303 research outputs found
Seismic Earth Pressure Development in Sheet Pile Retaining Walls: A Numerical Study
The design of retaining walls requires the complete knowledge of the earth
pressure distribution behind the wall. Due to the complex soil-structure
effect, the estimation of earth pressure is not an easy task; even in the
static case. The problem becomes even more complex for the dynamic (i.e.,
seismic) analysis and design of retaining walls. Several earth pressure models
have been developed over the years to integrate the dynamic earth pressure with
the static earth pressure and to improve the design of retaining wall in
seismic regions. Among all the models, MononobeOkabe (M-O) method is commonly
used to estimate the magnitude of seismic earth pressures in retaining walls
and is adopted in design practices around the world (e.g., EuroCode and
Australian Standards). However, the M-O method has several drawbacks and does
not provide reliable estimate of the earth pressure in many instances. This
study investigates the accuracy of the M-O method to predict the dynamic earth
pressure in sheet pile wall. A 2D plane strain finite element model of the
wall-soil system was developed in DIANA. The backfill soil was modelled with
Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion while the wall was assumed behave elastically.
The numerically predicted dynamic earth pressure was compared with the M-O
model prediction. Further, the point of application of total dynamic force was
determined and compared with the static case. Finally, the applicability of M-O
methods to compute the seismic earth pressure was discussed
Failure Mechanism of True 2D Granular Flows
Most previous experimental investigations of two-dimensional (2D) granular
column collapses have been conducted using three-dimensional (3D) granular
materials in narrow horizontal channels (i.e., quasi-2D condition). Our recent
research on 2D granular column collapses by using 2D granular materials (i.e.,
aluminum rods) has revealed results that differ markedly from those reported in
the literature. We assume a 2D column with an initial height of h0 and initial
width of d0, a defined as their ratio (a =h0/d0), a final height of h , and
maximum run-out distance of d . The experimental data suggest that for the low
a regime (a <0.65) the ratio of the final height to initial height is 1.
However, for the high a regime (a >0.65), the ratio of a to (d-d0)/d0, h0/h ,
or d/d0 is expressed by power-law relations. In particular, the following
power-function ratios (h0/h=1.42a^2/3 and d/d0=4.30a^0.72) are proposed for
every a >0.65. In contrast, the ratio (d-d0)/d0=3.25a^0.96 only holds for 0.65<
a1.5. In addition,
the influence of ground contact surfaces (hard or soft beds) on the final
run-out distance and destruction zone of the granular column under true 2D
conditions is investigated.Comment: 8 page
Numerical modelling of sandstone uniaxial compression test using a mix-mode cohesive fracture model
A mix-mode cohesive fracture model considering tension, compression and shear
material behaviour is presented, which has wide applications to geotechnical
problems. The model considers both elastic and inelastic displacements.
Inelastic displacement comprises fracture and plastic displacements. The norm
of inelastic displacement is used to control the fracture behaviour. Meantime,
a failure function describing the fracture strength is proposed. Using the
internal programming FISH, the cohesive fracture model is programmed into a
hybrid distinct element algorithm as encoded in Universal Distinct Element Code
(UDEC). The model is verified through uniaxial tension and direct shear tests.
The developed model is then applied to model the behaviour of a uniaxial
compression test on Gosford sandstone. The modelling results indicate that the
proposed cohesive fracture model is capable of simulating combined failure
behaviour applicable to rock
Earthquake Induced Slope Failure Simulation by SPH
Majority of slope stability, slope displacement and soil liquefaction analyses subjected to earthquake loading condition employed the finite element method (FEM) as the standard numerical tool. However, mechanism of soil failure in such condition often involved extremely large deformation and failure behaviors, which were unable to be modeled by FEM since this method was suffered from the grid distortion. In an attempt to overcome this limitation, we present herein our first attempt to extend the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method to analyze slope failure behavior due to seismic shaking. For the sake of simplicity, effect of pore-water pressure was not taken into consideration. The numerical framework was then applied to simulate the failure behavior of a slope subjected to a seismic loading. Experimental model was also conducted to verify the numerical performance. It is shown that SPH can simulate fairly well the slope failure behavior in the model test, especially in prediction of the failure surface. The paper suggests that SPH should be considered as a powerful alternative for computation of geomaterials subjected to earthquake loading conditions
Reducing or increasing inequalities? The role of private water enterprises in rural Viet Nam
Extreme inequalities are recognised as being detrimental to human rights and economic development (Stiglitz 2012), and in response, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has explicitly included addressing inequalities as one of the 17 Global Goals. In order to reduce inequalities an integrated approach across multiple dimensions of human development is required, including access to safe water. This research investigated stakeholder perceptions of rural piped water services in Viet Nam to better understand issues of equality, access and affordability. It asked the question: can poor households access piped water services provided by small scale private enterprises in rural Viet Nam? This question is important because little is known about whether or not poor households access piped water services, related issues of affordability of connection fees and tariffs, and other potential barriers. It is also important because private enterprises are increasingly providing piped water services in Viet Nam, supported by incentives from Government and international donors including some civil society organisations (CSOs
Integration of decision support systems to improve decision support performance
Decision support system (DSS) is a well-established research and development area. Traditional isolated, stand-alone DSS has been recently facing new challenges. In order to improve the performance of DSS to meet the challenges, research has been actively carried out to develop integrated decision support systems (IDSS). This paper reviews the current research efforts with regard to the development of IDSS. The focus of the paper is on the integration aspect for IDSS through multiple perspectives, and the technologies that support this integration. More than 100 papers and software systems are discussed. Current research efforts and the development status of IDSS are explained, compared and classified. In addition, future trends and challenges in integration are outlined. The paper concludes that by addressing integration, better support will be provided to decision makers, with the expectation of both better decisions and improved decision making processes
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