The impact of tourism on soils in Zhangjiajie World Geopark

The soil hardness, soil water content and soil bulk density along the trails of six scenic spots in the Zhangjiajie World Geopark were measured and analyzed, and the integrated effects of tourism trampling on soils were evaluated for each scenic spots by calculating its soil impact indexes （SII） in the park. The results indicated that visitors＇ activities caused a serious influence on the soil in the park, especially in the two most used scenic spots-- Yellowstone Village and Gold Whip Stream. The impact of tourism on soil mainly occurred within 3 m along the trails. The impact shapes are classified into six type as single-sided node type, double-sided node type, cross node type, single-sided linkage type, double-sided linkage type and short-cut linkage type. Of six types of impact shapes, the single-sided node type and double-sided type were dominant. The average water contents of soil for six scenic spots at sample areas of 1 m, 2 m and 3 m from trial is 36.6%, 24.5% and 2.2% lower than that of the control area, respectively. The average soil hardness for six scenic spots at 1m, 2 m, and 3m from the trails tramped increased 167.9%, and 122.2%, and 15.8%, respectively, compared with the control area. Soil bulk density increased 26.5% at 1 m and 20.9% at 2 m from the trails. The main countermeasures for reducing the range and extent of tourism impact on soil are discussed.

Laboratory test on the combined cooling effect of L-shaped thermosyphons and thermal insulation on high-grade roadway construction in permafrost regions

With the completion of the Qinghai-Tibetan Railway,economic development of related areas has been greatly accelerated.This,in return,calls for building or upgrading more roadways,especially high-grade roadways.In cold regions,the thawing of permafrost can induce settlement damage of and even failure to railway (or roadway) embankments.Thermosyphons (self-powered refrigera-tion devices that are used to help keep the permafrost cool) have proved effective in mitigating thaw settlement by maintaining the thermal stability of the embankments.However,for high-grade roadway embankments of great width,stabilizing or cooling ef-fects of traditional geotechnological measures may be limited.To enhance the cooling effect of thermosyphons,an L-shaped thermosyphon was designed.A laboratory test was carried out to study the combined cooling effect of the L-shaped thermosyphon and thermal insulation applying to roadbed construction.The angle between the evaporator and condenser sections of the L-shaped thermosyphon is 134 degrees,and the L-shaped thermosyphon was inserted into the soil at an angle of 5 degrees with the road surface.The tested results show that the L-shaped thermosyphon is effective in removing heat from a roadway in winter.When the ambient air temperature is lower than the soil temperature,the thermosyphon is active and extracts the heat in the soil around it.When the ambient air temperature is higher than the soil temperature,the thermosyphon is inactive,and no heat is in-jected into the soil through the L-shaped thermosyphon.Compared to embankments with straight thermosyphons,the inner parts of the embankments with L-shaped thermosyphons were significantly cooled.It is hoped that the present study would be useful to the application of L-shaped thermosyphons in the construction of high-grade roadways in cold regions.

Mineral Fertilizer Use for Optimal Groundnut Production in the Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian Zones of Benin

Abstract This study aims to determine the optimal N, P, K, Mg and Zn rates for groundnut production on Ferric and Plintic Luvisol in the Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian zones of Benin Republic. Two years (2018 and 2019) experiment was carried out in the municipality of Ouessè in the Sudano-Guinean zone and Bembèrèkè in the Sudanian zone. The tested nutrient doses were N (0, 20 and 40 kg⋅ha−1), P (0, 25 and 50 kg⋅ha−1), K (0, 20 and 40 kg⋅ha−1), Mg (0, 15 and 30 kg⋅ha−1) and Zn (0, 4 and 8 kg⋅ha−1). The Box and Behnken rotating design is used to define the N, P, K, Mg and Zn rate combinations leading to 46 combinations. A completely randomized bloc design was setting up considering farmers as replication. In total, four farmers’ fields were selected. A one-way analysis of variance is carried out on yield data, using the linear mixed-effect model. Response surface analyses were used to determine the optimal doses for each N, P, K, Mg and Zn. Nodule production (6.5 times higher than the control), number of gynophores (2.8 times higher than the control) and root length (19.2 ± 0.2 cm) of groundnut plants were significantly (p = 0.0001) improved with nutrient application. The response surface analysis shows that treatments N-P-K-Mg-Zn of 16.01-20.18-6.70-5.65-2.47 (in the Sudano-Guinean zone) and 13.1-25.07-11.47-0-1.82 (in the Sudanian zone) are the optimal rates that have induced optimal yield of 2.1 t⋅ha−1 (i.e. 2.5 times the yield in the farmers’ field) pod yield and the best return on investment per hectare. Nevertheless, for a sustainable groundnut producproduction, treatment 13.1-25.07-11.47-20-1.82 is suggested as regular K input is required for the respect of the fertilization laws.

Experimental study on box shape steel reinforced concrete beam

Experimental study on the fundamental behavior of box shape steel reinforced concrete （SRC） beams was conducted. Seven 1 ： 3 scale model SRC beams were tested to failure. The experimental results indicate that the flexural strength increases with the increase of the ratio of flexural reinforcement and the thickness of flange of the shape steel; the shear strength increases with the increase in the thickness of the web of the shape steel. Concrete filled in the box shape steel can prevent the early failure of specimens due to the buckling of the box shape steel, and increase the ultimate load. Measures should be made to strengthen the connection and co-work between the shape steel and the concrete. Formulae for flexural and shear strength of the composite beams are proposed, and the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results. In general, the box shape SRC beam is a kind of ductile member, and it is suitable for extensive engineering application.

Effect of Sprinkler and Border Irrigation on Topsoil Structure in Winter Wheat Field

A two-year experiment was carried out on the effect of sprinkler irrigation on the topsoil structure in a winter wheat field. A border-irrigated field was used as the control group. The total soil porosity, pore size distribution, pore shape distribution, soil cracks and soil compaction were measured. The sprinkler irrigation brought significant changes to the total soil porosity, capillary porosity, air-filled porosity and pore shape of topsoil layers in comparison with the border irrigation. The total porosity and air-filled porosity of the topsoil in the sprinkler irrigation were higher than those in the border irrigation. The changes in the air-filled and elongated pores were the main reasons for the changes in total porosity. The porosities of round and irregular pores in topsoil under sprinkler irrigation were lower than those under border irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation produced smaller soil cracks than border irrigation did, so sprinkler irrigation may restrain the development of macropore flow in comparison with border irrigation. The topsoil was looser under sprinkler irrigation than under border irrigation. According to the conditions of topsoil structure, it is preferable for crops to grow under sprinkler irrigation than under border irrigation.

Tunnel flexibility effect on the ground surface acceleration response

Flexibility of underground structures relative to the surrounding medium, referred to as the flexibility ratio, is an important factor that influences their dynamic interaction. This study investigates the flexibility effect of a box-shaped subway tunnel, resting directly on bedrock, on the ground surface acceleration response using a numerical model verified against dynamic centrifuge test results. A comparison of the ground surface acceleration response for tunnel models with different flexibility ratios revealed that the tunnels with different flexibility ratios influence the acceleration response at the ground surface in different ways. Tunnels with lower flexibility ratios have higher acceleration responses at short periods, whereas tunnels with higher flexibility ratios have higher acceleration responses at longer periods. The effect of the flexibility ratio on ground surface acceleration is more prominent in the high range of frequencies. Furthermore, as the flexibility ratio of the tunnel system increases, the acceleration response moves away from the free field response and shifts towards the longer periods. Therefore, the flexibility ratio of the underground tunnels influences the peak ground acceleration （PGA） at the ground surface, and may need to be considered in the seismic zonation of urban areas.

Cenozoic structural deformation in the Yuqia-Jiulongshan region, northern Qaidam Basin, China

Based on field geological survey, interpretation of seismic reflection profile and thermochronology dating, this paper systematically studied the structural deformation of the Yuqia-Jiulongshan region in northern Qaidam Basin during the Cenozoic. The results show that the area is primarily dominated by a large box-shaped anticline, with steep limbs and a wide and gently-deformed core. The Mahaigaxiu and Jiulongshan anticlines are secondary folds controlled by secondary faults in the limbs of the box-shaped anticline. Whereas the Yuqia and the Northern Yuqia anticlines are secondary folds within the wide core of the box-shaped anticline. The geometry of the box-shaped anticline is mainly controlled by some high-angle reverse faults with certain right-lateral strike-slip components, displaying distinct positive flower structures in section view. Combining the sedimentary correlation and detrital apatite fission track analysis, we believe that the Yuqia-Jiulongshan region was a paleo-uplift that developed slightly in the early Cenozoic, resulting in the relatively thin Cenozoic strata. The intense deformation that shaped the present-day structural framework occurred in or after the sedimentary period of Shizigou Formation. The Yuqia – Jiulongshan paleo-uplift is adjacent to the Sainan depression that is rich in Lower-Middle Jurassic source rocks, and thus has high potential for future hydrocarbon exploration.

THEORY AND METHOD FOR WETLAND BOUNDARY DELINEATION

Based on the analysis of the subjectivity of wetland boundary criteria and their causes at present, this paper suggested that, under the condition that the mechanism of wetland formation process has not been understood, "black box" method of System Theory can be used to delineate wetland boundaries scientifically. After analyzing the difference of system construction among aquatic habitats, wetlands and uplands, the lower limit of rooted plants was chosen as the lower boundary criterion of wetlands. Because soil diagnostic horizon is the result of the long-term interaction among all environments, and it is less responsive than vegetation to short-term change, soil diagnostic horizon was chosen as the indicator to delineate wetland upper boundary, which lies at the thinning-out point of soil diagnostic horizon. Case study indicated that it was feasible using the lower limit of rooted plants and the thinning-out point of soil diagnostic horizon as criteria to delineate the lower and upper boundaries of wetland. In the study area, the thinning-out line of albic horizon was coincident with the 55.74m contour line, the maximum horizon error was less than 1m, and the maximum vertical error less than 0.04m. The problem on wetland definition always arises on the boundaries. Having delineated wetland boundaries, wetlands can be defined as follows: wetlands are the transitional zones between uplands and deepwater habitats, they are a kind of azonal complex that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water, with the lower boundary lying at the lower limit of rooted plants, and the upper boundary at the thinning-out line of upland soil diagnostic horizon.

Influence of particle shape on the erodibility of non-cohesive soil： Insights from coupled CFD-DEM simulations

Soil erosion is a critical process that is being studied in soil science, hydraulic engineering, and geotech- nical engineering. Among many societal and environmental impacts, soil erosion is a major cause for the failures of bridges. The erodibility of soil is determined by its physical and geochemical properties and is also affected by surrounding biological activities. In most of the current models for soil erosion, erodibility of non-cohesive soil is characterized by its median grain size （Dso）, density, and porosity. The contribution to erodibility of the irregular shape of soil grains, which plays an important role in the mechanical and hydraulic properties of coarse-grained soils, is generally ignored. In this paper, a coupled computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method model is developed to analyze the influence of the shape of sand grain on soil erodibility. A numerical model for the drag force on spherical and non-spherical particles is verified by using the results from physical free settling experiments. Erosion of sand grains of different shapes is simulated in a virtual erosion function apparatus, a laboratory device used to mea- sure soil erodibility. The simulation results indicate that the grain shape has major effects on erodibility. Spherical particles do not show a critical velocity because of their low rolling resistance, but a critical velocity does exist for angular particles owing to grain interlocking. The erosion rate is proportional to the flow velocity for both spherical and non-spherical particles. The simulation result for angular particle erosion is fairly consistent with the experimental observations, implying that grain shape is an important factor affecting the erodibility of non-cohesive soils.

Shear behaviours of cohesionless mixed soils using the DEM:The influence of coarse particle shape

The coarse particles in mixed soils can be cobbles or gravels,with the main difference being their roundness(an indicator describing particle shape characteristics at an intermediate scale).The influence of coarse particle shape(i.e.,roundness)on the macroscopic and microscopic shear behaviours of cohesionless mixed soils with various fines contents(FCs)was investigated via the discrete element method in this study.The shapes of coarse particles were formed using the rotation-invariant spherical harmonic method proposed by previous investigators.An equation was proposed to predict the initial void ratios of samples in this study.A decrease in the roundness of coarse particles can increase the peak friction angle(FC≤40%)and critical friction angle(FC≤30%).As the roundness of coarse particles decreases,the peak dilatancy angle initially increases and then decreases(FC≤20%).Furthermore,it was found that the roundness of coarse particles hardly affects the classification of cohesionless mixed soils,as determined by probing the percentage contributions of coarse-coarse,coarse-fine,and fine-fine contacts.When cohesionless mixed soils change from an underfilled structure to an interactive-underfilled structure at the critical state,the main forms of coarse-coarse contacts were discovered.Additionally,the force-fabric anisotropy mechanisms of the influences of the roundness and rolling resistance coefficient of coarse particles on the shear strengths of cohesionless mixed soils were found to be different.

基于Virtual Box非均匀点状冰路面的安全性分析

为使行车更安全,对非均匀点状结冰路面状况进行观察与模拟,将实验获得的正常路面的附着系数与非均匀点状冰路面的附着系数进行比对分析,结合理论与实际,从多方面论述了车辆在非均匀点状结冰的路面上行驶的安全状况,为行车安全提供了有价值的参考。

不同倾斜方式对倾斜液化场地地震响应的影响分析

在倾斜场地地震液化后,土体的侧向流动扩展引起的场地失效以及大变形问题的研究中,不同的倾斜方式会对试验结果产生一定的影响,而目前针对不同倾斜方式对倾斜液化场地土体地震动力响应影响评价的研究成果还较为少见。根据课题组开展的水平液化自由场振动台试验,首先基于OpenSees有限元平台建立了水平液化自由场有限元计算模型,在数值模型中考虑了模型箱对场地土地震响应的影响,通过对比数值计算结果与试验结果验证了数值模型的可靠性。在此基础上建立了倾斜液化自由场有限元计算模型,分别建立了层剪箱整体倾斜模型、层剪箱场地土倾斜模型和刚性箱场地土倾斜3种不同的数值模型来模拟振动台试验中采用的不同的倾斜方式。通过对比,分析了在0.3g汶川地震卧龙波作用下3个数值模型计算得到的自由场土体动力响应结果,并讨论了3种不同的倾斜方式对计算结果的影响,最后给出了针对倾斜液化场地地震动力响应数值模拟和振动台试验研究中的一些有参考价值的结论。

流量控制阀K形金属密封圈结构参数优化

流量控制阀K形金属密封圈结构参数较多,且不同结构参数对密封性能影响程度存在较大差异。以密封面接触压力、密封面有效接触长度及最大Mises应力为约束条件,采用正交试验设计研究影响K形金属密封圈密封性能结构参数之间的主次关系,确定了唇部长度、悬臂内张角与悬臂厚度3个因素作为响应曲面法的设计变量;通过正交试验和回归分析得到接触压力、最大等效应力及有效接触长度与设计参数关系的二次回归方程,并基于响应面法对密封结构进行优化分析。优化后K形金属密封圈的接触压力增加了8.09%,有效接触长度增加了14.73%,最大等效应力减少了13.44%,表明优化后K形金属密封圈密封面接触压力分布更加均匀,有效提高了金属密封圈的密封性能。

公路隧道箱型预制仰拱变形破坏的模型试验研究

基于自主设计的新型箱型预制仰拱结构,采用室内物理模型试验,结合数字照相量测技术,研究该箱型预制仰拱的力学特性及破坏模式,通过数值模拟研究实际工况中衬砌与仰拱共同作用的受力规律.结果表明:竖向荷载作用下产生的拉张效应是预制仰拱裂纹产生及发展的主要原因,水平压力对预制仰拱的裂纹发展作用不明显.预制块接缝处以及各个预制块中柱转角处是预制仰拱结构的最薄弱部位,接缝处和转角处影响预制仰拱结构的安全.预制仰拱位移变化关于中轴部位呈对称分布,位移由大到小依次为中间预制块、左1预制块、左2预制块、左3预制块.箱型预制仰拱破坏可以分为加载压密、弹塑性变形和塑性破坏3个阶段.当仰拱与衬砌共同作用时,仰拱的上部主要承受拉应力,仰拱的下部主要承受压应力.试验结果表明,所设计仰拱结构具有良好的受力性能.

槽形钢箱梁涡振性能及抑振措施试验研究

为提高槽形钢箱梁桥的抗风性能,对槽形钢箱梁的涡振性能及抑振措施进行试验研究。以某人行景观桥槽形钢箱梁为背景,通过主梁节段模型风洞试验,研究+3°、0°、-3°风攻角下均匀流与紊流风场中槽形钢箱梁的涡振性能,分析交替封闭栏杆、将栏杆楔形扶手改为圆形扶手、提高阻尼比等措施的抑振效果。结果表明:原槽形钢箱梁断面涡振性能不满足规范要求,均匀流风场中,3个风攻角下均出现了超限的竖弯涡振,+3°和-3°风攻角下出现了不同程度的扭转涡振,最不利风攻角为-3°;紊流风场中,最不利风攻角下原断面竖弯涡振振幅降低了23%,未见明显扭转涡振;楔形扶手栏杆交替封闭使结构竖弯涡振振幅增大,主梁涡振性能降低;单独改变栏杆扶手形状为圆形对主梁涡振性能影响不大,在此基础上交替封闭栏杆能够有效抑制主梁涡振;提高结构阻尼比能有效抑制主梁涡振,阻尼比为7‰时,主梁竖弯涡振振幅可降至规范限值的一半左右。

粗粒土抗剪强度与颗粒粒径及形状的相关性研究

为了揭示粗粒土抗剪强度与其颗粒粒径和形状的相关性,进而实现在不开展相关试验的情况下通过颗粒粒径和形状统计指标估算粗粒土的抗剪强度。采用大尺寸的直剪仪对不同粒径的玻璃珠开展室内直剪试验,在此基础上,采用颗粒流离散元软件对相同形状、不同粒径以及相同粒径、不同形状的仿真粗粒土分别开展了仿真直剪试验,揭示颗粒粒径和形状对粗粒土抗剪强度的影响规律;采用多元线性回归的方法,建立了粗粒堆积体内摩擦角与颗粒表面积比、球形度和粒径的函数关系。结果表明:颗粒粒径越大,粗粒土的抗剪强度越大,两者具有较好的二次函数关系;颗粒的球形度共和表面积比可作为影响粗粒土抗剪强度的关键三维形状指标;在不考虑颗粒破碎的情况下,颗粒粒径和颗粒形状与内摩擦角有良好的相关性。研究结果可以用于初步估算粗粒土的抗剪强度,具有一定的实用性。

大跨PK断面钢箱梁斜拉桥涡振性能及优化措施研究

红莲大桥主桥为主跨580 m的双塔斜拉桥,中跨主梁采用PK断面钢箱梁,该类主梁断面易发生涡振,需对其涡振性能及抑振措施进行研究。基于该桥有限元动力特性分析结果,制作PK断面钢箱梁1∶60缩尺比节段模型进行测振风洞试验,研究桥梁原始设计断面主梁的涡振性能,讨论增加结构阻尼比(增加至0.010和0.027)措施的涡振抑振效果,并对增设稳定板、水平导流板、部分封闭桥面栏杆等不同气动优化措施及组合对主梁涡振性能的影响进行分析。结果表明:原始设计PK断面钢箱梁的涡振振幅明显超过规范限值;增大结构阻尼比虽然可以有效抑制涡振响应,但阻尼比增加至0.027时竖弯涡振振幅仍然显著;在桥面检修栏杆上缘外挑1.6 m宽水平导流板可将涡振振幅降低到可忽略的水平;采用在检修栏杆上缘外挑1.1 m宽水平导流板、优化桥面燃气管道位置、调整防撞护栏下部封闭高度为0.42 m,或移除检修道栏杆底座、错列布置封闭检修道栏杆和防撞护栏等组合措施,虽不足以完全抑制涡振的发生,但可将涡振振幅控制至明显小于规范限值。

基于响应面法的轻质尾翼均匀挤压成形数值模拟及模具结构优化

针对轻质镁合金尾翼正挤压成形金属流动不均匀和力学性能各向异性大的问题,提出一种可调控金属均匀流动的金属蓄料池模具结构。基于Deform-3D有限元模拟分析,采用Box-Behnken响应曲面法以金属蓄料池结构参数:深度h、池壁距尾翼芯部型腔长度D 1、池壁距翼片型腔长度D 2和池壁与翼片型腔之间夹角α为变量,建立出模口金属流速均方差和成形载荷与金属蓄料池结构参数之间的响应关系。响应曲面分析结果表明:最佳的金属蓄料池结构参数为h=7 mm,D 1=13 mm,D 2=6 mm,α=11°。采用优化后的模具结构参数进行模拟验证和物理试验,金属流动不均匀和力学性能各向异性均得到改善,并成功试制出形状尺寸和力学性能指标满足要求的尾翼形零件。

基于X-CT扫描技术的泡沫轻质土孔结构分析

为研究泡沫轻质土内部孔隙三维空间分布状态和形态特征,采用X射线计算断层扫描技术(X-ray computed tomography,X-CT)获取了3种湿密度等级泡沫轻质土孔结构,并进行定量分析。基于混合高斯模型,通过解卷积确定孔相和固相灰度阈值,根据阈值将灰度图像划分为孔和固体两相材料,定量表征孔隙率、孔径、球度和孔隙形态等孔结构特征参数。将孔结构特征参数与强度进行关联分析,结果表明:随着泡沫轻质土的湿密度增大,孔径分布更加均匀,平均孔径降低,球状孔隙增多,导致泡沫轻质土应力分布更加均匀,抵抗外部荷载能力更强,整体强度更高。

仿生蛋形箱梁力学性能研究

通过测量统计多组禽类蛋的长轴、短轴获得禽类蛋的几何特征参数,通过分析仿生蛋形截面与传统矩形截面的惯性矩设计出拥有与矩形箱梁相同截面惯性矩的仿生蛋形箱梁,同时利用有限元法分析两种箱梁的抗弯性能和抗屈曲能力,获得两种箱梁的力学性能与几何特征参数间的规律。最终,根据蛋形几何特征重新设计门式起重机主梁并分析两种主梁在危险工况中的刚度和强度。通过门式起重机主梁的应用,证明仿生蛋形箱梁拥有与传统矩形箱梁相似的结构力学性能的同时,其重量能够比传统矩形主梁轻11.11%。