Predicting and validating the load-settlement behavior of large-scale geosynthetic-reinforced soil abutments using hybrid intelligent modeling

Settlement prediction of geosynthetic-reinforced soil(GRS)abutments under service loading conditions is an arduous and challenging task for practicing geotechnical/civil engineers.Hence,in this paper,a novel hybrid artificial intelligence(AI)-based model was developed by the combination of artificial neural network(ANN)and Harris hawks’optimisation(HHO),that is,ANN-HHO,to predict the settlement of the GRS abutments.Five other robust intelligent models such as support vector regression(SVR),Gaussian process regression(GPR),relevance vector machine(RVM),sequential minimal optimisation regression(SMOR),and least-median square regression(LMSR)were constructed and compared to the ANN-HHO model.The predictive strength,relalibility and robustness of the model were evaluated based on rigorous statistical testing,ranking criteria,multi-criteria approach,uncertainity analysis and sensitivity analysis(SA).Moreover,the predictive veracity of the model was also substantiated against several large-scale independent experimental studies on GRS abutments reported in the scientific literature.The acquired findings demonstrated that the ANN-HHO model predicted the settlement of GRS abutments with reasonable accuracy and yielded superior performance in comparison to counterpart models.Therefore,it becomes one of predictive tools employed by geotechnical/civil engineers in preliminary decision-making when investigating the in-service performance of GRS abutments.Finally,the model has been converted into a simple mathematical formulation for easy hand calculations,and it is proved cost-effective and less time-consuming in comparison to experimental tests and numerical simulations.

Influence of Abutment Material on the Stress of Implant-supported All-ceramic Single Crown

In order to investigate the influence of abutment material on the stress of implant-supported all-ceramic single crown, a 3D finite element model of implant-supported mandibular first premolar was computed by COSMOS/M 2.85 software. Alumina, zirconia, and titanium were used as abutment materials respectively. Vertical 600 N and horizontal 225 N load was applied on the occlusal surface. The results show that the stress distribution of implant-supported single crown was similar for different abutment materials. Maximum stresses within the crown were higher when titanium abutment was used. Maximum stress of titanium abutment was lower than that of ceramic abutment. Within the screw and fixture, maximum stresses had no difference under vertical loading but higher as titanium abutment was used under horizontal loading. There was no difference of maximum stress within the bone when different abutment materials were used. The present findings indicate that the abutment material had no influence on the stress distribution of implant-supported all- ceramic single crown but maximum stress when the titanium abutment was lower than that of ceramic abutment.

UHPFRC Cast-in-Situ Over-Lay of Bridge Abutments

Use of UHPFRC(ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete)cast-in-situ over-lays for repairs and strengthening of bridge decks is already quite a widely used technology,while use of this method for strengthening of bridge supports is still much less often.This paper describes the first use of this technology for bridge abutments in the Czech Republic,and if we know well,also the first use of such a ribbed over-lay internationally.

Effect of trapezoidal collars as a scour countermeasure around wing-wall abutments

Local scour around bridge abutments is a widespread problem that can result in structural failure. Collars can be used as a countermeasure to reduce the scour depth. In this study, the temporal scour development around a wing-wall abutment was investigated with and without collars. The tests were carried out under clear-water conditions for different abutment lengths, with collars of different sizes placed at the bed level. When no collar was used in the experiments, 70% of the maximum scour depth occurred in less than 2 h. However, when a collar with a width greater than the length of the abutment was used, no scour was observed for up to 200 min from the beginning of the experiments. The results show that an increase in the collar width not only led to a lag time for the onset of scouring but also reduced the maximum scour depth. Moreover, an increased collar width led to a better performance in mitigating scouring around smaller abutments. Generally, the scour depth decreased by 9%-37% with different collar widths.

Reliability and sensitivity analysis of wedge stability in the abutments of an arch dam using artificial neural network

In this study,the seismic stability of arch dam abutments is investigated within the framework of the probabilistic method.A large concrete arch dam is considered with six wedges for each abutment.The seismic safety of the dam abutments is studied with quasi-static analysis for different hazard levels.The Londe limit equilibrium method is utilized to calculate the stability of the wedges in the abutments.Since the finite element method is time-consuming,the neural network is used as an alternative for calculating the wedge safety factor.For training the neural network,1000 random samples are generated and the dam response is calculated.The direction of applied acceleration is changed within 5-degree intervals to reveal the critical direction corresponding to the minimum safety factor.The Latin hypercube sampling(LHS)is employed for sample generation,and the safety level is determined with reliability analysis.Three sample numbers of 1000,2000 and 4000 are used to examine the average and standard deviation of the results.The global sensitivity analysis is used to identify the effects of random variables on the abutment stability.It is shown that friction,cohesion and uplift pressure have the most significant effects on the wedge stability variance.

Experimental investigation and flow analysis of clear-water scour around pier and abutment in proximity

Local scour around bridge piers and abutments is one of the most significant causes of bridge failure.Despite a plethora of studies on scour around individual bridge piers or abutments,few studies have focused on the joint impact of a pier and an abutment in proximity to one another on scour.This study conducted laboratory experiments and flow analyses to examine the interaction of piers and abutments and their effect on clear-water scour.The experiments were conducted in a rectangular laboratory flume.They included 18 main tests(with a combination of different types of piers and abutments)and five control tests(with individual piers or abutments).Three pier types(a rectangular pier with a rounded edge,a group of three cylindrical piers,and a single cylindrical pier)and two abutment types(a wingewall abutment and a semicircular abutment)were used.An acoustic Doppler velocimeter was used to measure the three-dimensional flow velocity for analyses of streamline,velocity magnitude,vertical velocity,and bed shear stress.The results showed that the velocity near the pier and abutment increased by up to 80%.The maximum scour depth around the abutment increased by up to 19%.In contrast,the maximum scour depth around the pier increased significantly by up to l71%.The presence of the pier in the vicinity of the abutment led to an increase in the scour hole volume by up to 87%relative to the case with a solitary abutment.Empirical equations were also derived to accurately estimate the maximum scour depth at the pier adjacent to the abutment.

Influence of Different Luting Agents on the Stress Distributions of Implant-supported All-ceramic Single Crown

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different luting agents on the stress distribution within the crown, abutment and peri-implant bone of implant-supported all-ceramic single crown. A three-dimensional finite element model of an implant-supported single crown for the first premolar of mandible was created by COSMOS 2.85. Resin-modified glass ionomer and two different resin adhesives were used to cement the crown and abutment. Vertical 600 N and horizontal 225 N loads were applied to stimulate the condition of chewing. The stress distributions within the all-ceramic crown, abutment and peri-implant bone were analyzed. The experimental results show that the stress distributions of all-ceramic crown, abutment, implant and peri-implant bone were similar when different luting agents were used. The result of present study indicated that luting agents had no influence on the stress distributions of implant-supported all-ceramic single crown.

The Effect of Alumina Content on Fracture Property of All-ceramics Zirconia

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect ofA1203 content on the fracture property of all-ceramics ZrO2. To improve the all-ceramics ZrO2 restoration mechanics properity ,96 samples containing 0,5,10 and 15 wt% of A1203 particles were prepared by cold isostatic pressing （200 MPa） and 1 550 ℃ sintered .The phase was analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis and the bulk densities of the samples were made using Archimedes principle. Samples were randomly divided into four groups. In each group, 24 specimens were prepared so that the angle between notch and specimen＇s long axis is 90° and 60°. Notch depths were 1 mm for all samples. Samples were loaded with three-point bending method. 90° cut samples were used to measure fracture toughness while 60°cut samples were used to observe fracture curve by taking points on the fracture extension path under microscope, plotting points on coordinates, generating fitting curve by software ＂Origin＂, and analyzing the microstructure of the specimen fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）.The results show that the increment ofA1203 has insignificant effect on the densification of all-ceramic ZrO2.XRD analysis shows that the specimen is comprised of t-ZrO2 and a- A1203 before fracture while fracture surface is m-ZrO2, t-ZrO2 and a-A1203. ZrO2 containing 10% A1203 has the optimum mechanical properties and unconspicuous crack propagation and distribution. The observations may provide a reference for the materials selection, shaoe design, and production orocess of all-ceramic crown and bridge.

Insightful Understanding of the Role of the Mechanical Properties in Defining the Reliability of All-Ceramic Dental Restorations: A Review

Since the last two decades, restorative dentistry has been witnessing an increased acceptance of the use of the well-known all-ceramic materials for the fabrication of single dental restorations, such as inlays, onlays, crowns, anterior and posterior fixed partial dentures (PFPDs). These restorations certainly offer the potential for better biocompatibility coupled with superior aesthetic qualities, especially when compared with the conventional prostheses made from porcelain that is fused with metal ceramic restorations. However, brittleness and extreme sensitivity of all-ceramic materials to micro-like defects or cracks that are inherently present, or may grow, in their microstructure during different laboratory fabrication steps, during necessary clinical adjustments, or from post-placement chewing activity, remain major shortcomings of these dental restorations. In fact, many researchers are of the opinion that the improved mechanical properties can significantly improve the lifetime of all-ceramic restorations and result in enhanced reliability. Therefore, efforts of researchers, as well as manufacturers, have been directed towards the improvement of the mechanical properties in order to overcome such limitations. This article reviews the characterization of the most important mechanical properties that can delineate the behavior of all-ceramic dental materials upon loading. These include fracture mechanics, the brittle nature of ceramics, the relationship between microstructural features and fracture behavior, sources of cracks and flaws that may initiate a fracture and the effect of different fabrication procedures and/or clinical adjustments on the mechanical behavior of dental ceramics are also reviewed and discussed.

Lateral abutment pressure distribution and evolution in wide pillars under the first mining effect

The wide pillars are generally popular due to the high productivity and efficiency in Northwest China.The distribution of lateral abutment pressure in coal pillars is important for mining safety.To reveal the effect of the first mining on the lateral abutment pressure distribution and evolution in wide pillars,an in-situ experiment,theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were performed.First,the field monitoring of lateral abutment pressure was conducted from the perspective of time and space in the Chahasu Coal Mine,Huangling No.2 Coal Mine and Lingdong Coal Mine during the first mining.Based on the field monitoring stress,a theoretical model was proposed to reveal the lateral abutment pressure distribution.The methodology was demonstrated through a case study.Aiming at the distribution mechanism,a numerical experiment was conducted through the finite-discrete element method(FDEM).Last,field observations of borehole fractures were performed to further study the damage distribution.In addition,two types of lateral abutment pressure evolution with mining advance were discussed.Suggestions on the stress monitoring layout were proposed as well.The results could provide foundations for strata control and disaster prevention in wide pillars in underground coal mines.

玛多7.4级地震野马滩大桥桥台纵桥向破坏机理分析

针对2021年青海玛多7.4级地震中野马滩大桥的桥台震害,开展基于Pushover分析的桥台纵桥向破坏机理研究。提出土-桩-桥台精细化有限元模拟方法,以及基于地勘资料的模型土体参数确定实用方法,建模方法和加载模式要点为:(1)适用于土-桥台相互作用的分布式p-y弹簧修正模型;(2)可识别背墙弯曲、剪切或弯-剪多种破坏模式的背墙非线性梁柱单元-墙底非线性剪切单元串联模型;(3)土-搭板和土-翼墙摩擦弹簧;(4)基于分布式间隙单元的可捕捉地震中主梁与背墙接触位置变化的Pushover加载模式,从而实现了桥台纵桥向地震损伤破坏全过程模拟。结果表明:野马滩桥台在水平地震作用下,背墙底截面先发生屈服,随后背墙剪力达到抗剪能力峰值,桥台整体水平承载力开始退化,直至背墙底完全剪断,而桩基础并不发生明显损伤。总体而言,桥台破坏模式为背墙弯-剪破坏,数值分析结果与桥台实际震害相符。

后牙区种植修复基台及其螺丝折断原因的回顾性研究

目的分析影响后牙区种植修复基台及其螺丝折断发生的因素并探讨预防措施。方法回顾2010年1月至2015年12月在郑州大学第一附属医院口腔种植科完成后牙区种植修复且已行使功能>5 a的患者病历资料,统计分析患者种植修复基台及其螺丝折断的发生情况及其影响因素,并探讨相应的预防措施。结果本研究共纳入1055名患者(男500名,女555名),共植入1954颗种植体,其中12名患者(男8名,女4名)的12颗种植体发生种植修复基台及其螺丝折断,发生时年龄为(48.17±8.04)岁,种植修复体平均行使功能时间(6.50±1.45)a。12名患者中11例出现种植修复基台折断,1例种植修复基台与螺丝同时折断,种植修复基台及其螺丝折断的发生率为0.61%。结论种植修复基台及其螺丝折断的原因包括咬合力过大、不良咬合习惯(夜磨牙、紧咬牙和偏侧咀嚼)、种植牙对颌是天然牙、内连接种植体角度基台使用出现基台应力集中。

积石山6.2级地震桥梁典型震害特征

调查了306省道、310国道以及川亭公路上位于地震烈度8度和7度区的桥梁。GS.N0028台站记录到的大河家镇加速度峰值超过900 cm/s~2,远超当地罕遇地震设防标准,但从调查的结果看,本次地震中,8度区的桥梁震害主要以轻微破坏为主,包括挡块破坏、主梁侧移和支座滑移,除了川亭公路上发现一桥梁的桥墩出现剪切裂缝外,其他桥梁未发现主体结构发生破坏。7度区的桥梁基本完好,橡胶支座中橡胶有变形无法恢复以及主梁位移导致挡块间距发生变化,但都不影响功能。混凝土挡块作为主梁防侧移装置,震害虽然表明其有效性,但缺乏快速恢复的特性,同时设置缓冲橡胶垫的挡块仍然发生了较严重的破坏,因此,以后需要进一步加强挡块的缓冲装置和考虑可快速恢复性能的研究。

圆端形墩台尾迹水动力特性开缝控制三维数值分析

水流绕流水闸闸墩、导流墩等水工建筑物后产生旋涡分离流,其三维尾迹结构水动力特性复杂,对旋涡分离流进行流动控制,不仅是闸墩优化设计的需要,而且关系到工程运行的效率和工程安全。在验证三维水动力数学模型的基础上,对圆端形墩台开缝后的旋涡分离流和流动控制的三维水动力特性进行了研究,对比了无缝与开缝墩台方案下纵向、横向和竖向方向的时均流速分布,紊流动能以及紊流强度分布等水力学指标,探究了开缝墩台水动力特性。分析表明,墩台开缝后可以明显改善墩台后方的水流结构,开缝位置越靠近水深的中部位置,对墩后尾流旋涡的抑制越大,对绕流墩台绕流的控制越来越好,水深中部位置开缝最大程度的影响了开缝墩后的上部水流和下部水流,使得开缝对时均流速的影响最大,开缝对旋涡的抑制也最大最佳。为抑制墩后的旋涡对工程的不利影响,工程的设计中应首先确定墩台后的水深,开缝位置应尽量设置在墩台后水深的中部位置。

跨海铁路桥梁深水基础冲刷数值模拟

拟建头门港铁路支线(头门港站—头门港东站)二期工程位于浙江省东部海域,跨海铁路头门港大桥所在海域潮汐现象显著,波高较大,基础冲刷明显。首先选择7个典型桥墩,分别采用经验公式(孙志林公式和韩海骞公式)、JTG C30—2015《公路工程水文勘测设计规范》公式、美国HEC-18公式及数值模拟方法计算桥墩冲刷深度,基于百年一遇水位采用Das公式计算冲刷坑范围。然后采用半经验半理论的冲淤计算公式,计算冲淤平衡后水深变化量。通过与理论公式计算的局部冲刷深度对比,验证了数值模拟方法用于桥墩局部冲刷分析的可行性。结果表明:不管桥墩承台顺桥向尺寸如何变化,孙志林公式和HEC-18公式计算的冲刷深度偏大,韩海骞公式计算值最小,因此桥梁设计时宜采用规范公式计算冲刷深度;总体上桥墩承台顺桥向尺寸越大,冲刷坑面积越大;桥梁建成后水深下降了0.3~0.7 m,一般冲刷深度在3~5 cm,故分析该桥址处局部冲刷时可不考虑一般冲刷的影响;承台顺桥向尺寸在8~11 m时,与孙志林公式计算的局部冲刷深度相比,数值模拟值和规范公式计算值更接近,可采用数值模拟方法进行桥墩局部冲刷分析。

特厚煤层掘进巷道两帮卸压钻孔合理参数数值模拟研究

目前钻孔卸压技术为冲击地压矿井巷道掘进期间防冲主要措施之一,钻孔布置和参数决定着卸压效果。目的为了探讨特厚煤层掘进巷道两帮卸压钻孔合理布置参数,方法基于耿村煤矿综放工作面运输巷道地质采矿条件,利用数值计算方法研究掘进巷道两帮在单排布置时孔深、孔径、孔间距,双排布置时排距等不同参数条件下,巷道围岩应力云图和两帮垂直应力分布特征。结果结果表明:(1)单排布置卸压钻孔时,随着孔深、孔径递增,巷道两帮高应力区逐渐向深部围岩转移,而巷道两帮浅部围岩处于低应力区。(2)当钻孔孔深、孔径达到一定值时,巷道两帮支承压力由“单峰型”转化为“双峰型”,浅部围岩处于临界卸压状态;随着孔深、孔径继续增加,巷道两帮处于过度卸压状态。(3)利用卸压后、无卸压时巷道两帮高应力区向深部围岩的转移量ΔL、峰值应力处距巷道表面距离的比值η表示临界卸压和过度卸压状态,确定出卸压钻孔的合理参数。在耿村煤矿13230综放工作面运输平巷进行超前钻孔卸压和锚网索+36U型可缩性金属支架二级支护后,对巷道两帮实施钻孔卸压防冲,效果显著。结论研究结果对冲击地压矿井回采巷道掘进期间的卸压防冲具有指导和借鉴意义。

叶巴滩水电站左岸坝肩槽开挖爆破技术

拱坝坝肩槽的开挖质量对工程运行的安全有重要影响,基于叶巴滩水电站左岸坝肩槽开挖,采用预裂孔+垂直梯段孔爆破技术搭配合理的钻爆参数,严格控制装药量及最大单响药量,并采用分段微差延时爆破技术,取得了良好的开挖效果并积累丰富的工程经验。现场开挖施工结果表明,坝肩槽开挖成型优良,且有效减少对保留岩体的损伤,使坝肩槽爆破开挖质量满足设计要求。

大埋深小规模裂隙型渗漏探测技术

在土石坝水库除险加固过程中,经常遇到小规模裂隙型渗漏。这类小规模裂隙往往具有大埋深,大部分发育在坝底及坝底和坝肩交接位置,坝肩位置布线容易受限,有时还存在坝肩渗漏。单一物探方法往往难以满足这种探测条件。综合运用高密度电法、自然电场法、K剖面法在广西上思县某水库渗漏探测,结果表明:高密度电法、自然电场法和K剖面法三者互补,可以组成有效识别土石坝大埋深小规模渗漏探测体系,为消除土石坝水库除加固过程大坝不安全因素提供重要的技术支撑。

纯莫氏锥度连接种植系统种植体—基台锁结力及基台下沉量的实验研究

目的探究纯莫氏锥度连接种植系统种植体与基台锁结力大小及基台下沉量的影响因素。方法参考Bicon种植体基台连接设计,制作不同型号的种植体试件及其对应型号的基台,种植体—基台锁结锥度统一为1.5°,锁结深度分别为1.0、2.0、3.0 mm,锁结柱直径分别为2.5、3.0、3.5 mm,种植体外壁厚度分别为0.15、0.30 mm,实验机加载力分别为200、300、400 N,每组至少10枚种植体—基台试件。所有试件均采用万能实验机进行同样的加载方式(指压+指定加载力5次),分别于指压前、指压后、实验机加压5次后测量种植体—基台总高度,计算基台下沉量,最后采用万能实验机拉开种植体与基台,观察并记录其锁结力。结果实验加载力、锁结深度、锁结柱直径对种植体—基台锁结力及基台下沉量均有影响,种植体—基台锁结力随实验加载力、锁结深度、锁结柱直径的增加而增加(R=0.963、R=0.607、R=0.372),其中实验加载力对种植体—基台锁结力的影响最为显著。基台下沉量随着实验加载力的增加而增加(R=0.645),随锁结深度、锁结柱直径的增加而减少(R=−0.807、R=−0.280),锁结深度对基台下沉量的影响最为明显。种植体外壁厚度与种植体—基台锁结力大小的变化无明显的相关性,但种植体外壁厚度的增加会减少基台的下沉量,两者呈反比关系。结论通过调整纯莫氏锥度连接种植体—基台连接设计,增加锁结深度及锁结柱直径,增加基台就位时的加载力大小及加载次数,可以增加种植体—基台锁结力,减少基台松动甚至脱落等问题。同时为防止基台下沉导致后期咬合关系的改变,建议基台就位时加载次数不少于5次,同时建议使用临时修复体及早期只行初步咬合调整,在使用一段时间后再行最终修复及最终的咬合调整。