Development of mathematically motivated hybrid soft computing models for improved predictions of ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations

Ultimate bearing capacity(UBC)is a key subject in geotechnical/foundation engineering as it determines the limit of loads imposed on the foundation.The most reliable means of determining UBC is through experiment,but it is costly and time-consuming which has led to the development of various models based on the simplified assumptions.The outcomes of the models are usually validated with the experimental results,but a large gap usually exists between them.Therefore,a model that can give a close prediction of the experimental results is imperative.This study proposes a grasshopper optimization algorithm(GOA)and salp swarm algorithm(SSA)to optimize artificial neural networks(ANNs)using the existing UBC experimental database.The performances of the proposed models are evaluated using various statistical indices.The obtained results are compared with the existing models.The proposed models outperformed the existing models.The proposed hybrid GOA-ANN and SSA-ANN models are then transformed into mathematical forms that can be incorporated into geotechnical/foundation engineering design codes for accurate UBC measurements.

Construction of improved rigid blocks failure mechanism for ultimate bearing capacity calculation based on slip-line field theory

Based on the slip-line field theory, a two-dimensional slip failure mechanism with mesh-like rigid block system was constructed to analyze the ultimate bearing capacity problems of rough foundation within the framework of the upper bound limit analysis theorem. In the velocity discontinuities in transition area, the velocity changes in radial and tangent directions are allowed. The objective functions of the stability problems of geotechnical structures are obtained by equating the work rate of external force to internal dissipation along the velocity discontinuities, and then the objective functions are transformed as an upper-bound mathematic optimization model. The upper bound solutions for the objective functions are obtained by use of the nonlinear sequential quadratic programming and interior point method. From the numerical results and comparative analysis, it can be seen that the method presented in this work gives better calculation results than existing upper bound methods and can be used to establish the more accurate plastic collapse load for the ultimate bearing capacity of rough foundation.

New design equations for estimation of ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations resting on rock masses

Rock masses are commonly used as the underlying layer of important structures such as bridges, dams and transportation constructions. The success of a foundation design for such structures mainly depends on the accuracy of estimating the bearing capacity of rock beneath them. Several traditional numerical approaches are proposed for the estimation of the bearing capacity of foundations resting on rock masses to avoid performing elaborate and expensive experimental studies. Despite this fact, there still exists a serious need to develop more robust predictive models. This paper proposes new nonlinear prediction models for the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations resting on non-fractured rock masses using a novel evolutionary computational approach, called linear genetic programming. A comprehensive set of rock socket, centrifuge rock socket, plate load and large-scaled footing load test results is used to develop the models. In order to verify the validity of the models, the sensitivity analysis is conducted and discussed. The results indicate that the proposed models accurately characterize the bearing capacity of shallow foundations. The correlation coefficients between the experimental and predicted bearing capacity values are equal to 0.95 and 0.96 for the best LGP models. Moreover, the derived models reach a notably better prediction performance than the traditional equations.

Influence of the Spudcan Angle on the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Jack-up Platform

Jack-up platforms of the Ocean engineering structures always withstand the vertical gravity loads which are applied to the seabed by spudcan, so it is important to determine the bearing capacity and the penetration depth of the spudcan for its geometry. In fact, it is up to the deformation law and the failure modes of soil surrounding the spudcan which can calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of the spudcan foundation on the soil seabed. By using the finite element analysis software Abaqus, the deformation law of soil around the spudcan is analyzed in detail, and the failure modes of soil surrounding the spudcan foundation are achieved. At the same time, based on the limit equilibrium theory, by use of static permissible slip-line field, the ultimate bearing capacity of the spudcan foundation is analyzed and the lower limit solution is derived theoretically, and the effect of the spudcan angle on the ultimate bearing capacity is investigated. The numerical results are compared with those obtained by the theoretical formulas deduced in this paper. On the basis of the lower limit solutions in this paper, the effect of the spudcan angle on the ultimate bearing capacity is revealed, and a practical bearing capacity formula is given to take the effect of the spudcan angle into consideration.

Analysis of the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Oil Field Drilling Masts

In order to improve the safety of drilling operations, this paper presents a new method for forecasting the ultimate bearing capacity of oil field drilling masts. The method is based on a double nonlinear finite element theory and applies a referential stress method for measuring defects and defacements. The lab mast model was analyzed using the proposed method. The relative error, which was less than 5.0% between the forecast results and the destructive experiment values,verified the correctness of this method. It also forecasts the ultimate bearing capacity for a local drilling mast.

Stability Analysis of Space Compcoite Structore and Its Ultimate Bearing Capacity

In this paper, using incremental equilibrium equation, the authors have studiedthe effeet of ultimate bearing capacity of every component on structuralstability, and discussed the stability analysis method for space compositestructures. With the help of the test results for the concrete filled ateel tubeskeleton of the long-spen RC arch bridse, it is proved that the proposed methodis accurate and reliable.

Evaluation of ultimate bearing capacity of Y-shaped vibro-pile

Based on Mindlin stress solution, a numerical computational method was proposed to calculate the stresses in the ground induced by side friction and the resistance of Y-shaped vibro-pile. The improved Terzaghi's and ЪерезанцевВГ's methods for ultimate bearing capacity evaluation were proposed by considering the stress strength induced by friction resistance at pile head level of Y-pile. A new method to calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of Y-pile was also proposed based on the assumptions of soil failure mode at the tip of Y-pile and the use of Mohr-Coulomb soil yield criterion and Vesic compressive correction coefficient with the induced stresses in the ground. Based on the comparisons with the field static load test results, it is found that the improved Terzaghi's method gives higher ultimate capacity, while the other two methods shows good agreement with the field results.

Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Subsoils to Marine Pipelines

Based on the theory of limit analysis, the Finite Difference Method (FDM) is established for evaluating the ultimate bearing capacity of subsoils to bear the unburied pipelines. The analytical results of bearing capacity of the ideal clay is given. The approach to bearing capacity evaluation of cohesionless subsoils without surcharge is suggested. The results from this method are consistent with those obtained from model tests.

Methods for Estimating the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Layered Foundations

The Meyerhof and Hanna′s(M-H) method to estimate the ultimate bearing capacity of layered foundations was improved. The experimental results of the load tests in Tianjin New Harbor were compared with predictions with the method recommended by the code for the foundations of harbor engineering, i.e. Hansen′s method and the improved M-H method. The results of the comparisons implied that the code and the improved M-H method could give a better prediction.

Theoretical Analysis of Bearing Capacity of Shallowly Embeded Rectangular Footing of Marine Structures

In this paper, the finite element analysis software ABAQUS is used to analyze the ultimate bearing capacity of three-dimensional rectangular footing of marine structures. The deformation law and the failure mode of homogeneous seabed soil beneath the rectangular footing are analyzed in detail. According to the equivalent plastic strain of soil under rectangular footing, an allowable velocity field of homogeneous seabed soil is reasonably constructed. Based on the plastic limit analysis theory of soil mass and by using the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion, an upper bound solution of the ultimate bearing capacity of three-dimensional rectangular footing on general homogeneous seabed soil is derived, and a correction factor of ultimate bearing capacity of three-dimensional rectangular footing is given. To verify the rationality and applicability of this theoretical solution, some numerical solutions are achieved using the general-purpose FEM analysis package ABAQUS, and comparisons are made among the derived upper bound solution, the solution of Vesic, and the solution of Salgado et al. The results indicate that the upper bound solution of the three-dimensional shallowly embedded rectangular footing proposed in this paper is accurate in calculating the bearing capacity of homogeneous seabed soil. For undrained saturated clay foundation and sandy foundation with smaller internal friction angle, this upper bound solution can evaluate the ultimate bearing capacity of rectangular footing; with the gradual increase of the internal friction angle of the soil, the ultimate bearing capacity of the proposed upper bound solution is slightly higher than that of the rectangular footing.

Experimental study on bearing capacity of shell strip footings near geotextile-reinforced earth slopes

From a financial point of view,urbanization frequently enforces the clients to construct superstructures near the slopes,giving rise to increasing the risk of building instability.By conducting a series of small-scale plate load tests,this work aims to investigate the effects of installing geotextile reinforcement layers in sandy slope and reducing the apex angle of triangular shell strip footings.The results show considerable effect of using geotextile-reinforced layers and decreasing the apex angle on the ultimate bearing capacity of shell foundations.With increasing foundation distance from the slope,the adverse effect of the slope is reduced.However,as the distance decreases,the effect of reinforcement and apex angle is increased.For practical applications,empirical equations are also presented for determining the ultimate bearing capacity of the footings and scale effect as well.Finally,3D numerical simulations are executed and compared with the experimental results.

Analysis on Bearing Capacity of Tunnel-Type Anchorage of a Long-Span Suspension Bridge

Due to complicated rock structure and environment, a prototype test for a tunnel-type anchorage is infeasible. Based on the rock mass parameters from tests, a three-dimensional （3D） elastoplastic analysis was performed to simulate the influence of the construction procedure of Siduhe bridge with tunnel-type anchorage （TTA） in Hubei Province, China. The surrounding rock and concrete anchorage body were simulated by 8 nodes 3D brick elements. The geostatic state of the complex geometric structure was established with initial data. The in-situ concrete casting of the anchorage body and excavation of the rock mass were simulated by tetrahedral shell elements. The results show that the surrounding rock is in an elastic state under the designed cable force. The numerical overloading analysis indicates that the capacity of the surrounding anchorage is 7 times that of the designed cable force. The failure pattern shows that two anchorage bodies would be pulled out in the end. The maximum shear stress appears 10 m before the back anchorage face. The maximum range influenced by the TTA under ultimate loads is about 16 m.

Bearing Capacity Analysis of Shallow Foundations Supported on an Artificial Fill(Substation at Kashari,Tirana)

The paper presents conclusions related to the design of shallow foundations,at the site where the Substation at Kashari,in Tirana is foreseen to be constructed.The project includes buildings with small to medium structures with 1-3 stories.The geological survey works include 6 boreholes of a depth 20.0 m,90 SPT(Standard Penetration Tests)tests,and laboratory works include 13 direct shear tests,27 unconfined and compressive strength tests,7 CU(consolidated undrained)tests and 9 UU(unconsolidated undrained)tests,etc.The foundation design must fulfill both,bearing and settlement criteria,but in this case the settlements of foundations are not possible to be calculated,since the laboratory works do not include any consolidation test.So,the local bearing capacity is expected to control the design in terms of bearing capacity and settlements.The local bearing capacity of shallow square foundations is evaluated by using Terzaghi’s formula,based on reduced shear strength parameters of soils below the bottom of foundations.The results are compared with the bearing capacity values calculated by using Burland and Burbdige(1984)method,based on the data of SPT tests.This method is used for checking the settlement(serviceability)criterion in the foundation design,when the direct settlement calculation is missing.The paper presents some conclusions related to local bearing capacity foundation-based design.

Bearing capacity of concrete filled bidirectional FRP tube subjected to axial compression

External confinement by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) is an efficient technique to increase the bearing capacity and ductility of concrete. To better study the mechanical behavior of bidirectional FRP confined concrete, the yield criterion of bidirectional FRP is presented based on the static equilibrium condition in this paper, and a model for calculating the bearing capacity of bidirectional FRP confined concrete is established. The model can capture the character of bidirectional FRP confined concrete. Effects of the confinement effect coefficient, the unconfined concrete strength and the material properties of FRP on bearing capacity are analyzed. Results show that each parameter has different effects on the bearing capacity of bidirectional FRP confined concrete.

Ultimate bearing capacity of concrete dam involved in geometric and material nonlinearity

To get the actual ultimate bearing capacity of concrete dam, the effect of geometric nonlinearity and strain softening on it, which appears in the failure process of concrete dam, is studied. Overload method is adopted to obtain the bearing capacity of a concrete dam by taking into consideration strain softening in the material constitutive law, geometric nonlinearity in geometric equation and equilibrium differential equation. Arc-length method is used to find the extreme point and descending branch of the load-displacement curve of the dam. The results present that the effect cannot be ignored. And geometric nonlinearity of structure and strain softening of materials should be considered for numerical analysis of ultimate bearing capacity of a concrete dam.

Slope stability of increasing height and expanding capacity of south dumping site of Hesgoula coal mine:a case study

This paper is devoted to improve the containment capacity of the Hesgoula south dumping site.The general geology of the dumping site was obtained through geological surveys.Physico-mechanical properties of silty clay and bedrock layers that have a large impact on the stability of the dump were measured by direct shear tests and triaxial tests in laboratory.Then ultimate bearing capacity of the substrate were analyzed and calculated.This paper proposed three capacity expansion and increase plans and used GeoStudio software for comparison.Through computation of the stability of the dump site slope after capacity expansion and increase for each plan,the capacity expansion plan was determined.The capacity expansion and increase plan will solve the problem of the current insufficient containment capacity of the Hesgoula south dumping site,which is of great significance for saving mine transportation costs,improving work efficiency,and reducing grassland occupation.

砂土中冲刷条件下三筒基础水平承载特性研究

通过开展小比尺三筒基础承载力模型试验,研究冲刷条件下三筒基础水平承载特性,建立数值模型对模型试验结果进行验证与扩展,分析水平和弯矩荷载下,冲刷率e和相对筒间距S/D对极限承载力的影响,提出三筒基础极限承载力的冲刷修正系数dhe、dme的计算方法;采用固定荷载比方法,通过数值模型计算M-H加载条件下三筒基础的破坏包络线,分析冲刷率e和相对筒间距S/D对复合加载特性的影响,提出冲刷条件下三筒基础M-H破坏包络线公式。研究结果表明:冲刷条件下的三筒基础受水平和弯矩作用直至破坏的过程,经历弹性变形—塑性变形—失稳破坏3个阶段;三筒基础的水平极限承载力随冲刷率e的增大而下降,且下降速率逐渐增大,相同长径比的三筒基础的水平极限承载力随相对筒间距的减小而降低;随着冲刷率e的提高,三筒基础的M-H破坏包络线向内移动,随着相对筒间距S/D增大,归一化破坏包络线呈上凸的趋势。

高强钢管超高性能混凝土短柱轴压承载力性能试验研究

为研究高强钢管内填超高性能混凝土(UHPC)的钢管混凝土短柱轴压性能,该文设计22根高强钢管UHPC短柱进行轴压试验,从破坏模式、荷载-纵向应变关系对试件的轴压性能进行对比分析,旨在通过径厚比、混凝土强度、截面类型等变化来探究高强钢管UHPC短柱的实际承载力性能差异.试验结果表明:高强钢管UHPC短柱的轴压性能受径厚比、混凝土强度影响较大;试件承载力随钢管壁厚增加而增加,但相同钢管直径和不同钢管直径增幅呈现不同规律.该文从延性、核心混凝土强度提高程度两个角度进行分析并提出高强钢管混凝土试件的相关参数设计建议.最后,将高强钢管UHPC短柱的轴压试验承载力结果与国内外规范GB 50936—2014、AIJ计算承载力结果进行对比,并基于极限平衡理论推导出高强圆钢管UHPC试件的轴压承载力计算公式,同时结合该文试验数据对其进行验证,证明了公式的准确性.

端钩型钢纤维混凝土简支梁受弯承载力试验

为改善普通钢筋混凝土梁自重大、易开裂、承载力低等缺点,在混凝土中常加入钢纤维,端钩型钢纤维,作为常见的一种高性能钢纤维得到广泛关注,中外学者针对端钩型钢纤维混凝土的基本力学性能开展了较多研究,而对端钩型钢纤维混凝土受弯构件的正截面受力性能有待深入研究。为研究端钩型钢纤维混凝土简支梁受弯性能,制作4根端钩型钢纤维混凝土梁及1根普通混凝土梁,对其进行受弯性能试验,根据试验得到的破坏形态、承载力、荷载-挠度曲线、荷载-应变曲线,分析端钩型钢纤维体积掺量对试件受弯承载力及破坏形态的影响。结果表明:端钩型钢纤维混凝土简支梁与一般混凝土简支梁受弯过程类似,均经历了弹性、开裂、带裂缝工作、破坏4个阶段;端钩型钢纤维混凝土简支梁与一般混凝土简支梁受弯过程均基本符合“平截面假定”;端钩型钢纤维限制了裂缝的产生和发展,使得纤维混凝土梁变形能力增强;与一般混凝土梁相比,端钩型钢纤维混凝土梁抗裂性及极限承载力得到提高,且构件承载力与钢纤维体积掺量基本呈现正相关;基于试验数据,对现行规范中开裂弯矩及极限承载力计算公式进行优化,开裂弯矩方面考虑对截面抵抗矩塑性影响系数进行修正,极限承载力方面引入纤维混凝土正截面承载力影响系数ζ,经修正计算值可较好吻合试验值。

隧道衬砌裂缝特征对承载力的影响分析

为明确松动荷载作用下,衬砌裂缝特征对结构承载性能的影响,通过1∶10模型试验和数值分析研究了带裂缝结构的受力变形特征、破坏模式和极限承载能力。结果表明:对于预制裂缝长度不超过L/3(试件纵向长度)、深度不超过0.7 H(试件厚度)的试件,裂缝发展存在阶段性特征,试件破坏由拱腰失效引起,属于延性破坏。对于预制裂缝长度不低于2 L/3或深度不低于0.9 H的试件,裂缝发展过程不存在阶段性特征,试件破坏由拱顶失效引起,属于脆性破坏;随裂缝长度和深度增加,结构极限承载力降低。当预制裂缝长度为L/3且深度为0.3 H、0.7 H、0.9 H,以及长度为2 L/3且深度为0.3 H、0.7 H时,试件极限承载力依次为完整试件的86.96%、78.26%、73.91%、69.57%、60.87%。相比于裂缝深度,纵向长度对结构承载性能影响更明显,可作为裂缝评价的重要指标;提出了基于裂缝特征的衬砌承载力预测公式,可明确带裂衬砌的极限承载力,为结构性能评估、加固时机及加固参数的选取提供依据。