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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Numerical simulation on the seismic performance of retrofitted masonry walls based on the combined finite-discrete element method

Due to the long construction life,improper design methods,brittle material properties and poor construction techniques,most existing masonry structures do not perform well during earthquakes.The retrofitting method using an external steel-meshed mortar layer is widely used to retrofit existing masonry buildings.Assessing the seismic performance of masonry walls reinforced by an external steel-meshed mortar layer reasonably and effectively is a difficult subject in the research field of masonry structures.Based on the combined finite-discrete elements method,the numerical models of retrofitted brick walls with four different masonry mortar strengths by an external mortar layer are established.The shear strength of mortar and the contact between the retrofitted mortar layer and the brick blocks are discussed in detail.The failure patterns and load-displacement curves of the retrofitted brick walls were obtained by applying low cycle reciprocating loads to the numerical model,and the bearing capacity and the failure mechanism of the retrofitted walls were obtained by comparing the failure patterns,ultimate bearing capacity,deformability and other aspects with the tests.This study provides a basis for improving the seismic strengthening design method of masonry structures and helps to better assess the seismic performance of masonry structures after retrofitting.

Model and Method of Debris Flow Risk Zoning Based on Momentum Analysis

A model of debris flow risk zoning is carried out with momentum analysis of debris flow. This model zones the debris flow inundation fan with density and velocity calculated by numerical simulation. The risk classification standard is determined according to the ultimate bearing capacities of different structures under impacting. And the ultimate bearing capacities are tested by impact failure experiment of destruction. Two structures typical in Chinese mountain towns, reinforced concrete frame construction and brickwork with concrete, are chosen in the experiment. The model makes debris flow risk zoning quantitative and the results comparable widely. The results differ much from that of other methods especially in the identification of medium and low risk zones.

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.

Experimental Study on Concrete Columns Confined by BFRP-PVC Tubes Under Uniaxial Loading

This paper presents an experimental study on the behavior of circular concrete columns reinforced by BFRP-PVC tubes under uniaxial loading.A total of six specimens were prepared and tested under uniaxial loading.The main parameters varied in the tests were strengthening ratio and strengthening approach of BFRP.The performance,such as failure modes,ultimate bearing capacity and stress-strain curves,was investigated in details and a formula was proposed to predict the compressive ultimate strength.The results show that this kind of confined columns obviously improves the ultimate bearing capacity,and the ultimate bearing capacity increases with the strengthening layers.The formula proposed is applicable and efficient for prediction of the ultimate bearing capacity as well.

Mechanical performance of shear studs and application in steel-concrete composite beams

This work experimentally investigates the effects of shear stud characteristics on the interface slippage of steel-concrete composite push-out specimens. ABAQUS is used to establish a detailed 3D finite element(FE) model and analyze the behavior of push-out specimens. The modeling results are in good agreement with the experimental results. Based on parametrical analysis using the validated FE approaches, the effects of important design parameters, such as the diameter, number, length to diameter ratio, and yield strength of studs, concrete strength and steel transverse reinforcement ratio, on the load-slip relationship at the interface of composite beams are discussed. In addition, a simplified approach to model studs is developed using virtual springs with an equivalent stiffness. This approach is demonstrated to be able to predict the load-displacement response and ultimate bearing capacity of steel-concrete composite beams. The predicted results show satisfactory agreement with experimental results from the literature.

Mechanical performance study of the retractable pier column after stiffening

To solve the problem that the overlapping parts of a retractable pier column are prone to damage,this paper proposed the reinforcing measure of setting a stiffener ring at the bottom of the steel pipe.To study how the stiffener-ring parameters influence the mechanical properties of the pier column.12 scale model specimens(including nine specimens with stiffener-ring widths of 40,50,and 60 mm and three unstiffened comparison specimens)were tested under axial compression.Based on the test results,the specimen load-displacement,load-deflection,and load-strain curves were analyzed,and a finite-element model of a pier column under axial compression was established to determine the optimal stiffener size.The results show that setting a stiffener ring enhances the cooperative working ability between the steel pipe and the internal filling material and restrains the lateral deformation of the pier column,thereby improving the ultimate bearing capacity and overall stability of the pier column.The ultimate bearing capacity of the pier column is related to the width and thickness of the stiffener ring.The optimal size of the stiffener ring of the model pier column is 70 mm in width and 4 mm in thickness.The present research results provide a reference for designing compressible pier columns and column stiffening in mines and have important practical significance.

Flexural behaviour of SFRRAC two-way composite slab with different shapes

To promote the application of green renewable materials in concrete composite slabs(CCSs)and study the flexural behavior of CCSs with different shapes,the bending performances of three CCSs with a SFRRAC base plate,one cast-in-site concrete slab of ordinary concrete and one CCS of ordinary concrete by steel bar truss(as recommended in the technical specification for precast concrete structures in Chinese)were compared through experiments.The carrying capacity,flexural behaviour and bi-directional mechanical properties of the specimens were systematically analyzed from the failure modes,load-deflection curves,load-bar strain curves,load-slip curves and crack distributions.Results show that the bending failure process of CCSs with a SFRRAC base plate is similar to that of the cast-in-site concrete slab of ordinary concrete and CCS of ordinary concrete by steel bar truss,as all of them went through the plastic phase,elastic plastic phase and failure phase with fully developed cracks and deflection.No sudden breakage or horizontal cracking of the connecting interface between the base plate and concrete topping was observed.The shape of the base plate has a major impact on the bearing capacity of the CCS with the SFRRAC base plate.When calculating the ultimate bearing capacity with the plastic yield line theory,the influence of the base plate shape on the plastic yield line position should be taken into account.

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.

Movement laws and mechanical characteristics of top coal in blasting face

Measuring the top coal movement and abutment pressure about Teaching ThirdMine that belonged to the National Energy Investment and Development.It shows that thetop coal's strong compression occurs 6 m in front of the face, the top coal is in front of sideabutment pressure concentration increase area at this time, and the top coal horizontaldisplacement increase rapidly.Also analyzed the top coal mechanical properties, and thetop coal under abutment pressure turned into block state.Finally, analyzed the top coalfailure mechanism and the structure of the mechanical model, and also made a theoreticalanalysis of the top coal's ultimate bearing capacity.