Formation of Tianwen-1 landing crater and mechanical properties of Martian soil near the landing site

After landing in the Utopia Planitia,Tianwen-1 formed the deepest landing crater on Mars,approximately 40 cm deep,exposing precious information about the mechanical properties of Martian soil.We established numerical models for the plume-surface interaction(PSI)and the crater formation based on Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD)methods and the erosion model modified from Roberts’Theory.Comparative studies of cases were conducted with different nozzle heights and soil mechanical properties.The increase in cohesion and internal friction angle leads to a decrease in erosion rate and maximum crater depth,with the cohesion having a greater impact.The influence of the nozzle height is not clear,as it interacts with the position of the Shock Diamond to jointly control the erosion process.Furthermore,we categorized the evolution of landing craters into the dispersive and the concentrated erosion modes based on the morphological characteristics.Finally,we estimated the upper limits of the Martian soil’s mechanical properties near Tianwen-1 landing site,with the cohesion ranging from 2612 to 2042 Pa and internal friction angle from 25°to 41°.

Behavior of materials for earth and rockfill dams:Perspective from unsaturated soil mechanics

The basis of the design of earth and rockfill dams is focused on ensuring the stability of the structure under a set of conditions expected to occur during its life.Combined mechanical and hydraulic conditions must be considered since pore pressures develop during construction,after impoundment and in drawdown.Other instability phenomena caused by transient flow and internal erosion must be considered.The prediction of the hydromechanical behavior of traditional and non-traditional materials used in the construction of dams is therefore fundamental.The materials used for dam’s construction cover a wide range from clayey materials to rockfill.In a broad sense they are compacted materials and therefore unsaturated materials.A summary of the current level of knowledge on the behavior of traditional materials used in the construction of dams is presented in the paper.Regular compacted materials(with a significant clay fraction),rockfill and compacted soft rocks are studied with more detail.The latter are non-traditional materials.They are analysed because their use,as well as the use of mixtures of soil and rock,is becoming more necessary for sustainability reasons.

Static Lateral Pressure of Heavy Haul Wagon's End Wall and Side Wall Based on Soil Mechanics

A new analytical method for calculating the static lateral pressure is introduced to obtain mor accurate calculation method of the lateral pressure of end wall and side wall of heavy haul wagon. In the method the influence of mechanical characteristics of the end wall is considered. For the end wall, a basis for lightweigh design can be provided by deducing an analytical method of the lateral pressure which is closer to the experimenta results. For the side wall, calculation formula which takes the cycloid curve as projection of rupture surface i derived. The correctness of the formula is verified by comparison with the experimental results. The nonlinea distribution of lateral pressure along the height direction is achieved. Further research is done on the relationship between key parameters of the heavy haul wagon design and the lateral pressure on the side wall.

Development and characterization of the PolyU-1 lunar regolith simulant based on Chang’e-5 returned samples

Leading national space exploration agencies and private enterprises are actively engaged in lunar exploration initiatives to accomplish manned lunar landings and establish permanent lunar bases in the forthcoming years.With limited access to lunar surface materials on Earth,lunar regolith simulants are crucial for lunar exploration research.The Chang’e-5(CE-5)samples have been characterized by state-of-the-art laboratory equipment,providing a unique opportunity to develop a high-quality lunar regolith simulant.We have prepared a high-fidelity PolyU-1 simulant by pulverizing,desiccating,sieving,and blending natural mineral materials on Earth based on key physical,mineral,and chemical characteristics of CE-5 samples.The results showed that the simulant has a high degree of consistency with the CE-5 samples in terms of the particle morphology,mineral and chemical composition.Direct shear tests were conducted on the simulant,and the measured internal friction angle and cohesion values can serve as references for determining the mechanical properties of CE-5 lunar regolith.The PolyU-1 simulant can contribute to experimental studies involving lunar regolith,including the assessment of interaction between rovers and lunar regolith,as well as the development of in-situ resource utilization(ISRU)technologies.

Determination of critical state line(CSL)for silty-sandy iron ore tailings subjected to low-high confining pressures

The disposal of filtered tailings in high dry stacks can induce particle breakage,changing the material's behaviour during the structure's lifetime.The grading changes influence material properties at the critical state,and this is not mature for intermediate artificial soils(tailings)in a broad range of confining pressures.In this paper,it aims to describe the behaviour of iron ore tailings in a spectrum of confining pressures broader than the reported in previous studies.A series of consolidated drained(CD)triaxial tests was carried out with confining pressures ranging from 0.075 MPa to 120 MPa.These results show that the amount of breakage plays an essential role in the response of iron ore tailings.The existence of curved critical state line(CSL)in both specific volume(ν)-logarithm of mean effective stress(p′)and deviatoric stress(q)-mean effective stress(p′)planes,and different responses in the deviatoric stress-axial strain-volumetric strain curves were verified.An inverse S-shaped equation was proposed to represent the silty-sandy tailings'behaviour up to high pressures onν-lnp′plane.The proposed equation provides a basis for enhancing constitutive models and considers the evolution of the grading up to severe loading conditions.The adjustment considered three regions with different responses associated with particle breakage at different pressure levels.

Random checkerboard based homogenization for estimating effective thermal conductivity of fully saturated soils

This paper proposes homogenization scheme for estimating the effective thermal conductivity of fully saturated soils. This approach is based on the random checkerboard-like microstructure. Two modeling scales and two modeling approaches are distinguished and used, i.e. microscale and mesoscale and 1-step and 2-step homogenizations, respectively. The 2-step homogenization involves sequential averaging procedure, i.e. first, at microscale, a mineralogical composition of soil skeleton is considered and averaging process results in estimation of the skeleton effective thermal conductivity, and then, at mesoscale, a random spatial packing of solid skeleton and pores via random checkerboard microstructure is modeled and leads to evaluation of the soil overall thermal conductivity. The 1-step homogenization starts directly at the mesoscale and homogenization procedure yields evaluation of the overall soil thermal conductivity. At the mesoscale, the distinct nature of soil skeleton, as composed of soil separates,is considered and random variability of soil is modeled via enriched random checkerboard-like structure.Both approaches, i.e. 1-step and 2-step homogenizations, interrelate mineralogical composition with the soil texture characterized by the volume fractions of soil separates, i.e. sand, silt and clay. The probability density functions(PDFs) of thermal conductivity are assumed for each of the separates. The soil texture PDF of thermal conductivity is derived taking into consideration the aforementioned functions. Whenever the random checkerboard-like structure is used in averaging process, the Monte Carlo procedure is applied for estimation of homogenized thermal conductivity. Finally, the proposed methodology is tested against the laboratory data from our measurements as well as those available from literature.

Dynamic Finite Element Analysis for Interaction between Two Phase Saturated Soil Foundation and Platform

In this paper, the foundation soil of offshore structure is simulated as a two phase saturated porous medium. The dynamic equations of porous medium and finite element formulation are given. For structural analysis, the technique of multilevel substructure is used, and the saturated soil analysis is set in the highest level substructure model. Based on these theories a dynamic finite element analysis program DIASS for the analysis of interaction between two phase ocean soil foundation and platform structures has been developed. A numerical example is given here to illustrate the influence of the pore water in soil on the structural response of an ocean platform.

Study of Sandy Soil Compaction

In this paper, a study of sandy soil compaction with different granulometry and moisture content has been performed, and soil mechanical property variations in moisture and granulometry have been investigated. Investigations were performed to compare hydrostatic compression test （HCT） responses and evaluate the compression index, Cc, which is an indicator of the soil＇s susceptibility to compaction-induced damage. The experiments have been performed on 24 soil samples typologies. Each sample has been obtained by combining three types of soil granulometry （types A, B and C） with a relative content varying from 0% to 100% in 20% increments. Soil type A had a granulometry ranging between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, type B between 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm, and type C less than 0.25 mm. These samples were representative of a sandy soil, chemically inactive and had various granulometries and initial moisture contents. A cell for HCT has been set up to allow the initial volume measurement of the test pieces and the subsequent changes during HCT with an estimated error less than 0.1 cm3. All samples were pre-compacted and prepared in agreement with the actual standards. The experimental data are reported in diagrams, the data allowed comparison of the mechanical behaviors between the considered unsaturated soils and underlined how soil moisture and granulometry affect soil response during HCT. Furthermore, because of the methodology used, the equipment was very economical.

The Effects of Farmyard Manure and Mulch on Soil Physical Properties in a Reclaimed Coastal Tidal Flat Salt-Affected Soil

Careful soil management is important for the soil quality and productivity improvement of the reclaimed coastal tidal flat saline land in northern Jiangsu Province, China. Farmyard manure（ FYM） and mulch applications, which affect soil characteristics and plant significantly, are regard as an effective pattern of saline land improvement. As a conventional management in the study region, FYM and mulch are used for the amendment of the new reclaimed tidal flat regularly, but little is known about their effects on soil physical properties functioning. A study was conducted on a typical coastal tidal flat saline land, which was reclaimed in 2005, to evaluate the effects of FYM, polyethylene film mulch（PM）, straw mulch（SM）, FYM combined with PM（FYM＋PM）, FYM combined with SM（FYM＋SM）, on soil hydraulic properties and soil mechanical impedance. CK represented conventional cultivation in study area without FYM and mulch application and served as a control. The experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications, was studied in Huanghaiyuan Farm, which specialized in the agricultural utilization for coastal tidal flat. Result showed that capillary water holding capacity（CHC）, saturated water content（SWC）, saturated hydraulic conductivity（ Ks） and bulk density（BD）, cone index（CI） were affected significantly by the FYM and mulch application, especially in the 0-10 cm soil layer. FYM and mulch management increased CHC, SWC and Ks over all soil depth in the order of FYM＋SM〉FYM＋PM〉FYM〉SM〉PM〉CK. With the contrary sequence, BD and CI decreased significantly; however, FYM and mulch application affected BD and CI only in the upper soil layers. CHC, SWC and Ks decreased significantly with the increasing of soil depth, BD and CI, and a significant liner equation was found between CHC, SWC, Ks and BD, CI. With the highest CHC（38.15%）, SWC（39.55%）, Ks（6.00 mm h-1） and the lowest BD（1.26 g cm-3） and CI（2.71 MPa）, the combined management of FYM and SM was recommend to be an effective method for the melioration of reclaimed coastal tidal flat saline soil.

Review and prospect of the effects of freeze-thaw on soil geotechnical properties

Freeze-thaw hazard is one of the main problems in cold regions engineering and artificial ground freezing engineering.To mitigate freeze-thaw hazards,it is essential to investigate the effects of freeze-thaw on soils engineering properties.This paper summarizes the effects of freeze-thaw on the physical and mechanical properties of soils reported in recent studies.The differences of freeze-thaw conditions between freezing shaft sinking and cold regions engineering are discussed.Based on the technological characteristics of freezing shaft sinking in deep alluvium,we further attempt to identify key research needs regarding the freeze-thaw effects on the engineering properties of deep soils.

Study on influence factors of cement-stabilized soil compressive strength

The cement dry jet mixing method has been used to reinforce soft cohesive ground to increase the strength of soft cohesive ground and to decrease its deformation. The study briefly introduces the curing mechanism of cement-soil,presents the factors of influencing on compressive strength,mainly analyses the factors including cement mixing ratio,cement strength grade,curing age,moisture content and soil texture and puts forward some rational proposals at last.

Experimental study of the effects of non-uniformly distributed fine soil on mechanical properties of Shenyang–Dandong Railway coarse-grained soil

The stress produced by repeated train loads decreases with increasing railway subgrade bed depth, and slightly weathered coarse particles of subgrade bed fillings can be broken at different levels under continuous load. Thus, the mass of fine soil, with a diameter of not more than 0.075 mm, is different at different depths. Fine soil is also sensitive to frost heave and thaw settlement. In order to study the effects of non-uniformly distributed fine soil on the mechanical properties of coarse-grained soil of the Shenyang-Dandong Railway, triaxial tests were conducted with three types of specimens, un- dergoing six freeze-thaw cycle numbers （0, 1, 3, 7, 9, 12） and three confining pressures （100, 200, 300 kPa）. The freezing temperature is -5 ~C and the thawing temperature is ＋15 ~C. The stress-strain behavior, static strength, resilient modulus, cohesive force and the angle of internal friction were measured for different tested specimens. As a result, the law of static strength and resilient modulus of different specimens following the increase of freeze-thaw cycles under three confining pressures is obtained. The changing law of cohesive force and friction angle of three specimens following the increase of freeze-thaw cycles is also calculated, and the different results of different specimens are also compared.

Mechanical behavior of iron ore tailings under standard compression and extension triaxial stress paths

The disposal of mining tailings has increasingly focused on the use of dry stacks.These structures offer more security since they use filtered and compacted material.Because of the construction method and the heights achieved,the material that compounds the structure can be subjected to different stress paths along the failure plane.The theoretical framework considered in the design of these structures generally is the critical state soil mechanics(CSSM).However,the data in the literature concerning the uniqueness of critical state line(CSL)is still controversial as the soil is subjected to different stress paths.With respect to tailings,this question is even more restricted.This paper studies two tailings with different gradings due to the beneficial processes over extension and compression paths.A series of drained and undrained triaxial tests was conducted over a range of initial densities and stress levels.In the q-p'plane,different critical stress ratio(M)values were obtained for compression and extension stress paths.However,the critical state friction angle is very similar with a slightly higher critical state friction angle for extension tests.Curved stress path dependent CSLs were obtained in the n-lnp0 plane with the extension tests below the CSL defined in compression.Regarding the fines content,the studied tailings presented very similar M and critical state friction angle values.However,the fines content af-fects the volumetric behavior of the studied tailings and the CSLs on the n-lnp0 plane shift downwards with the increasing fines content for compression and extension tests.In relation to dilatancy analysis,the fines content did not present an evident influence on the dilatancy of the materials.However,different values of mean stress ratio N were obtained between compression and extension tests and can corroborate the existence of non-unique CSLs for these materials.

Consolidation and Creep Behaviors of Two Typical Marine Clays in China

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the deformation characteristics of two typical marine clays obtained from Dalian and Shanghai, respectively, in China. Three kinds of laboratory tests, i.e. conventional oedometer tests, one-dimensional and triaxial creep tests were carried out. The results obtained from consolidation tests demonstrate linear e−logσv relationships for Shanghai clay at normally consolidated state, while partly or even global non-linear relationships for Dalian clay. The compression index Cc for both clays follows the correlation of Cc = 0.009(wL −10) where wL is the liquid limit of soil. The relationship between logkv (kv is the hydraulic conductivity of soil) and void ratio e is generally linear and the hydraulic conductivity change index Ckv can be described by their initial void ratio for both clays. The secondary compressibility of Dalian clay lies in medium to high range and is higher than that of Shanghai clay which lies in the range of low to medium. Furthermore, based on drained triaxial creep tests, the stress-strain-time relationships following Mesri’s creep equation have been developed for Dalian and Shanghai clays which can predict the long-term deformation of both clays reasonably well.

Viscous property of dried clay

One dimensional and triaxial compression tests of air-dried and oven-dried Fujinomori clay and Pisa clay were carried out. Water content is less than 4.5% and 1.0% for air-dried and oven-dried clay specimens, respectively. In all tests, axial strain rate was changed stepwise many times and drained creep tests were performed several times during monotonic loading at a constant strain rate. Global unloading (and also reloading in some tests) was applied during which creep loading tests were performed several times. Cyclic loading with small stress amplitude and several cycles was also performed to calculate the modulus of elasticity of the clay in tests. Local displacement transducer was used in triaxial compression test to increase measuring accuracy of axial strain. The results show that air-dried and oven-dried clay have noticeable viscous properties; during global unloading, creep deformation changes from positive to negative, i.e. there exist neutral points (zero creep deformation or no creep deformation point) in global unloading part of strain-stress curve; viscous property of Fujinomori clay decreases when water content decreases, i.e. viscous property of air-dried Fujinomori clay is more significant than that of oven-dried Fujinomori clay.

Three-dimensional cellular automata based particle flow simulations of mechanical properties of talus deposit

Based on three-dimensional cellular automata （CA）, a new stochastic simulation model to simulate the microstructures and particle flow of talus deposit is proposed. Ill addition, an auto-modeling program CARS is developed, with which nunaerical simulations can be conducted conveniently. For the problem of simulating mechanical behaviors of talus deposit, spatial anangement or sphere shapes should be considered. In the new modeling method, four sphere anangement models are developed for the particle flow simulation of talus deposit. Numerical results show that the talus deposit has the mechanical characteristics of typical stress-strain curves, as other rock-like materials. The cohesion of talus deposit decreases with increasing rock content, while the internal friction angle increases with increasing rock contents. Finally, numerical simulation is verified with the results of field test.

Dynamic Analysis of Submarine Pipelines on an Elastic / Viscoelastic Foundation

This paper presents a new finite element method for solving static and dynamic problems in laying operation of pipelines. The effect of the viscoelastic soil behavior is considered by using the Pasternak foundation model. Some examples are also presented.

Influence of fabric anisotropy on seismic responses of foundations

Earthquakes, as one of the well-known natural disasters, are highly destructive and unpredictable.Foundation failure due to liquefaction induced by earthquakes can cause casualties as well as significantdamage to the building itself. Fabric anisotropy of soil grains is considered to be an important factor indynamic soil response based on previous researches and laboratory tests. However, the limited availabilityof real physical data makes it less persuasive. In this study, a shake table installed on ageotechnical centrifuge is used to provide the designed seismic motions, and therefore, to simulate therealistic earthquake motion to foundations. Important parameters in the responses such as acceleration,excess pore pressure and deformation are evaluated to investigate the influence. Implications for designare also discussed. 2015 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Morphogenesis of Vertisols：A Model Study

Studies on Vertisols of Southwest China show that the distribution of organic matter, mechanicalcomposition, carbonates and spore-pollen in their profiles exhibits a definite differentiation and the radiocarbon age has a functional variation with soil depth, which suggests that pedoturbation model is a kind of incomplete model for genetic study and that the disturbance and inversion of solums of Vertisol are not as rapid and absolute as expected. In further consideration of the characters of swelling pressure and shear strength of Vertisol, vertic soil and other zonal soils, it is speculated that soil mechanics model is more adaptable for interpreting the morphogenesis of Vertisols without any contradiction with soil properties.

Hydraulic conductivity of GCLs in MSW landfills

The state of the art of the study on the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs is presented in terms of the influence of the effective stress,chemical interactions,freeze-thaw cycles and temperature gradients.The changes of void ratio caused by changes of effective stress have a direct linear effect on the hydraulic conductivity,regardless of the cation concentration or the thickness of the adsorbed layer.The hydraulic conductivity is related to the relative abundance of monovalent and divalent cation(RMD),and RMD has a great effect on the hydraulic conductivity in weak solution.The long-term susceptibility of GCLs to increased hydraulic conductivity as a response to repeated freeze-thaw cycling is minimal,which has been proved after 150 freeze-thaw cycles.The potential of desiccation cracking increases with the increasing temperature gradient and is related to the initial subsoil water content,the applied overburden stress,etc.