Stability analyses of vertically exposed cemented backfill:A revisit to Mitchell's physical model tests

Mitchell's solution is commonly used to determine the required strength of vertically exposed cemented backfill in mines. Developed for drained backfill, Mitchell model assumed a zero friction angle for the backfill. Physical model tests were performed. Good agreements were obtained between the required strengths predicted by the analytical solution and experimental results. However, it is well-known that zero friction angle can only be possible in terms of total stresses when geomaterials are submitted to unconsolidated and undrained conditions. A revisit to Mitchell's physical model tests reveals that both the laboratory tests performed for obtaining the shear strength parameters of the cemented backfill and the box stability tests were conducted under a condition close to undrained condition. This explains well the good agreement between Mitchell's solution and experimental results. Good agreements are equally obtained between Mitchell's experimental results and FLAC3 D numerical modeling of shortterm stability analyses of exposed cemented backfill.

Numerical verification of similar Cam-clay model based on generalized potential theory

From the mathematical principles, the generalized potential theory can be employed to create constitutive model of geomaterial directly. The similar Cam-clay model, which is created based on the generalized potential theory, has less assumptions,clearer mathematical basis, and better computational accuracy. Theoretically, it is more scientific than the traditional Cam-clay models. The particle flow code PFC3 D was used to make numerical tests to verify the rationality and practicality of the similar Cam-clay model. The verification process was as follows: 1) creating the soil sample for numerical test in PFC3 D, and then simulating the conventional triaxial compression test, isotropic compression test, and isotropic unloading test by PFC3D; 2)determining the parameters of the similar Cam-clay model from the results of above tests; 3) predicting the sample's behavior in triaxial tests under different stress paths by the similar Cam-clay model, and comparing the predicting results with predictions by the Cam-clay model and the modified Cam-clay model. The analysis results show that the similar Cam-clay model has relatively high prediction accuracy, as well as good practical value.

Design and validation of the THMC China-Mock-Up test on buffer material for HLW disposal

According to the preliminary concept of the high-level radioactive waste （HLW） repository in China, a large-scale mock-up facility, named China-Mock-Up was constructed in the laboratory of Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology （BRIUG）. A heater, which simulates a container of radioactive waste, is placed inside the compacted Gaomiaozi （GMZ）-Na-bentonite blocks and pellets. Water inflow through the barrier from its outer surface is used to simulate the intake of groundwater. The numbers of water injection pipes, injection pressure and the insulation layer were determined based on the nu- merical modeling simulations. The current experimental data of the facility are herein analyzed. The experiment is intended to evaluate the thermo-hydro-mechano-chemical （THMC） processes occurring in the compacted bentonite-buffer during the early stage of HLW disposal and to provide a reliable database for numerical modeling and further investigation of engineered barrier system （EBS）, and the design of HLW repository.

A numerical test method of California bearing ratio on graded crushed rocks using particle flow modeling

In order to better understand the mechanical properties of graded crushed rocks （GCRs） and to optimize the relevant design, a numerical test method based on the particle flow modeling technique PFC2D is developed for the California bearing ratio （CBR） test on GGRs. The effects of different testing conditions and micro-mechanical parameters used in the model on the CBR numerical results have been systematically studied. The reliability of the numerical technique is verified. The numerical results suggest that the influences of the loading rate and Poisson＇s ratio on the CBR numerical test results are not significant. As such, a loading rate of 1.0-3.0 mm/min, a piston diameter of 5 cm, a specimen height of 15 cm and a specimen diameter of 15 cm are adopted for the CBR numerical test. The numerical results reveal that the GBR values increase with the friction coefficient at the contact and shear modulus of the rocks, while the influence of Poisson＇s ratio on the GBR values is insignificant. The close agreement between the CBR numerical results and experimental results suggests that the numerical simulation of the CBR values is promising to help assess the mechanical properties of GGRs and to optimize the grading design. Be- sides, the numerical study can provide useful insights on the mesoscopic mechanism.

A NUMERICAL MODEL OF OFFSHORE CURRENTS AND SOME TESTS

In this paper,a simple numerical model of offshore currents is presented. A calculation scheme based on the isometric,implicit difference method is used and the points at which various physical quantities are computed are distributed in a staggered form.The finite difference scheme designed here conserve total generalized energy and it is solved by splitting into three systems,namely,the adjustment,development and dissipation processes.The results of the numerical verification indicate that this scheme is computational stable,and the simulated results are encouraging.