correlation between LA and MDE coefficients still gives rise to extensive discussions and some concerns. A number of publications demonstrate dependencies for various types of aggregates. Therefore, research was undertaken to present statistical analysis for one type of aggregate and one geological area.This article presents the results of the fragmentation resistance test in the Los Angeles drum and the abrasion resistance test in the Micro-Deval drum of aggregates from Carpathian sandstone deposits. Aggregate samples were divided into three groups according to the location of the deposits and the tectonic unit from which they originated. The obtained results were subjected to static analysis to fit the best mathematical function describing the relationship between the two parameters.
  PubDate: Thu, 24 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Empirical and theoretical models for prediction of soil thermal
conductivity: a review and critical assessment
- Abstract: The paper discusses existing models used to estimate the thermal conductivity of the soil medium. The considerations are divided into three general sections. In the first section of the paper, we focus on the presentation of empirical models. Here, in the case of Johansen method, different relations for Kersten number are also presented. In the next part, theoretical models are considered. In the following part, selected models were used to predict measured thermal conductivities of coarse- and fine-grained soils, at different water contents. Based on these predictions as well as on the authors’ experience, a critical assessment of the existing models is provided. The remarks as well as advantages and disadvantages of those models are summarized in a tabular form. The latter is important from a practical point of view; based on the table content, one can simply choose a model that is suitable for the particular problem.
  PubDate: Thu, 09 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT
Vibrations of the Euler–Bernoulli Beam Under a Moving Force based on
Various Versions of Gradient Nonlocal Elasticity Theory: Application in
Nanomechanics
- Abstract: Two models of vibrations of the Euler–Bernoulli beam under a moving force, based on two different versions of the nonlocal gradient theory of elasticity, namely, the Eringen model, in which the strain is a function of stress gradient, and the nonlocal model, in which the stress is a function of strains gradient, were studied and compared. A dynamic response of a finite, simply supported beam under a moving force was evaluated. The force is moving along the beam with a constant velocity. Particular solutions in the form of an infinite series and some solutions in a closed form as well as the numerical results were presented.
  PubDate: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT
The Use of the Collocation Algorithm for Estimating the Deformations of
Soil-Shell Objects Made of Corrugated Sheets
- Abstract: The algorithm presented in this paper is intended for the analysis of deformations of shells in the construction phase of soil-shell objects when strain gauges and geodetic measurements are used. During the construction of such an object, large displacement values occur and the impact of axial forces on the displacement of a corrugated metal sheet is small. Internal forces (strain gauges), as well as the displacements of a selected circumferential band of the shell are determined directly from such observations.The paper presents two examples of the analysis of large span shell structures of constructed objects, as well as the assessment of the effectiveness of the finite difference method (FDM) in beam schemes. Good deformation mapping was indicated using the collocation algorithm and the differential approach to the solution when there is a dense mesh and regular distribution of measuring points. In the analysed examples, a significant divergence between the support conditions adopted in the FEM calculation models and the actual static conditions in the objects was indicated. The collocation algorithm is especially designed for such situations. Collocation points in such a solution are used to consider a beam – separated from a structure and without boundary constraints, but with specific changes in curvature – as a reference system, which is determined from the geodetic measurements of two collocation points.
  PubDate: Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT