Problems of durability and reinforcement measures for underground structures in China

In this paper, the bolt- and cable-supported structures mainly refer to anchored cables, anchored bolts, soil nails and other commonly used reinforcing and supporting structures in geotechnical engineering, as well as reinforced soil structures in permanent works. They are often used in combination, or formed into composite bolt-and cable-supported structures, with other traditional construction methods and relevant measures. Distinct characteristics of such structures are that they are most often invisible, exposed to more severe underground corrosive environments and with strict durability requirements. A number of serious durability problems of underground structures are discussed and major achievements and advances in China and abroad in terms of durability and reinforcement measures for underground structures are reviewed, followed by comprehensive analyses. Some suggestions for those problems are put forward.

Corrosion Measurements of Reinforcing Steel by Different Electrochemical Techniques

Electrochemical techniques of the corrosion measurements of reinforcing steeI in concrete have been evaluated. These techniques include half-cell potential measurements, impressed voltage method, impressed current method and potentiostatic polarization technique. The results of corrosion behaviour of the steel in both 5%NaCl and 5%MgSO4 show that each electrochemical technique provides some information about the condition of the steel bar or the corrosivity of the environment being evaluated, yet none provides a complete data regarding the corrosion resistance of reinforcing steel in aggressive media

Study of the seismic performance of hybrid A-frame micropile/MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) wall

The Hybrid A-Frame Micropile/MSE （mechanically stabilized earth） Wall suitable for mountain roadways is put forward in this study： a pair of vertical and inclined micropiles goes through the backfill region of a highway MSE Wall from the road surface and are then anchored into the foundation. The pile cap and grade beam are placed on the pile tops, and then a road barrier is connected to the grade beam by connecting pieces. The MSE wall＇s global stability, local stability and impact resistance of the road barrier can be enhanced simultaneously by this design. In order to validate the serviceability of the hybrid A-frame micropile/MSE wall and the reliability of the numerical method, scale model tests and a corresponding numerical simulation were conducted. Then, the seismic performance of the MSE walls before and after reinforcement with micropiles was studied comparatively through numerical methods. The results indicate that the hybrid A-frame micropile/ MSE wall can effectively control earthquake-induced deformation, differential settlement at the road surface, bearing pressure on the bottom and acceleration by means of a rigid-soft combination of micropiles and MSE. The accumulated displacement under earthquakes with amplitude of 0.1-0.5 g is reduced by 36.3%-46.5%, and the acceleration amplification factor on the top of the wall is reduced by 13.4%, 15.7% and 19.3% based on 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 g input earthquake loading, respectively, In addition, the earthquake-induced failure mode of the MSE wall in steep terrain is the sliding of the MSE region along the backslope, while the micropiles effectively control the sliding trend. The maximum earthquake-induced pile bending moment is in the interface between MSE and slope foundation, so it is necessary to strengthen the reinforcement of the pile body in the interface. Hence, it is proven that the hybrid A-frame micropile/MSE wall system has good seismic performance.

Seismic damage analysis of the outlet piers of arch dams using the finite element sub-model method

This study aims to analyze seismic damage of reinforced outlet piers of arch dams by the nonlinear finite element （FE） sub-model method. First, the dam-foundation system is modeled and analyzed, in which the effects of infinite foundation, contraction joints, and nonlinear concrete are taken into account. The detailed structures of the outlet pier are then simulated with a refined FE model in the sub-model analysis. In this way the damage mechanism of the plain （unreinforced） outlet pier is analyzed, and the effects of two reinforcement measures （i.e., post-tensioned anchor cables and reinforcing bar） on the dynamic damage to the outlet pier are investigated comprehensively. Results show that the plain pier is damaged severely by strong earthquakes while implementation of post-tensioned anchor cables strengthens the pier effectively. In addition, radiation damping strongly alleviates seismic damage to the piers.

Numerical study of the mechanical process of long-distance replacement of the definitive lining in severely damaged highway tunnels

Mountain road tunnels are prone to water leakage and lining corrosion under the complex geological conditions and corrosive envi-ronments,which will reduce the strength of the lining structure until it loses its load-bearing capacity;eventually,the definitive lining will need to be replaced.In this paper,a highway tunnel in a mountainous area in Southwest China is taken as an example.Field investi-gation found that the tunnel was seriously corroded by sulfate,the strength of the definitive lining decreased,and large-scale cracks and spalling appeared on the surface,so the operator decided to replace the definitive lining by the method of interval replacement.Based on the data obtained from drilling and coring,a numerical model of long-distance replacement of the definitive lining of the damaged tunnel is established.First,the back analysis of the calculation parameters is carried out,and the modified calculation results are com-pared with the field monitoring results for verification.Then,the deformation trend of the tunnel and the development of the plastic zone during the process of long-distance replacement of the definitive lining are studied.Finally,the construction scheme is optimized.Numer-ical analysis results show that the replacement of the definitive lining of the tunnel mainly leads to the settlement of the arch crown and the uplift of the inverted arch.The deformation of the tunnel shows two rapid growth stages and two stable stages during the replace-ment process;after replacement,the deformation of the arch crown and the inverted arch is divided into two buffer zones and one stable zone.In the progress of the replacement of the definitive lining,the plastic zone does not change.Regarding the reinforcement measures,with the increase in the grouting range,the grouting efficiency decreases,and the effect of the temporary steel arch on controlling the overall deformation is not obvious.The length of the replacement of the single section should be determined according to the geological conditions of the replacement section and the monitoring data during construction.The research results can provide a reference for sim-ilar projects for the replacement of the definitive lining.