Support design method for deep soft-rock tunnels in non-hydrostatic high in-situ stress field

Due to the long-term plate tectonic movements in southwestern China,the in-situ stress field in deep formations is complex.When passing through deep soft-rock mass under non-hydrostatic high in-situ stress field,tunnels will suffer serious asymmetric deformation.There is no available support design method for tunnels under such a situation in existing studies to clarify the support time and support stiffness.This study first analyzed the mechanical behavior of tunnels in non-hydrostatic in-situ stress field and derived the theoretical equations of the ground squeezing curve(GSC)and ground loosening curve(GLC).Then,based on the convergence confinement theory,the support design method of deep soft-rock tunnels under non-hydrostatic high in-situ stress field was established considering both squeezing and loosening pressures.In addition,this method can provide the clear support time and support stiffness of the second layer of initial support.The proposed design method was applied to the Wanhe tunnel of the China-Laos railway in China.Monitoring data indicated that the optimal support scheme had a good effect on controlling the tunnel deformation in non-hydrostatic high in-situ stress field.Field applications showed that the secondary lining could be constructed properly.

Analysis of the interaction between bolt-reinforced rock and surface support in tunnels based on convergence-confinement method

To investigate the interaction of the bolt-reinforced rock and the surface support,an analytical model of the convergence-confinement type is proposed,considering the sequential installation of the fully grouted rockbolts and the surface support.The rock mass is assumed to be elastic-brittle-plastic material,obeying the linear Mohr-Coulomb criterion or the non-linear Hoek-Brown criterion.According to the strain states of the tunnel wall at bolt and surface support installation and the relative magnitude between the bolt length and the plastic depth during the whole process,six cases are categorized upon solving the problem.Each case is divided into three stages due to the different effects of the active rockbolts and the passive surface support.The fictitious pressure is introduced to quantify the threedimensional(3D)effect of the tunnel face,and thus,the actual physical location along the tunnel axis of the analytical section can be considered.By using the bolt-rock strain compatibility and the rocksurface support displacement compatibility conditions,the solutions of longitudinal tunnel displacement and the reaction pressure of surface support along the tunnel axis are obtained.The proposed analytical solutions are validated by a series of 3D numerical simulations.Extensive parametric studies are conducted to examine the effect of the typical parameters of rockbolts and surface support on the tunnel displacement and the reaction pressure of the surface support under different rock conditions.The results show that the rockbolts are more effective in controlling the tunnel displacement than the surface support,which should be installed as soon as possible with a suitable length.For tunnels excavated in weak rocks or with restricted displacement control requirements,the surface support should also be installed or closed timely with a certain stiffness.The proposed method provides a convenient alternative approach for the optimization of rockbolts and surface support at the preliminary stage of tunnel design.

Influence of Institutional Support on Lecturers＇ Preparedness for E-learning at the University of Nairobi, Kenya

Institutional support is an essential antecedent for lecturer＇s preparedness for e-learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of institutional support through appropriate training programs and budgetary allocation on lecturers＇ preparedness for e-learning at the University of Nairobi. A cross-sectional survey design was applied to source data from 212 lecturers and 96 administrative staff. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were applied to process, analyze, and interpret the data. Quantitative analysis yielded descriptive statistics as well as cross tabulations with Chi-square （x^2） statistic. The study found lack of significant relationship between lecturer＇s preparedness for e-learning and knowledge of the existence of an Information and Communication Technology （ICT） training program. The existing training program was still underdeveloped in terms of funding and strategies. Lecturers＇ preparedness for e-learning was also not significantly associated with perceived effectiveness of the existing training program; but was significantly related to training in software tools, as well as the source of funding for training. Although a team of ICT experts has been mandated to help academic staff prepare for e-learning, the team＇s functionality was constrained by under-funding and multiple roles. Lecturer＇s preparedness for e-learning also significantly associated with perceived adequacy of budgetary allocation for ICT program at the departmental level. Under-funding was a key factor constraining access to computers at the workplace, reliable internet connectivity and timely technical support, all of which significantly associated with lecturers＇ preparedness for e-learning. Universities in resource-poor settings should consider creating necessary partnerships to create avenues for information and resource sharing, revamp existing training programs with fmancial and human resources, create linkages with funding institutions, as well as improve budgetary allocation to ensure universal access to functional computers at the workplace, reliable internet connectivity and timely technical support.

A Review of the Key Points in the Design of Small-Radius Curved Ramp Bridges

This article explores the fundamentals of small-radius curved ramp bridges.It covers the selection of box girder spans,support methods,and forms,along with design optimization techniques for this type of bridge structure.The purpose of this paper is to provide robust support for enhancing the design quality of these bridges and ensuring their efficacy in real-world applications.

E-Learning系统的框架与设计新理念

第一代e-learning系统将全部焦点集中于对培训过程的管理和测量,它们并没有或只赋予学习过程极少的价值,也没有对培训内容的创作过程提供支持,相反却只依赖各种商业课件。此外,学习管理系统经常被认为是实施e-learning唯一需要的因素。这导致e-learning项目演变成纯粹的技术性过程,最终导致在实施中付出昂贵的成本但效率却不高。本文尝试从知识管理的视野入手,以新的理念构建一个完整高效的e-learning系统框架,并深入分析该系统的各个组成要素。

Design of rock support system under rockburst condition

As mining and civil tunneling progresses to depth, excavation-induced seismicity and rockburst problems increase and cannot be prevented. As an important line of defense, ground control measures and burst-resistant rock support are used to prevent or minimize damage to excavations and thus to enhance workplace safety. Rock support in burst-prone ground differs from conventional rock support where controlling gravity-induced rockfalls and managing shallow zones of loose rock are the main target. Rock support in burst-prone ground needs to resist dynamic loads and large rock dilation due to violent rock failure. After reviewing the rockburst phenomenon, types of rockbursts, damage mechanisms, and rockburst support design principles and acceptability criteria, this paper describes that the support selection process in burst-prone ground is iterative, requiring design verification and modification based on field observations. An interactive design tool for conducting rockburst support design in underground tunnels is introduced to facilitate cost-effective design.

Structure optimal design research on backfill hydraulic support

Backfill hydraulic support is the key equipment in achieving coal mining and solid backfilling simultaneously in solid backfill mining technology.Based on the summary and analysis of main types,basic structural properties and filed application of backfill hydraulic support,this work has firstly proposed the basic principle of backfill hydraulic support optimization design and provided the method of optimal design of key structural components,like four-bar linkage,rear canopy and tamping structure;the method is further elaborated as changing hinging position of upper bar to optimize four-bar linkage,by lengthening or shortening the rear canopy to optimize length ratio of canopy;and by changing length and hinging position of tamping structure as well as suspension height of backfill scrape conveyor to realize optimization of tamping structure.On this basis,the process of optimal design of backfill hydraulic support is built.The optimal design case of ZC5200/14.5/30 six columns-four bar linkage used in 7203 W workface of Zhaizhen Coal Mine shows that the backfill properties like horizontal roof gap,vertical horizontal gap,tamping angle and tamping head gap are improved obviously through optimizing four-bar linkage,canopy length and tamping structure according to the optimal design method proposed in this work.

Ground support design for dynamic loading conditions:A quantitative data-driven approach based on rockburst case studies

There are considerable challenges associated with the design of ground support for seismically-active underground mines.It is extremely difficult to establish the demand on ground support as well as the capacity of a ground support system.The resulting dynamic or impact loads caused by mining-induced seismicity are difficult to anticipate and quantify.The performance of a ground support system is defined by the load distribution and interaction between several reinforcement and surface support elements.Consequently,the design of ground support in seismically-active mines tends to evolve,or be modified based on qualitative assessments of perceived performance or response to significant seismic events or rockbursts.This research is motivated by a need to provide quantitative and data-driven design guidelines for ground support systems subjected to dynamic-loading conditions.Rockburst data were collected from three deep and seismically-active underground mines in the Sudbury basin in Canada.The constructed database comprises 209 seismic events that resulted in damage to mine excavations and ground support.These events were associated with damage at 324 locations within the three mines.The developed ground support design strategy,based on these documented case studies,identifies areas where the use of dynamic or enhanced support should be employed.The developed design methodology provides guidelines for the zoning of mine locations in which installation of enhanced support is recommended,the specifications for an optimal ground support system,and the timing or sequence of installation.

E-Learning系统的框架与设计新理念

第一代e-learning系统将全部焦点集中于对培训过程的管理和测量,它们并没有或只赋予学习过程极少的价值,也没有对培训内容的创作过程提供支持,相反却只依赖各种商业课件。此外,学习管理系统经常被认为是实施e-learning唯一需要的因素。这导致e-learning项目演变成纯粹的技术性过程,最终导致在实施中付出昂贵的成本但效率却不高。本文尝试从知识管理的视野入手,以新的理念构建一个完整高效的e-learning系统框架,并深入分析该系统的各个组成要素。

Ground behaviour analysis,support system design and construction strategies in deep hard rock mining-Justified in Western Australian’s mines

Development of deep underground mining projects is crucial for optimum extraction of mineral deposits.The main challenges at great depth are high rock stress levels,seismic events,large-scale deformation,sudden failures and high temperatures that may cause abrupt and unpredictable instability and collapse over a large scale.In this paper,a ground control and management strategy was presented corresponding to the three stages of projects:strategic design,tactical design and operational design.Strategic design is results in preparing a broad plan and primary design for mining excavations.The tactical design is to provide detail design such as stabilisation methods.Operational design stage is related to monitoring and updating design parameters.The most effective ground control strategies in this stage are maintenance,rehabilitation,monitoring and contingency plan.Additionally,a new procedure for design of ground support systems for deep and hard rock was proposed.The main principles are:static and/or dynamic loading types,determination of loading sources,characterisation of geological conditions and the effects of orientation of major structures with openings,estimation of ground loading factor,identification of potential primary and secondary failures,utilisation of appropriate design analysis methods,estimation of depth failure,calculation of the static and/or dynamic demand ground support capacity,and selection of surface and reinforcement elements.Gravitational force is the dominant loading force in low-level stresses.In high stress level failure mechanism becomes more complex in rock mass structures.In this condition,a variety of factors such as release of stored energy due to seismic events,stress concentration,and major structures influence on ground behaviour and judgement are very complicated.The key rock engineering schemes to minimise the risk of failures in high-stress levels at great depth involve depressurisation and quality control of materials.Microseismic and blast monitoring throughout the mining operations are required to control sudden failures.Proper excavation sequences in underground stopes based on top-down,bottom-up,centre-out and abutment-centre were discussed.Also,the performance of a ground support system was examined by field observation monitoring systems for controlling and modifying ground support elements.The important outcome of the research is that the proposed procedure of selecting ground support systems for static and dynamic situations was applied in several deep underground mines in Western Australia.Ground behaviour modes and failure mechanism were identified and assessed.Ground demand for static and dynamic conditions was estimated and an appropriate ground support system was selected and evaluated in site-specific conditions according to proposed method for ground support design at great depth.The stability of rock masses was confirmed,and the reliability of the design methodology for great depth and hard rock conditions was also justified.

VIRTUAL DESIGN OF A NEW TYPE OF HYDRAULIC SUPPORT

Using virtual reality to design a new type of hydraulic support is discussed.That is how to make use of the virtual design to develop coal mining machine in practice. Theadvantages of virtual design are studied and the simple virtual reality system is built. The 3Dparts and elements of hydraulic support are modeled with parametric design in CAD software, thenexported to VR environment, in which the virtual hydraulic support is assembled, operated andtested. With the method, the errors and faults of design can be fined easily, many improvements aremade and the new hydraulic support is developed successfully.

Deformation-based support design for highly stressed ground with a focus on rockburst damage mitigation

As mines go deeper,mine designs become more fragile and effective rock support becomes a strategic element for ground control to facilitate timely construction and cost-effective access for uninterrupted production.This article focuses on the design of integrated support systems for brittle ground when large displacements due to gradual bulking of stress-fractured rock or sudden violent bulking during rockbursts are induced by static and dynamic loading.It provides an overview of support design principles for a rational approach to ground control in deep mines when large deformations are anticipated near excavations.Such designs must not only account for load equilibrium but also for deformation compatibility.Most importantly,the design approach must account for the fact that the support’s displacement capacity is being consumed as it is deformed after support installation.It is therefore necessary to design for the remnant support capacity,i.e.the capacity remaining when the support is needed.Furthermore,if the support capacity can be consumed,it can also be restored by means of preventive support maintenance(PSM).The PSM concept for cost-effective ground control is introduced and illustrated by quantitative and operational evidence.Contrary to other design approaches,the deformation-based support design(DBSD)approach provides the capacity of an integrated support system as a function of imposed displacements.Reduction in this support capacity due to mininginduced deformation renders excavations increasingly more vulnerable if located within the influence of active mining and seismic activity.Because deformation measurements are robust indicators of the decay in support capacity,scanning and other displacement monitoring technologies enable measurements to verify the DBSD approach,to assess the remnant safety margin of the deformed support,and to make operational support maintenance decisions.

Influence of fault slip on mining-induced pressure and optimization ofroadway support design in fault-influenced zone

This paper presents an investigation on the characteristics of overlying strata collapse and mining-induced pressure in fault-influenced zone by employing the physical modeling in consideration of fault structure. The precursory information of fault slip during the underground mining activities is studied as well. Based on the physical modeling, the optimization of roadway support design and the field verification in fault-influenced zone are conducted. Physical modeling results show that, due to the combined effect of mining activities and fault slip, the mining-induced pressure and the extent of damaged rock masses in the fault-influenced zone are greater than those in the uninfluenced zone. The sharp increase and the succeeding stabilization of stress or steady increase in displacement can be identified as the precursory information of fault slip. Considering the larger mining-induced pressure in the fault-influenced zone, the new support design utilizing cables is proposed. The optimization of roadway support design suggests that the cables can be anchored in the stable surrounding rocks and can effectively mobilize the load bearing capacity of the stable surrounding rocks. The field observation indicates that the roadway is in good condition with the optimized roadway support design.

Research on an Intelligent Decision Support System for a Conceptual Innovation Design of Pumping Units Based on TRIZ

Attention is concentrated on how to perform the innovative design during the process of pumping unit conceptual design, and how to enhance design efficiency and inspire creativity. Aiming at the shortages of conceptual design, introducing the theory of inventive problem solving （TRIZ） into the mechanical product design for producing innovative ideas, and using the advanced computer-aided technique, the intelligent decision support system （IDSS） based on TRIZ （TRIZ-IDSS） has been constructed. The construction method, system structure, conceptual production, decisionmaking and evaluation of the problem solving subsystem are discussed. The innovative conceptual design of pumping units indicates that the system can help the engineers open up a new space of thinking, overcome the thinking inertia, and put forward innovative design concepts. This system also can offer the scientific instructions for the innovative design of mechanical products.

Exact mesh shape design of large cable-network antenna reflectors with flexible ring truss supports

An exact-designed mesh shape with favorable surface accuracy is of practical significance to the performance of large cable-network antenna reflectors. In this study, a novel design approach that could guide the generation of exact spatial parabolic mesh configurations of such reflector was proposed. By incorporating the traditional force density method with the standard finite element method, this proposed approach had taken the deformation effects of flexible ring truss supports into consideration, and searched for the desired mesh shapes that can satisfy the requirement that all the free nodes are exactly located on the objective paraboloid. Compared with the conventional design method,a remarkable improvement of surface accuracy in the obtained mesh shapes had been demonstrated by numerical examples. The present work would provide a helpful technical reference for the mesh shape design of such cable-network antenna reflector in engineering practice.

XML-based Data Processing in Network Supported Collaborative Design

In the course of network supported collaborative design, the data processing plays a very vital role. Much effort has been spent in this area, and many kinds of approaches have been proposed. Based on the correlative materials, this paper presents extensible markup language （XML） based strategy for several important problems of data processing in network supported collaborative design, such as the representation of standard for the exchange of product model data （STEP） with XML in the product information expression and the management of XML documents using relational database. The paper gives a detailed exposition on how to clarify the mapping between XML structure and the relationship database structure and how XML-QL queries can be translated into structured query language （SQL） queries. Finally, the structure of data processing system based on XML is presented.

Constraints Based Decision Support for Site-Specific Preliminary Design of Wind Turbines

This study presents a decision-support tool for preliminary design of a horizontal wind turbine system. The function of this tool is to assist the various actors in making decisions about choices inherent to their activities in the field of wind energy. Wind turbine cost and site characteristics are taken into account in the used models which are mainly based on the engineering knowledge. The present tool uses a constraint-modelling technique in combination with a CSP solver (numerical CSPs which are based on an arithmetic interval). In this way, it generates solutions and automatically performs the concept selection and costing of a given wind turbine. The data generated by the tool and required for decision making are: the quality index of solution (wind turbine), the amount of energy produced, the total cost of the wind turbine and the design variables which define the architecture of the wind turbine system. When applied to redesign a standard wind turbine in adequacy with a given site, the present tool proved both its ability to implement constraint modelling and its usefulness in conducting an appraisal.

Computer-Aided Rapid Variant Design System for Hydraulic Support

The paper gives a detail analysis on the necessity of rapid hydraulic support design, and presents a computer-aided rapid variant design system for hydraulic support. The system integrates the type selection and embodiment design of hydraulic support. Case-based reasoning and rule-based reasoning are the main reasoning methods. Several crucial problems are discussed.

Computer Support for Concept Engineering Design：Enabling Interaction with Design Knowledge

This paper addresses the question of how to support the designer with appropriate knowledge during conceptual design. It begins with a discussion of knowledge-based support for design and is followed by a scenario account of the use of a Knowledge Support System. A system is described that demonstrates interaction with different forms of knowledge in concept vehicle design.It supports the creation of new designs by way of a solution generation and evaluation process that relies upon co-operation between the designer and the knowledge system. The results of user evaluation gave rise to a current research agenda which addresses the requirements of a multi-user platform for a design knowledge support environment for collaborative team work.

Designing a Scale to Assess Breastfeeding Support among Public Health Nurses in Japan

Background: Promoting breastfeeding support by public health nurses (PHN) requires first that the support which they currently provide to be assessed. However, there is no assessment tool for this purpose. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a scale to assess breastfeeding support currently provided by PHN. Methods: We developed the Practice of Breastfeeding Support Scale (PBSS) for PHN based on the results of a previous study. The content validity of the PBSS was established through discussion with three other researchers. A pilot study was conducted to confirm face validity. To confirm reliability and validity, an anonymous, self-reported questionnaire was sent to PHN working in municipal offices. The statistical analyses included the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO), Barlett’s Test of Sphericity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Cronbach’s alpha and correlation coefficient. Results: 768 PHN participated in this study. Cronbach’s alpha of PBSS was 0.85. The KMO measure was 0.892, and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity was p Conclusion: The reliability and validity of PBSS were confirmed. These findings suggested that the PBSS has the potential to help promote breastfeeding support by PHN by clarifying their current breastfeeding support practices and related factors.