Anisotropy characterization of upper shanghai clays: Shear strength and small-strain stiffness

Comprehensive investigations have been conducted to study the structure and overconsolidation of upper Shanghai clays, i.e. Layers 2–6 clays, typically located at depths of 30–40 m. However, limited information is available on their anisotropy, and even less is known about the correlation between structure, overconsolidation, and anisotropy. In this study, the undrained anisotropy characteristics of shear strength and small-strain shear stiffness in upper Shanghai Layers 2–6 clays were thoroughly assessed using a series of K0-consolidated undrained triaxial compression (TC) and triaxial extension (TE) tests (K0 is the coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest). The effective stress paths, shear strength, and small-strain shear stiffness from the undrained TC and TE tests demonstrate the anisotropic behaviors in upper Shanghai clays. Analyses of data from upper Shanghai clays and other clays worldwide indicate that the shear strength anisotropy ratio (Ks) converges at 0.8 as the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) and plasticity index (Ip) increase, while the small-strain shear stiffness anisotropy ratio (Re) converges at 1.0. The influence of OCR on Ks and Re is more pronounced than that of Ip and sensitivity (St). Nevertheless, no clear correlation between Ks and Re is observed in upper Shanghai clays.

Multi-scale analysis of carbon mineralization in lime-treated soils considering soil mineralogy

Mineral carbonation is emerging as a reliable CO_(2) capture technology that can mitigate climate change.In lime-treated clayey soils,mineral carbonation occurs through the carbonation of free lime and cementitious products derived from pozzolanic reactions.The kinetics of the reactions in lime-treated clayey soils are variable and depend primarily on soil mineralogy.The present study demonstrates the role of soil mineralogy in CO_(2) capture and the subsequent changes caused by carbon mineralization in terms of the unconfined compressive strength(UCS)of lime-treated soils during their service life.Three clayey soils(kaolin,bentonite,and silty clay)with different mineralogical characteristics were treated with 4%lime content,and the samples were cured in a controlled environment for 7 d,90 d,180 d,and 365 d.After the specified curing periods,the samples were exposed to CO_(2) in a carbonation cell for 7 d.The non-carbonated samples purged with N2 gas were used as a benchmark to compare the mechanical,chemical-mineralogical,and microstructure changes caused by carbonation reactions.Experimental investigations indicated that exposure to CO_(2) resulted in an average increase of 10%in the UCS of limetreated bentonite,whereas the strength of lime-treated kaolin and silty clay was reduced by an average of 35%.The chemical and microstructural analyses revealed that the precipitated carbonates effectively filled the macropores of the treated bentonite,compared to the inadequate cementation caused by pozzolanic reactions,resulting in strength enhancement.In contrast,strength loss in lime-treated kaolin and silty clay was attributed to the carbonation of cementitious phases and partly to the tensile stress induced by carbonate precipitation.In terms of carbon mineralization prospects,lime-treated kaolin exhibited maximum carbonation due to the higher availability of unreacted lime.The results suggest that,in addition to the increase in compressive strength,adequate calcium-bearing phases and macropores determine the efficiency of carbon mineralization in lime-treated clayey soils.

Ceramic Properties of Three Specimens of Alluvial Clays Used in Local Constructions from Mbouda Clay Deposit, West Cameroon

The Mbouda alluvial deposit is located at the foot of the Bamboutos mountains (West Cameroon) where three types of clayey materials are widespread. The populations collect these clays in their natural state in view of constructions using fired bricks or compressed blocks. Unfortunately, these buildings are not strong. This study investigates the causes of the strengthlessness of buildings and suggests solutions to overcome the difficulty. The research content includes field and laboratory studies. The methodology consists of sampling black (AN), white (AB) and red (AR) clays specimens identified in the study area and analysing them simultaneously at MIPROMALO (Cameroon) and at ACME LAB in Vancouver (Canada). The results obtained show a high sand content in the samples AN (64%), AB (55.2%), AR (30.9%). The compressive strength of the built specimens is low at 900˚C considered as the traditional firing temperature AN (0.94 MPa), AB (5.25 MPa), AR (2.18 MPa). The mineralogical series are identically made by kaolinite, chlorite, gibbsite, quartz, muscovite, biotite, goethite, magnetite and hematite. Silica (SiO2) presents higher contents AN (52.87%), AB (48.02%), AR (47.68%) followed by alumina (Al2O3) AN (29.96%), AB (28.13%), AR (24.72%). The other elements are poorly represented.

特色馆藏资源“江苏医学流派数据库”的开发与建设

本文论述了由南京中医药大学图书馆承建,CALIS三期专题特色数据库子项目江苏医学流派数据库的建立的背景,并对建设该特色数据库过程中的具体实践和存在的问题进行研究与探讨。

涝渍胁迫对冬小麦生长因子变化的影响研究

通过田间试验,研究了水位调控下不同生育阶段涝渍胁迫对作物生长指标(茎蘖数、株高、冠层叶面积指数(CLAI)及地上干物质量)的影响。结果表明,返青分蘖期涝渍胁迫使小麦茎蘖数增多,拔节孕穗期和抽穗开花期涝渍胁迫则使小麦茎蘖数迅速下降,而乳熟期涝渍胁迫则对小麦茎蘖数影响不明显;返青分蘖期、拔节孕穗期及抽穗开花期控水对株高影响最为明显,应尽量避免在拔节孕穗期受涝渍胁迫;返青分蘖期、拔节孕穗期涝渍胁迫不利于叶片生长,导致冠层叶面积指数下降,抽穗开花期受渍胁迫导致小麦晚熟,冠层叶面积指数增大,乳熟期受涝胁迫加速了叶片的衰老,导冠层叶面积指数迅速下降;考虑到小麦地上干物质量的积累,应避免在返青分蘖期、拔节孕穗期、抽穗开花期涝渍胁迫,且应以较大的地下水降落速度排出地下水。

Intelligent modelling of clay compressibility using hybrid meta-heuristic and machine learning algorithms

Compression index Ccis an essential parameter in geotechnical design for which the effectiveness of correlation is still a challenge.This paper suggests a novel modelling approach using machine learning(ML)technique.The performance of five commonly used machine learning(ML)algorithms,i.e.back-propagation neural network(BPNN),extreme learning machine(ELM),support vector machine(SVM),random forest(RF)and evolutionary polynomial regression(EPR)in predicting Cc is comprehensively investigated.A database with a total number of 311 datasets including three input variables,i.e.initial void ratio e0,liquid limit water content wL,plasticity index Ip,and one output variable Cc is first established.Genetic algorithm(GA)is used to optimize the hyper-parameters in five ML algorithms,and the average prediction error for the 10-fold cross-validation(CV)sets is set as thefitness function in the GA for enhancing the robustness of ML models.The results indicate that ML models outperform empirical prediction formulations with lower prediction error.RF yields the lowest error followed by BPNN,ELM,EPR and SVM.If the ranges of input variables in the database are large enough,BPNN and RF models are recommended to predict Cc.Furthermore,if the distribution of input variables is continuous,RF model is the best one.Otherwise,EPR model is recommended if the ranges of input variables are small.The predicted correlations between input and output variables using five ML models show great agreement with the physical explanation.

Effect of Sample Disturbance on Unconfined Compression Strength of Natural Marine Clays

Quantitatively correcting the unconfined compressive strength for sample disturbance is an important research project in the practice of ocean engineering and geotechnical engineering. In this study, the specimens of undisturbed natural marine clay obtained from the same depth at the same site were deliberately disturbed to different levels. Then, the specimens with different extents of sample disturbance were trimmed for both oedometer tests and unconfined compression tests. The degree of sample disturbance SD is obtained from the oedometer test data. The relationship between the unconfined compressive strength q u and SD is studied for investigating the effect of sample disturbance on q u. It is found that the value of q u decreases linearly with the increase in SD. Then, a simple method of correcting q u for sample disturbance is proposed. Its validity is also verified through analysis of the existing published data.

Low-salinity-based enhanced oil recovery literature review and associated screening criteria

A thorough literature review is conducted that pertains to low-salinity-based enhanced oil recovery(EOR).This is meant to be a comprehensive review of all the refereed published papers,conference papers,master’s theses and other reports in this area.The review is specifically focused on establishing various relations/characteristics or"screening criteria"such as:(1)classification/grouping of clays that have shown or are amenable to low-salinity benefits;(2)clay types vs.range of residual oil saturations;(3)API gravity and down hole oil viscosity range that is amenable for low salinity;(4)salinity range for EOR benefits;(5)pore sizes,porosity,absolute permeability and wettability range for low-salinity EOR;(6)continuous low-salinity injection vs.slug-wise injection;(7)grouping of possible low-salinity mechanisms;(8)contradictions or similarities between laboratory experiments and field evidence;and(9)compositional variations in tested low-salinity waters.A proposed screening criterion for low-salinity waterflooding is introduced.It can be concluded that either one or more of these mechanisms,or a combination thereof,may be the case-specific mechanism,i.e.,depending on the particular oil–brine–rock(OBR)system rather than something that is"universal"or universally applicable.Therefore,every OBR system that is unique or specific ought to be individually investigated to determine the benefits(if any)of low-salinity water injection;however,the proposed screening criteria may help in narrowing down some of the dominant responsible mechanisms.Although this review primarily focuses on sandstones,given the prominence of carbonates containing^60%of the world’s oil reserves,a summary of possible mechanisms and screening criteria,pertaining to low-salinity waterflooding,for carbonates is also included.Finally,the enhancement of polymer flooding by using low-salinity water as a makeup water to further decrease the residual oil saturation is also discussed.

THE STEPWISE EXCHANGE ACTION AND STERIC HINDRANCE EFFECT OF ORGANIC PHENOLS ON CLAYS IN SEAWATER

The exchange action of six types of organic phenols on clay surfaces in seawater is systematically studied in this work. The following significant conclusions are drawn from the experiments. (1) The interaction of organic phenols with montmorillonite, illite and kaolinite in seawater is monovalent anion exchage.(2) Their isotherms of stepwise exchage on clay surfaces belong to the Langmuir type or stepwise type.(3) The discovery of the"steric hindrance effects of stepwise exchange of organic phenols on clays surfaces", and revelation of an exchange mechanisrn diffeient from that in references are the greatest achieverments in this work.

Effect of sorbed and desorbed Zn(Ⅱ) on the growth of a green alga (Chlorella pyrenoidosa)

Toxic effect of Zn（II） on a green alga （Chlorella pyrenoidosa） in the presence of sepiolite and kaolinite was investigated. The Zn-free clays were found to have a negative impact on the growth of C. pyrenoidosa in comparison with control samples （without adding any clay or Zn（II））. When Zn（II） was added, the algae in the presence of clays could be better survived than the control samples, which was actually caused by a decrease in Zn（II） concentration in the solution owing to the adsorption of Zn（II） on the clays. When the solution system was diluted, the growth of algae could be further inhibited as compared to that in a system which had the same initial Zn（II） concentration as in the diluted system. This in fact resulted from desorption of Zn（II） from the zinc-contaminated clays, although the effect varied according to the different desorption capabilities of sepiolite and kaolinite. Therefore the adsorption and desorption processes of Zn（H） played an important part in its toxicity, and adsorption and desorption of pollutants on soils/sediments should be well considered in natural eco-environmental systems before their risk of toxicity to aquatic organisms was assessed objectively.

Optimized functional linked neural network for predicting diaphragm wall deflection induced by braced excavations in clays

Deep excavation during the construction of underground systems can cause movement on the ground,especially in soft clay layers.At high levels,excessive ground movements can lead to severe damage to adjacent structures.In this study,finite element analyses(FEM)and the hardening small strain(HSS)model were performed to investigate the deflection of the diaphragm wall in the soft clay layer induced by braced excavations.Different geometric and mechanical properties of the wall were investigated to study the deflection behavior of the wall in soft clays.Accordingly,1090 hypothetical cases were surveyed and simulated based on the HSS model and FEM to evaluate the wall deflection behavior.The results were then used to develop an intelligent model for predicting wall deflection using the functional linked neural network(FLNN)with different functional expansions and activation functions.Although the FLNN is a novel approach to predict wall deflection;however,in order to improve the accuracy of the FLNN model in predicting wall deflection,three swarm-based optimization algorithms,such as artificial bee colony(ABC),Harris’s hawk’s optimization(HHO),and hunger games search(HGS),were hybridized to the FLNN model to generate three novel intelligent models,namely ABC-FLNN,HHO-FLNN,HGS-FLNN.The results of the hybrid models were then compared with the basic FLNN and MLP models.They revealed that FLNN is a good solution for predicting wall deflection,and the application of different functional expansions and activation functions has a significant effect on the outcome predictions of the wall deflection.It is remarkably interesting that the performance of the FLNN model was better than the MLP model with a mean absolute error(MAE)of 19.971,root-mean-squared error(RMSE)of 24.574,and determination coefficient(R^(2))of 0.878.Meanwhile,the performance of the MLP model only obtained an MAE of 20.321,RMSE of 27.091,and R^(2)of 0.851.Furthermore,the results also indicated that the proposed hybrid models,i.e.,ABC-FLNN,HHO-FLNN,HGS-FLNN,yielded more superior performances than those of the FLNN and MLP models in terms of the prediction of deflection behavior of diaphragm walls with an MAE in the range of 11.877 to 12.239,RMSE in the range of 15.821 to 16.045,and R^(2)in the range of 0.949 to 0.951.They can be used as an alternative tool to simulate diaphragm wall deflections under different conditions with a high degree of accuracy.

Physics-based and data-driven modeling for stability evaluation of buried structures in natural clays

This study presents a hybrid framework to predict stability solutions of buried structures under active trapdoor conditions in natural clays with anisotropy and heterogeneity by combining physics-based and data-driven modeling.Finite-element limit analysis(FELA)with a newly developed anisotropic undrained shear(AUS)failure criterion is used to identify the underlying active failure mechanisms as well as to develop a numerical(physics-based)database of stability numbers for both planar and circular trapdoors.Practical considerations are given for natural clays to three linearly increasing shear strengths in compression,extension,and direct simple shear in the AUS material model.The obtained numerical solutions are compared and validated with published solutions in the literature.A multivariate adaptive regression splines(MARS)algorithm is further utilized to learn the numerical solutions to act as fast FELA data-driven surrogates for stability evaluation.The current MARS-based modeling provides both relative importance index and accurate design equations that can be used with confidence by practitioners.

Thermo-mechanical constitutive modeling of unsaturated clays based on the critical state concepts

A thermo-mechanical constitutive model for unsaturated clays is constructed based on the existingmodel for saturated clays originally proposed by the authors. The saturated clays model was formulatedin the framework of critical state soil mechanics and modified Cam-clay model. The existing model hasbeen generalized to simulate the experimentally observed behavior of unsaturated clays by introducingBishop＇s stress and suction as independent stress parameters and modifying the hardening rule and yieldcriterion to take into account the role of suction. Also, according to previous studies, an increase intemperature causes a reduction in specific volume. A reduction in suction （wetting） for a given confiningstress may induce an irreversible volumetric compression （collapse）. Thus an increase in suction （drying）raises a specific volume i.e. the movement of normal consolidation line （NCL） to higher values of voidratio. However, some experimental data confirm the assumption that this reduction is dependent on thestress level of soil element. A generalized approach considering the effect of stress level on themagnitude of clays thermal dependency in compression plane is proposed in this study. The number ofmodeling parameters is kept to a minimum, and they all have clear physical interpretations, to facilitatethe usefulness of model for practical applications. A step-by-step procedure used for parameter calibrationis also described. The model is finally evaluated using a comprehensive set of experimental datafor the thermo-mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils.2015 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Note on Soil Structure Resistance of Natural Marine Deposits

It has been well documented that natural normally-consolidated marine soils are generally subjected to the effects of soil structure. The interpretation of the resistance of soil structure is an important issue in the theory study and engineering practice of ocean engineering and geotechnical engineering. It is traditionally considered that the resistance of soil structure gradually disappears with increasing stress level when the applied stress is beyond the consolidation yield stress. In this study, however, it is found that this traditional interpretation of the resistance of soil structure can not explain the strength behavior of natural marine deposits with a normally-consolidated stress history. A new interpretation of the resistance of soil structure is proposed based on the strength behavior. In the preyield state, the undrained strength of natural marine deposits is composed of two components: one developed by the applied stress and the other developed by the resistance of soil structure. When the applied stress is beyond the consolidation yield stress, the strength behavior is independent of the resistance of soil structure.

A critical state based thermo-elasto-plastic constitutive model for structured clays

In this paper, a critical state based thermo-elasto-plastic constitutive model is developed for destructured, naturally structured and artificially structured saturated clays. The model is an extension of the previously developed thermo-mechanical model by the authors for saturated clays, considering the effects of structure on the mechanical behaviors of the soil. It is based on change in the position of normal consolidation line(NCL) in a compression plane(e-ln p′) due to the soil’s structure and variation of temperature. The present model is able to simulate the mechanical behavior of structured saturated clays in a triaxial plane at elevated temperatures lower than the boiling point of water. An attempt has been made to use the lowest possible number of parameters compared with that of Came Clay model and to ensure that these new parameters have clear physical interpretations. The sufficiency of the model was verified by the test results on artificially and naturally structured soils using thermal triaxial tests.

Mesoporous Silicoaluminum Pillared Clays with High Thermal Stability and BrФnsted/Lewis Acidity by One-pot Synthesis

Mesoporous silicoaluminum pillared clays have been synthesized by one-potgallery-templated synthesis using organomontmorillonite, tetraethyl orthosilicate and aluminaisopropoxide as precursor. According to the characterization by powder X-ray diffraction(PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), N2 adsorption isotherms and pyridine adsorptioninfrared (IR) techniques, the synthetic silicoaluminum pillared clays possess regular porosity withhigh thermal stability up to 750 ℃ and Br?nsted /Lewis acidity.

CLAYS程序及在大庆油田外围低渗透率地层的应用

介绍了Dresser Atlass公司在新泥质砂岩分析程序(CLASS)基础上发展起来的粘士矿物分析程序(CLAYS)及其在大庆油田外围低渗透率地层测井资料解释中的应用,并通过一口井的实例分析了该程序的应用情况,应用CLAYS程序处理了大庆油田外围8口探井的CSU测井资料,解释了228个层,其中有7口井的26个试油层,解释符合22层,符合率为84.6%。泥质含量、孔隙度分析结果和岩心分析结果具有很好的一致性。粘土矿物分析结果基本上和X衍射分析结果相吻合。

Probabilistic characterization of cyclic shear modulus reduction for normally to moderately over-consolidated clays

Evaluation of the cyclic shear modulus of soils is a crucial but challenging task for many geotechnical earthquake engineering and soil dynamic issues. Improper determination of this property unnecessarily drives up design and maintenance costs or even leads to the construction of unsafe structures. Due to the complexities involved in the direct measurement, empirical curves for estimating the cyclic shear modulus have been commonly adopted in practice for simplicity and economical considerations. However, a systematic and robust approach for formulating a reliable model and empirical curve for cyclic shear modulus prediction for clayey soils is still lacking. In this study, the Bayesian model class selection approach is utilized to identify the most significant soil parameters affecting the normalized cyclic shear modulus and a reliable predictive model for normally to moderately over-consolidated clays is proposed. Results show that the predictability and reliability of the proposed model out performs the well-known empirical models. Finally, a new design chart is established for practical usage.

Failure Loci of Suction Caisson Foundations Under CombinedLoading Conditions

Suction caissons are widely used to support offshore fixed platforms in coastal areas. The loadings transferred to suction caissons include the eccentric lateral force induced by waves and self weight of the platform structure. However, under this kind of combined loading conditions, the failure mechanism of caissons with shallow embedment depths is quite different from conventional deep foundations or onshore shallow footings. The behaviour of caissons subjected to combined loadings may be described with the ＂failure locus＂ in force resultant spaces. Here the failure loci of smooth caissons are studied by use of finite dement approach, with the embedment ratio of caissons varying in the range of 0.25 - 1.0 and eccentricity ratio of horizontal loadiugs in 0 - 10. The platform settlement and tilt limits are involved into determination of failure loci, thus the platforms can avoid significant displacements for the combined loadings located inside the failure locus. Three families of loading paths are used to map out the locus. It is found that the shape of failure loci depends on 3 non-dimensional parameters, and the failure locus of a given caisson changes gradually from the elliptical curve to hooked curve with increasing shear strength of soil. The lateral capacity of short caissons may be enhanced by vertical forces, compared with the maximum lateral capacity of long caissons occurring at the vertical force being zero. The critical embedment ratios partitioning elliptical and hooked loci are proposed.

Soil Development and Fertility Characteristics of Inland Valleys in the Rain Forest Zone of Nigeria: Mineralogical Composition and Particle-Size Distribution

The particle-size distribution and mineralogical composition of the clay （〈 2 μm） and fine-sand （0.25-0.10 mm） fractions in soils of two inland valleys in Abakaliki and Bende, Southeast Nigeria, were investigated to provide basic information on soil-forming processes and agricultural potentials. These soils were silty or clayey, deriving from Cretaceous or Tertiary shale materials. The particle-size distribution and its computation on a clay-free basis revealed relatively remarkable lithologic breaks in a couple of pedons. The effect of lithologic discontinuities on soil mineralogical composition was not, however, conspicuous. Petrographic investigation revealed that quartz predominantly comprised the fine-sand fraction in the soils at both study sites. Nevertheless, the clay mineralogical composition of the soils was a mixture of kaolinite, irregularly interstratified smectite-illite intergrades （S/I）, hydroxyl-A1 interlayered 2：1 type clays （HICs）, vermiculite, smectite, halloysite and illite along with fine-sized quartz in Abakaliki. The soils of Bende predominantly contained smectite, which was partially interlayered with hydroxyl-A1 and kaolinite. It is suggested that seasonal floodwater has slowed the disintegration of weatherable clay minerals inherited from the shale, while quartz originating from the sandstone is predominant in the fine-sand fraction. Additionally, a possible soil-forming process observed at the both study sites was ferrolysis, which was indicated by a clear decreasing pattern of HICs downward in the soil profiles, The entry of S/I and vertical distribution patterns for a couple of clay minerals in the pedon suggested that the soils in Abakaliki have developed under the significant influence of aeolian dust delivered by the Harmattan. The findings might describe a site-specific deposition pattern of Harmattan dusts as well as hydromorphic soil-forming processes in the wetlands of the inland valleys.