Dynamic mechanism for horizontal deformation in part of North China area——Three-dimensional finite-element calculation and analysis of results from GPS remeasurement

A deformation monitoring network that covers part of North China area and takes the Beijing region as the center was measured for two times with high precision GPS in 1995 and 1996 respectively. The results from remeasurement indicate that present horizontal movement in the monitored area is characterized by relative motion among several main tectonic blocks. Considering the spatial distribution features obtained from geological survey and results on seismic wave and activity in the area, and stratified features of crustal medium in depth, a three dimensional finite element medium model is designed. And under the conditions of taking and not taking the action manner of the background stress field in the studied area into account, the relative motion between tectonic blocks is calculated and modeled. Based on the results from the analysis and calculations the dynamic mechanism for the present horizontal deformation in the area is discussed.

Characteristics of Recent Horizontal Crustal Movement and Tectonic Deformation in the Northwest China Region

Making use of observation data of GPS in the Northwest China region and infrared distancemeasurements crossing the Qilian-Longshoushan fault zone up to 2004, aided by the least square collocation and inversion of negative dislocation model for the boundaries of elastic blocks and the singular force-source, the dynamic evolution features of deformation and strain fields before and after the Ms = 8. 1 earthquake on the west of Kunlun Mountains Pass, especially the recent tectonic deformation and stress field status three years after this earthquake are studied. The possible regions or segments of active blocks and their boundaries reflecting accumulation background of high strain energy of producing earthquakes over middle magnitude, are obtained, as well as the potential epicenter. The results show that after shortterm relaxation and adjustment in the northern margin of Qinghai-Xizang （Tibet） block after the Ms = 8. 1 earthquake, the main control action of background field of northeastward pushing of Indian plate is now recovering. Moreover, the following regions are found to have the background of high strain energy accumulation. They are the middle segment of the northern Tianshan fault zone and its meeting region with the western segment, the middle and western segments of southern Tianshan fault zone and the meeting region with Western Kunlun fault zone, the middle segment of Altun fault, the middle-eastern segment of Qilianshan fault zone and its meeting region with Haiyuan fault, the meeting region of northern margin fault of west Qinling Range and the southeastward expanding line of Zhuanglanghe fault; The Linze and Haiynan areas also see accumulation of strain energy to some degree.

Calculation of the Limiting Deformation in Stopping-and-Filling by the Finite Element Method and its Influence Upon the Packed Volumn

The stability of buildings on the surface will be influenced by underground mining. For the purposes of safe mining and buildings protecting around mining area, the rock and sod distortion should be forecasted. By using the results of the elastic-finite-element method simulation, we can calculate the tilting, horizontal deformation and curvature of the surface and the strata. Wushan Copper Mine was taken as an example to analyze the reasons of accident and beyond standard limit, and the influence on the safety of the packed volumn.

Current tectonic deformation and seismogenic characteristics along the northeast margin of Qinghai -Xizang block

Based on the data from repeated precise leveling and across-fault deformation measurements carried out in recent 30 years and the analyzed results from GPS observations made in recent years along the northeastern margin of Qinghai-Xizang block, and combined with the geological structures and seismic activities, some characteristics in regional tectonic deformation and strong earthquake development are studied and approached preliminarily. The results show that: a) The space-time distribution of current tectonic deformation in this area is inhomogeneous with relatively intensive tectonic deformation in the vicinity of main boundary faults and weak deformation in the farther areas. The intensity of vertical differential movement and the deformation status vary with time, and the horizontal movement and deformation are characterized by apparent compression and strike-slip. b) The tectonic stress field generated by the NE-trending continuous compressive movement of Qinghai-Xizang block due to the northward press and collision of India plate is the principal stress for the tectonic deformation and earthquake development in this area. The evolution of space-time distribution of tectonic deformation and seismicity is closely related to the block activity and dynamic evolution of regional tectonic stress field. c) The vertical deformation uplift and high-gradient deformation zones and the obvious fault deformation anomaly appeared along the boundaries of tectonic blocks can be considered as the indicators of hindered block motion and intensified tectonic stress field for strong earthquake development. Usually, the above-mentioned phenomena would be followed by the seismicity of M6.0, but the earthquake might not occur in the place with the maximum movement. The zones with the fault deformation anomaly characterized by tendencious accumulation acceleration turning and the surrounding areas might be the positions for accumulation of strain energy and development and occurrence of strong earthquakes.

Development and application of multi-field coupled high-pressure triaxial apparatus for soil

The increasing severity of ground subsidence,ground fissure and other disasters caused by the excessive exploitation of deep underground resources has highlighted the pressing need for effective management.A significant contributing factor to the challenges faced is the inadequacy of existing soil mechanics experimental instruments in providing effective indicators,creating a bottleneck in comprehensively understanding the mechanisms of land subsidence.It is urgent to develop a multi-field and multi-functional soil mechanics experimental system to address this issue.Based soil mechanics theories,the existing manufacturing capabilities of triaxial apparatus and the practical demands of the test system,a set of multi-field coupled high-pressure triaxial system is developed tailored for testing deep soils(at depths of approximately 3000 m)and soft rock.This system incorporates specialized design elements such as high-pressure chamber and horizontal deformation testing devices.In addition to the conventional triaxial tester functions,its distinctive feature encompass a horizontal deformation tracking measuring device,a water release testing device and temperature control device for the sample.This ensemble facilitates testing of horizontal and vertical deformation water release and other parameters of samples under a specified stress conditions,at constant or varying temperature ranging from-40℃–90℃.The accuracy of the tested parameters meets the requirements of relevant current specifications.The test system not only provides scientifically robust data for revealing the deformation and failure mechanism of soil subjected to extreme temperature,but also offers critical data support for major engineering projects,deep exploration and mitigation efforts related to soil deformation-induced disaster.

Weakening behavior of waterproof performance in joints of shield tunnels under adjacent constructions

Groundwater leakage in shield tunnels poses a threat to the safety and durability of tunnel structures. Disturbance of adjacent constructions during the operation of shield tunnels frequently occurs in China, leading to deformation of tunnel lining and leakage in joints. Understanding the impact of adjacent constructions on the waterproofing performance of the lining is critical for the protection of shield tunnels. In this study, the weakening behavior of waterproof performance was investigated in the joints of shield tunnels under transverse deformation induced by adjacent construction. First, the relationship between the joint opening and transverse deformation under three typical adjacent constructions (upper loading, upper excavation, and side excavation) was investigated via elaborate numerical simulations. Subsequently, the evolution of the waterproof performance of a common gasket with a joint opening was examined by establishing a coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian model of joint seepage, and a formula describing the relationship between waterproof performance and joint opening was proposed. Finally, the weakening law of waterproofing performance was investigated based on the results of the aforementioned studies. It was determined that the joints with the greatest decline in waterproof performance were located at the tunnel shoulder in the upper loading case, tunnel crown in the upper excavation case, and tunnel shoulder in the side excavation case. When the waterproof performance of these joints decreased to 50% and 30%, the transverse deformations were 60 and 90 mm under upper loading, 90 and 140 mm under upper excavation, and 45 and 70 mm under side excavation, respectively. The results provide a straightforward reference for setting a controlled deformation standard considering the waterproof performance.