Experimental study on the flow behaviour of water-sand mixtures in fractured rock specimens

The study of flow behaviour of water-sand mixtures in fractured rocks is of great necessity to understand the producing mechanism and prevention of water inrush and sand gushing accidents.A self-developed seepage test system is used in this paper to conduct laboratory experiments in order to study the influence of the particle size distribution,the void ratio,and the initial mass of Aeolian sand on the flow behavior.It is concluded that the water flow velocity is insensitive to the initial mass of the Aeolian sand but increases with the power exponent in the Talbot formula and the specimen height.The outflow of the Aeolian sand increases with the power exponent in the Talbot formula,the specimen height,and the initial mass of the Aeolian sand.Besides,the outflow of the Aeolian sand changes exponentially with the water flow velocity.Finally,it is found that the fractured specimen has a maximum sand filtration capacity beyond which the outflow of the Aeolian sand significantly increases with the initial mass of the Aeolian sand.

Mechanical Properties of Sea Water Sea Sand Coral Concrete Modified with Different Cement and Fiber Types

The mechanical properties of modified sea water sea sand coral concrete(SWSSCC)under axial compression were experimentally studied.Two different parameters were considered in this test:types of cement and fiber.An experimental campaign was developed involving uniaxial compression tests and the use of digital image correlation(DIC)method to analyze the strain distribution and crack propagation of specimen.Test results indicated that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of SWSSCC were improved by adding stainless steel fibers(SSF),while polypropylene fibers(PF)enhanced the SWSSCC peak deformation.It was found that the elastic modulus and strength of SWSSCC using ordinary Portland cement(OPC)were higher compared to specimen with low alkalinity sulphoaluminate cement(LAS).Typical strain distribution changed with the variation of fiber types.The propagation and characteristics of cracks in SWSSCC containing PF were similar to those of cracks in SWSSCC.However,the propagation of cracks and the development of plastic deformation in SWSSCC were effectively hindered by adopting SSF.Finally,an analytical stress-strain expression of specimen considering the influences of fibers was established.The obtained results would provide a basis for the application of SWSSCC.

New evidence for the links between the local water cycle and the underground wet sand layer of a mega-dune in the Badain Jaran Desert, China

Scientists and the local government have great concerns about the climate change and water resources in the Badain Jaran Desert of western China. A field study for the local water cycle of a lake-desert system was conducted near the Noertu Lake in the Badain Jaran Desert from 21 June to 26 August 2008. An underground wet sand layer was observed at a depth of 20–50 cm through analysis of datasets collected during the field experiment. Measurements unveiled that the near surface air humidity increased in the nighttime. The sensible and latent heat fluxes were equivalent at a site about 50 m away from the Noertu Lake during the daytime, with mean values of 134.4 and 105.9 W/m2 respectively. The sensible heat flux was dominant at a site about 500 m away from the Noertu Lake, with a mean of 187.7 W/m2, and a mean latent heat flux of only 26.7 W/m2. There were no apparent differences for the land surface energy budget at the two sites during the night time. The latent heat flux was always negative with a mean value of –12.7 W/m2, and the sensible heat flux was either positive or negative with a mean value of 5.10 W/m2. A portion of the local precipitation was evaporated into the air and the top-layer of sand dried quickly after every rainfall event, while another portion seeped deep and was trapped by the underground wet sand layer, and supplied water for surface psammophyte growth. With an increase of air humidity and the occurrence of negative latent heat flux or water vapor condensation around the Noertu Lake during the nighttime, we postulated that the vapor was transported and condensed at the lakeward sand surface, and provided supplemental underground sand pore water. There were links between the local water cycle, underground wet sand layer, psammophyte growth and landscape evolution of the mega-dunes surrounding the lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert of western China.

Sedimentation motion of sand particles in moving water(Ⅰ):The resistance on a small sphere moving in non-uniform flow

In hydraulics,when we deal with the problem of sand particles moving relative to the surrounding water,Stokes'formula of resistance has usually been used to render the velocity of sedimentation of the particles.But such an approach has not been proved rigorously,and its accuracy must be carefully considered.In this paper,we discuss the problem of a sphere moving in a non-uniform flow field,on the basis of the fundamental theory of hydrodynamics.We introduce two assumptions:i)the diameter of the sphere is much smaller than the linear dimension of the flow field,and ii)the velocity of the sphere relative to the surrounding water is very small.Using these two assumptions,we solve the linearized Navier-Stokes equations and equations of continuity by the method of Laplace transform,and finally we obtain a formula for the resistance acting on a sphere moving in a non-uniform flow field.

Effect of slope gradient on the subsurface water flow velocity of sand layer profile

Subsurface water flow velocity influences the hydrodynamic characteristics of soil seepage and the interaction between subsurface water flow and surface runoff during soil erosion and sediment transport.A visualized method and equipment was adopted in this study to observe the subsurface water flow.Quartz sand was used as the test material of subsurface water flow and fluorescent dye was used as the indicator for tracing subsurface water flow.Water was supplied at the same flow discharge to the three parts at the bottom of the test flume,and the subsurface water flow were determined with four slope gradients(4°,8°,10°,and 12°).The results showed that the seepage velocity gradually increased with increasing slope gradient.The pore water velocity at different depths of sand layer profile increased with increasing slope gradient,whereas the thickness of the flow front gradually decreased.For the same slope gradient,the pore water velocity in the lower layer was the largest,whereas the thickness of the flow front was the smallest.Comparative analysis of the relationship between seepage velocity and pore water velocity at different depths of sand layer profile showed that the maximum relative difference between the measured pore water velocity and the computational pore water velocity at different depths of sand profile in the experiment was 4.38%.Thus,the test method for measuring the subsurface water flow velocity of sand layer profile adopted in this study was effective and feasible.The development of this experiment and the exploration of research methods would lay a good test foundation for future studies on the variation law of subsurface water flow velocity and the determination of flow velocity in purple soils,thus contributing to the improvement of the hydrodynamic mechanism of purple soils.

The Effects of Different Ratios of Feldspathic Sandstone and Sand Compound Soil on Water-stable Aggregates in 4 Years Crop Planting

To study the formation process of feldspathic sandstone and sand compound soil in the Mu Us Desert,1∶ 1,1∶ 2 and 1∶ 5 ratios of feldspathic sandstone and sand were mixed to obtain compound soil to plant crops,and analyze the rules of changes in water-stable aggregates of the compound soil among the 4 years crops growing process. The results showed,before crop planting,the order of mass percent of> 0. 25 mm and 0. 25-2. 00 mm water-stable aggregates in three kinds of compound soil was 1∶ 1 > 1∶ 2 > 1∶ 5,showing that the overall content was low; the mass percent of > 0. 25 mm water-stable aggregates remained at 18. 38%-28. 22%; the mass percent of 0. 25-0. 50 mm,0. 50-2. 00 mm,2. 00-5. 00 mm,and > 5. 00 mm water-stable aggregates was close with each other in each kind of compound soil. After4 years of planting,the mass percent of > 0. 25 mm water-stable aggregates in 1∶ 2 compound soil increased significantly and exceeded other2 kinds of compound soil,reached 32. 34%; the main components of > 0. 25 mm water stable aggregates in 1∶ 1,1∶ 2,and 1∶ 5 compound soil were 0. 25-0. 50 mm( 53. 54%),0. 25-0. 50 mm( 59. 43%),0. 05-2. 00 mm( 52. 16%),aggregates; 0. 25-2. 00 mm aggregates increased significantly in all three kinds of compound soil,with the highest increase in 1∶ 2 compound soil; the organic matters of 1∶ 2 compound soil were significantly correlated with 0. 25-0. 50 mm and 0. 25-2. 00 mm water-stable aggregates. The results showed that the ratio of 0. 25-2. 00 mm aggregates in the three kinds of compound soil was increased after 4 years of crop planting and 1∶ 2 compound soil was most favorable for the formation of aggregates.

Water Film in Saturated Sand

In order to investigate the initiation mechanism of landslide and debris flow occurring on a gentle slope. The formation and evolution of water film (or crack) in saturated sand is analyzed by numerical and theoretical simulations under given conditions. First a psudo-three-phase model is presented considering the movement of skeleton and water and the erosion. Secondly, difference method is used to analyze the formation conditions and the evolution of the velocity of water and pore pressure and porosity. Thirdly, a simplified theoretical method is presented based on the consolidation theory to analyze the initiation, expansion and close. It is shown that there are stable water films when some point is blocked and the state keeps unchangeable or there exists a thin layer with very low permeability. Once the blocked point is open, the water film will disappear gradually. The evolution of water film may be calculated by a simplified method. The analytical results are agreement well with that of Kokusho.

Numerical Simulation of Hydraulic Transport of Sand-Water Mixtures in Pipelines

The development of empirical model for the hydraulic transport of sand-water mixtures is important for the design of economical solid-liquid transportation system in chemical and waste-disposal industries. The hydraulic transport characteristics of sand-water mixtures in circular pipelines are numerically investigated by using the FLUENT commercial software. Eulerian granular multiphase (EGM) model with the k-e turbulent model is used for the computation. Present method is validated by the computed values with the measured data. The effect of the concentration and pipe sizes on the relative solid effect is numerically investigated. It is found that the effect of the volumetric delivered concentration on both hydraulic gradient and solid effect increases as the Reynolds number decreases. When the Reynolds number is small, the increase in the volumetric delivered concentration has an effect of decreasing the hydraulic gradient whereas the solid effect increases with the volumetric delivered concentration stepping up. The effect of the pipe diameter is not the critical parameter for deciding the values of the relative solid effect in the sand-water mixture transportation.

Preparation and Water Retention Properties of Clay-based Sand-fixing and Grass-planting Materials

Targeting the problem of available water conservation in sand fixation, the sand-fixing and grass-planting materials were prepared with clay modified by emulsifying vegetable waxes and octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether （OP4）. The water retention property was studied in simulating desertification environmental climate and the materials were characterized by means of UV-Vis, SEM, FTIR, XRD and TGA measurements. The experimental result showed that the materials had excellent water retention properties, due to that vegetable waxes adhered evenly to clay particle surfaces, made the clay pores changing from hydrophilic to hydrophobic and so inhibited the water evaporation. Grass-planting experiment showed that, with reasonable mass ratio of clay, vegetable waxes and surfactant, the materials not only inhibited water evaporation but also maintained sound air permeability so shat the germination rate and survival rate of grass were significantly improved.

Factors Influencing the Soil-Water Characteristics of Unsaturated Tropical Silty Sand

Fine grain soils have a complex engineering behaviour which depends but not limited to moisture content, changes in external pressure and characteristics of the pore medium. Sand often contains a considerable percent of silt which is expected to alter its natural behaviour. This composite matrix is referred to as silty-sand. To understand the behaviour of this matrix under varying moisture conditions, some of the factors influencing the soil-water characteristics of unsaturated silty sands were investigated. Representative samples were collected from a river bank after its index properties were predetermined in the laboratory. The samples were compacted at different moisture conditions and compactive efforts. With the pressure plate extractor device, the Soil-Water Characteristic (SWC) was obtained and SWC Curves plotted. Compaction at greater compactive effort (modified proctor) and optimum moisture content produced the largest air entry value and reduced air voids. The air entry values of the soils obtained ranged from 21 kPa to 57 kPa. Also changes in the shape of the SWCC were consistent with changes in pore size which occur by varying compaction conditions. Result shows that soil structure, compaction water content, compactive effort and percentage of fine particles are factors affecting the Soil-Water Characteristics.

Treatment of mine water high in Fe and Mn by modified manganese sand

The iron and manganese absorption properties of several filter media were studied. Four plain filter media and six surface-modified media were examined. The surface modification was performed using potassium permanganate as a surface treatment. The surface-modified manganese sand was found to be most efficient at removing iron and manganese from water. The metal concentrations in filtered effluent were between 0.01 and 0.04 mg/L, which is far lower than the standard for recycle water. A concen-tration of 5% KMnO4 was found to be most effective as surface modifier. The surface of the manganese sand modified by 5% KMnO4 was examined and found to be covered with a dense membrane of some compound. The membrane had the advantages of uniform texture, large surface area and physical and chemical stability. It was effective at removing iron and manganese from mine water.

Plant water use strategies in the Shapotou artificial sand-fixed vegetation of the southeastern margin of the Tengger Desert, northwestern China

Stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions(δ^(18)O and δD) of plant xylem water and its potential water sources can provide new information for studying water sources, competitive interactions and water use patterns of plants. The contributions of different water sources to three plants, Hedysarum scoparium(HS), Caragana Korshinskii(CK) and Artemisia ordosica(AO), were investigated in the artificial sand-fixed vegetation of Shapotou, the southeastern margin of the Tengger Desert of northwestern China, based on meteorological data and δ^(18)O and δD values of precipitation, groundwater, soil water and xylem water of HS, CK and AO. Our results indicated that soil water infiltration through precipitation was the main water source of the artificial sand-fixed vegetation. Obvious differences in soil water content and in δ^(18)O of soil water and xylem water were found among different seasons. No relationship was found between the δ^(18)O in plant xylem water and in soil water in January. The same water use patterns were found in CK, HS and AO in May, suggesting they have the same water sources. The different water sources of CK, HS and AO in August indicate that water competition occurred. In addition, the main water sources of CK, HS and AO in August mainly come from shallow soil water, while they use relatively deep soil water in May. This phenomenon is related to the differences of soil water content throughout soil profile, precipitation, transpiration and water competition under different growth periods. The water use patterns of CK, HS and AO respond to soil water content throughout the soil profile and their competition balance for water uptake during different growth season. The results indicate that these sandfixed plants have developed into a relatively stable stage and they are able to regulate their water use behavior as a response to the environmental conditions, which reinforces the effectiveness of plantation of native shrubs without irrigation in degraded areas.

Relationship between sand-dust weather and water dynamics of desert areas in the middle reaches of Heihe River

Sand-dust weather has become an international social-environmental issue of common concern, and constitutes a serious threat to human lives and economic development. In order to explore the responses of natural desert sand and dust to the dynamics of water in desertification, we extracted long-term monitoring data related to precipitation, soil water, groundwater, and sand-dust weather. These data originated from the test stations for desertification control in desert areas of the middle reaches of the Heihe River. We used an algorithm of characteristic parameters, correlations, and multiple regression analysis to establish a regression model for the duration of sand-dust weather. The response char-acteristics of the natural desert sand and dust and changes of the water inter-annual and annual variance were also examined. Our results showed： （1） From 2006 to 2014 the frequency, duration, and volatility trends of sand-dust weather obviously increased, but the change amplitudes of precipitation, soil water, and groundwater level grew smaller. （2） In the vegetative growth seasons from March to November, the annual variance rates of the soil moisture content in each of four studied layers of soil samples were similar, and the changes in the frequency and duration of sand-dust weather were similar. （3） Our new regression equation for the duration of sand-dust weather passed the R test, F test, and t test. By this regression model we could predict the duration of sand-dust weather with an accuracy of 42.9%. This study can thus provide technological support and reference data for water resource management and re-search regarding sand-dust weather mechanisms.

An Evaluation of the Water Absorption and Density Properties of Expanded Polystyrene Sanded Concrete

In this paper, the evaluation of the mechanical and hygro-thermal properties of expanded polystyrene-sanded lightweight concrete (EPSLC) was examined. Evaluated are the mechanical properties in terms of density;and the hygro-thermal property using water absorption (capillary absorption and total immersion) as measures. The research used 30% volume of EPS to replace natural coarse aggregate to produce a lightweight concrete, which is expected to be economical, serviceable and meet the required standards for lightweight concretes. The concrete bulk and oven dry densities were obtained as 1789 KN/m3 and 1674 kg/m3 respectively, while the total water and capillary water absorption increases with time of suction. The high rate of water absorption at the early periods of the test has corresponding capillary coefficient of steep slope within the same period. The relationship between the variables Q the water absorption per unit area of the specimen and K the capillary coefficient, is that as the water absorption gets higher, so does the capillary coefficient and the percentage of the variation is expressed by the correlation coefficient R2. Therefore, the values of R2 as depicted in the graphs shows a high percentage of variation. The moisture capacity is 6.9%. All the laboratory tests were, conducted in accordance with standard codes of practice. The significance of the research is that innovative technology is employed to modify and improve processes in construction industry, thus, enhancing sustainable environmental, management of industrial waste, and cheaper and economic construction. With the 30% replacement of coarse aggregate, the density and water absorption properties of concrete produced are within acceptable limits. Therefore, EPS can be used to produce lightweight concrete that will perform the required function at this level of replacement.

Recycling water glass from wet reclamation sewage of waste sodium silicate-bonded sand

Wet reclamation of waste sodium silicate-bonded sand produces much alkaline sewage and causes pollution. Recycling water glass from wet reclamation sewage of the waste sodium silicate-bonded sand can solve pollution issues and generate economic benefits. In this work, the wet reclamation sewage was filtered, and the filtrate was causticized with a quicklime powder to produce a lye. The effects of causticization temperature, causticization time, and the amount of quicklime powder on the causticization rate were studied. The lye was used to dissolve the silica in the filtration residue to prepare a sodium silicate solution. The effects of the mass of filtration residue, dissolution temperature, and dissolution time on sodium silicate modulus were studied. Finally, the recycled water glass was obtained by concentrating the sodium silicate solution, and the bonding strength of the recycled water glass was tested. The results showed that the causticization rate could be improved by increasing the amount of quicklime powder, causticization temperature, and causticization time, and the highest causticization rate was above 92%. Amorphous silica in the filtration residue dissolved in the lye. Increasing the amount of the filtration residue, dissolution temperature, and dissolution time could improve the sodium silicate modulus. The bonding strength of the recycled water glass was close to that of commercial water glass. The recycled water glass could be used as a substitute for the commercial water glass.

Investigation of Carbonation of Concrete Based on Crushed Sand and Admixtures

Carbonation is a natural aging process that occurs in all types of concrete. One of its primary implications is the acceleration of steel corrosion caused by the phenomena of depassivation. The goal of this research is to investigate the carbonation of quarry sand-based concrete. The concrete is made of 100% crushed sand 0/6.3, gravel 8/15, and 15/25 from the Arab Contractor quarry in Nomayos, Cameroon, with CEM II B-P 42.5 R from CIMENCAM (Cimenteries du Cameroun). The study employed two admixtures: one with a dual superplasticizing and reducing action (Sikamen) and another with a water-repellent effect (Sika liquid). Carbonation was performed on concrete samples at the following dates: 0, 7, 14, 28, 56, 90, 180 days, one year, and six months. Carbonated concrete (CC) and non-carbonated concrete (NCC) samples are compared in terms of their physical attributes and mineralogical characteristics. The results of this investigation reveal that after more than a year and six months of carbonation, porosity decreases and permeability increases. Despite the high fineness modulus of quarry sand, the compressive strength of quarry sand-based concrete is satisfactory. Carbonation depth is relatively high on some dates, exceeding the minimal cover value for concrete reinforcement. Sikament additive increases concrete compactness and durability while decreasing permeability. Sika water repellant mixes with the lime in cement to generate complimentary crystallizations that block the mortar’s capillaries, making it watertight.

Feasibility of Transferring Drinking Water from the Senegal River in the East (Backel) to the West Center (Fatick) in Senegal

Every year, 24 billion m3 of fresh water are thrown into the sea by the Senegal River, while most of the country’s populations do not have permanent access to drinking water. Also, agricultural land, which extends as far as the eye can see, is only used during winter periods, thus slowing down the development of agriculture. It is in this context that this article studies the feasibility of transferring drinking water from the Senegal River in the east of the country to the center-west through a transfer canal to meet the drinking water needs of the populations. In addition, we intend to flood the fossil valleys from this canal and recharge the aquifers. The watershed resulting from the juxtaposition of the two watersheds which dominate central Senegal has a slightly descending profile from Bakel to Fatick. This promotes gravity flow of water over 542 km. This analysis is carried out by the Glabal Mapper software and SRTM1 images. We report that all water needs have been estimated at approximately 70 m3/s based on the ANDS census in 2023, the distribution of arable land and groundwater recharge areas in the country. The waters flowing in the canal have depths (draft) not reaching 4.6 m. These results are obtained by applying the Manning Strickler equation, on a channel with a straight cross-section in the shape of a trapezoid and lined with sand concrete. The canal thus designed will bring water to populations and arid zones in the central and central-western regions of the country where problems persist. However, it will be necessary to overcome a difference in altitude of 96 m over 30 km to raise the water from the river to the threshold of the canal in order to ensure the flow in the latter. We have retained two calculation variants (Canal + Pumping or Single Pumping) whose pumping stations will be powered by solar fields. Due to the heavy investments, the installations upstream of the canal will be modular over time. Consequently, the central canal project will be constructed in six (6) phases of ten (10) years.

Numerical simulation of dewatering thick unconsolidated aquifers for safety of underground coal mining

With an increase of mining the upper limits under unconsolidated aquifers, dewatering of the bottom aquifer of the Quaternary system has become a major method to avoid water and sand inrushes.In the 8th District of the Taiping Coal Mine in south-western Shandong province, the bottom aquifer of the Quaternary system is moderate to excellent in water-yielding capacity.The base rock above the coal seam is very thin in the concealed coal field of the Carboniferous and Permian systems.Therefore, a comprehensive dewatering plan from both the ground surface and the panel was proposed to lower the groundwater level in order to ensure mining safety.According to the hydrogeologic conditions of the 8th District, we established a numerical model so that we could simulate the groundwater flow in the dewatering process.We obtained the simulation parameters from previous data using backward modeling, such as the average coefficient of permeability of 12 m/d and the elastic storage coefficient of 0.002.From the same model, we predicted the movement of groundwater and water level variables and obtained the visible effect of the dewatering project.Despite the overburden failure during mining, no water and/or sand inrush occurred because the groundwater level in the bottom aquifer was lowered to a safe water level.

Simulation of Water-Resistance of a Clay Layer During Mining:Analysis of a Safe Water Head

Given previous research and prototypical geological conditions of a mining workface,we simulated fis-sure development in clay layers at the bottom of Quaternary strata and above bedrock,sand and water inrush during mining by model experiments. The results show that V-shaped fissures usually occur in the bottom clay layer at the front top of the active face and that the position of these fissures changes periodically with ground pressure intervals. These fissures occur exactly in the area where the horizontal strain is concentrated. The results also demonstrate that the permeability coefficient of the cracked clay decreases while fissures tend to close. The permeability of the cracked bottom clay layer increases rapidly after a turning point in the permeability coefficient-water head curve (K-H curve) under a certain vertical load. Under static water pressure,the permeability coefficient of cracked clay decreases when load increases. A turning point in the K-H curve showed up and can be seen as a cutoff point to de-cide water inrush under a certain load level. Under an instantaneous water head,the greatest ability of the cracked clay to avoid drastic water inflow is a little higher than that under static conditions.