Rectangular silos; Interaction of structure and stored bulk solid

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.The main aim of this research is directed towards the study of thin-walled rectangular planform silos with a view to maximising their structural efficiency. In thin plates of the type making up the wall, membrane action may increase the load carrying capability and current design guides make no account of this. Designing rectangular silos with this in mind can lead to significant structural savings. The core of the research involves using the finite element method to study the patterns of pressure exerted by the weight of a granular bulk solid on the walls of the silo structure. The stored granular solid must use an elastic-plastic material law in order to account for large deformations that can occur in a thin-walled structure. The need for this type of constitutive law led to the investigation of bulk solid properties and shows that parameters that have previously been used to categorise bulk solids may not be sufficient to describe all aspects of their behaviour. The finite element model created uses material constitutive laws that can be found in a number of packages. The required granular material parameters can be determined from a number of simple tests. This approach aims to enable engineers to routinely use similar models when designing silos. The results obtained from the finite element model exhibited some anomalies that had been observed in previous work. These were mainly apparent in the form of localised pressure peaks near the base of the model. These effects were investigated and possible mechanisms that lead to them were proposed. The results from the finite element model were compared to previous experimental work and existing theories. The model was then used to conduct parametric surveys on square and rectangular planform silos and the distribution of pressure across the wall compared to previous predictive models. Finally, a scale thin-walled metal silo was constructed and pressure measurements on filling with pea gravel made. These are compared to predictions made by the finite element model.Mr Chris Brow

Twin-tunnelling-induced ground movements in clay

Modern tunnelling methods aim to reduce ground movements arising from the construction process. In clay strata the usual method of construction is by tunnel boring machine, which allows close control of the tunnelling process; however, any movements have the potential to cause damage to existing structures at, and below, the ground surface. The construction of underground rail systems often comprises two tunnels running in opposite directions. Common practice for assessing construction-generated movements around these tunnels is to make predictions based upon individual tunnel construction and utilise superposition to generate a total deformation profile. This approach does not take into account the strain- or stress-dependent effects between tunnel constructions. A delay may result in unanticipated ground movements generated by the construction of the second tunnel. The effect of this delay on the ground movements arising between the first and the second tunnel construction process was investigated in a series of plane strain centrifuge tests. The ground movements at and below the surface were monitored and were assessed against superposition-based predictions for surface settlement with the outcomes highlighting some inconsistencies. A procedure for predicting both surface and subsurface vertical settlement profiles in the plane transverse to the advancing tunnels in clay is suggested

Centrifuge modelling of screw piles for offshore wind energy foundations

Screw piles (helical piles) can provide a viable, cost-effective and low-noise installation alternative to increasing the size of existing foundation solutions (e.g. monopiles) to meet the demand for the advancement of offshore wind energy into deeper water. Significant upscaling of widely used onshore screw pile geometries will be required to meet the loading conditions of a jacket supported offshore wind turbine. This increase in size will lead to greater installation force and torque. This paper presents preliminary results from centrifuge tests investigating the requirements to install screw piles designed for an offshore wind energy application using specially developed equipment. Results indicate that the equipment is suitable to investigate these screw pile requirements and that significant force is required for such upscaled screw piles, with 19 MN vertical force and 7 MNm torque for the standard design. Optimisation of the screw pile geometry, reduced these forces by 29 and 11% for the vertical and rotational forces respectively

Development of an instrumented model pile

An instrumented model pile has been realized to study the displacement pile installation effects in sand in physical model tests. The system includes a model pile, instrumented with axial and horizontal contact stress sensors, and a corresponding calibration apparatus. The development of the instrumented model pile, including numerical analysis of the mechanical response during testing, and an optimization of the instrumentation to minimize thermal effects are described. The performance of this new model pile is demonstrated using calibration measurements and an example application in a physical model test at an elevated stress level in the geotechnical centrifuge

New method for full field measurement of pore water pressures

A cost effective method to measure pore water pressures in mixed granular media is described using 40 miniature MEMS pore pressure transducers. High accuracy in a single point is exchanged for lower accuracy full field measurements adjacent to the strongbox wall. The system is easily de-aired and calibrated due to the fact that the transducers are installed inside the strongbox wall. Additionally, the proof of concept test shows that the transducers are sufficiently accurate for problems with large pressure difference such as consolidation of clay while being subjected to elevated stress levels in the geotechnical centrifuge

Centrifuge modelling of screw piles for offshore wind energy foundations

Screw piles (helical piles) can provide a viable, cost-effective and low-noise installation alternative to increasing the size of existing foundation solutions (e.g. monopiles) to meet the demand for the advancement of offshore wind energy into deeper water. Significant upscaling of widely used onshore screw pile geometries will be required to meet the loading conditions of a jacket supported offshore wind turbine. This increase in size will lead to greater installation force and torque. This paper presents preliminary results from centrifuge tests investigating the requirements to install screw piles designed for an offshore wind energy application using specially developed equipment. Results indicate that the equipment is suitable to investigate these screw pile requirements and that significant force is required for such upscaled screw piles, with 19 MN vertical force and 7 MNm torque for the standard design. Optimisation of the screw pile geometry, reduced these forces by 29 and 11% for the vertical and rotational forces respectively