RB-DEM Modeling and Simulation of Non-Persisting Rough Open Joints Based on the IFS-Enhanced Method

When the geological environment of rock masses is disturbed,numerous non-persisting open joints can appear within it.It is crucial to investigate the effect of open joints on the mechanical properties of rock mass.However,it has been challenging to generate realistic open joints in traditional experimental tests and numerical simulations.This paper presents a novel solution to solve the problem.By utilizing the stochastic distribution of joints and an enhanced-fractal interpolation system(IFS)method,rough curves with any orientation can be generated.The Douglas-Peucker algorithm is then applied to simplify these curves by removing unnecessary points while preserving their fundamental shape.Subsequently,open joints are created by connecting points that move to both sides of rough curves based on the aperture distribution.Mesh modeling is performed to construct the final mesh model.Finally,the RB-DEM method is applied to transform the mesh model into a discrete element model containing geometric information about these open joints.Furthermore,this study explores the impacts of rough open joint orientation,aperture,and number on rock fracture mechanics.This method provides a realistic and effective approach for modeling and simulating these non-persisting open joints.

Seismic response of arch dams considering infinite radiation damping and joint opening effects

Effects of two important factors on earthquake response of high arch dams are considered and combined into one program.These tactors are:effects of radiation damping of the infinite canyon and local non-linearity of the contraction joint opening between the dam monoliths.For modeling of rock canyon,the discrete parameters are obtained based on a curve fitting, thus allowing the nonlinear dam system to be solved in the time domain.The earthquake uniform tree-field input at the dam-canyon interface is used.An engineering example is given to demonstrate the significant effects of the radiation damping on the structure response.

Seismic stability analysis of concrete gravity dams with penetrated cracks

The seismic stability of a cracked dam was examined in this study. Geometric nonlinearity and large deformations, as well as the contact condition at the crack site, were taken into consideration. The location of penetrated cracks was first identified using the concrete plastic-damage model based on the nonlinear finite element method （FEM）. Then, the hard contact algorithm was used to simulate the crack interaction in the normal direction, and the Coloumb friction model was used to simulate the crack interaction in the tangential direction. After verification of numerical models through a case study, the seismic stability of the Koyna Dam with two types of penetrated cracks is discussed in detail with different seismic peak accelerations, and the collapse processes of the cracked dam are also presented. The results show that the stability of the dam with two types of penetrated cracks can be ensured in an earthquake with a magnitude of the original Koyna earthquake, and the cracked dam has a large earthquake-resistant margin. The failure processes of the cracked dam in strong earthquakes can be divided into two stages： the sliding stage and the overturning stage. The sliding stage ends near the peak acceleration, and the top block slides a long distance along the crack before the collapse occurs. The maximum sliding displacement of the top block will decrease with an increasing friction coefficient at the crack site.

Safety evaluation of replacement reinforcement quality in abutment contact zones of ultra-high arch dam in first impoundment period based on prototype monitoring

Reinforcement quality evaluation at the abutment is an important research direction. Prototype monitoring and theoretical derivation were integrated to study the replacement reinforcement quality in abutment contact zones of the Xiaowan ultra-high arch dam. The principles of monitoring layout and design are introduced in detail. Prototype monitoring shows that the increment of the interfacial compressive stress is much larger in the impoundment stage than in the regulating stage. The water pressure and time-effect are two main factors affeeting the interfacial stress. The time-effect is the key factor in the initial impoundment stage, and the water pressure is the key factor after impoundment. The contact properties are significantly improved by grouting. This study shows that there are three typical stages in the joint opening hydrographs, namely the compression stage, opening stage, and stable stage. There is a nonlinear relationship between the joint opening and temperature, which can be well described by the S-function. In conclusion, the reinforcement effect is satisfying, and the abutment is safe.

Investigation of Compressive Refractory Creep

Creep of refractories at high temperatures may have significant influences on the thermomechanical behavior of refractory linings in industrial vessels,and thus the consideration of creep in finite element modeling of industrial vessels is necessary. The present paper introduces an advanced high temperature compressive creep device and a proper inverse procedure using Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm to identify Norton-Bailey creep parameters. In addition,finite element thermomechanical modeling results of a RH-snorkel are presented to illustrate the impact of creep,creep formulations and creep models on the circumferential stress and joint opening of the working lining.

Weakening behavior of waterproof performance in joints of shield tunnels under adjacent constructions

Groundwater leakage in shield tunnels poses a threat to the safety and durability of tunnel structures. Disturbance of adjacent constructions during the operation of shield tunnels frequently occurs in China, leading to deformation of tunnel lining and leakage in joints. Understanding the impact of adjacent constructions on the waterproofing performance of the lining is critical for the protection of shield tunnels. In this study, the weakening behavior of waterproof performance was investigated in the joints of shield tunnels under transverse deformation induced by adjacent construction. First, the relationship between the joint opening and transverse deformation under three typical adjacent constructions (upper loading, upper excavation, and side excavation) was investigated via elaborate numerical simulations. Subsequently, the evolution of the waterproof performance of a common gasket with a joint opening was examined by establishing a coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian model of joint seepage, and a formula describing the relationship between waterproof performance and joint opening was proposed. Finally, the weakening law of waterproofing performance was investigated based on the results of the aforementioned studies. It was determined that the joints with the greatest decline in waterproof performance were located at the tunnel shoulder in the upper loading case, tunnel crown in the upper excavation case, and tunnel shoulder in the side excavation case. When the waterproof performance of these joints decreased to 50% and 30%, the transverse deformations were 60 and 90 mm under upper loading, 90 and 140 mm under upper excavation, and 45 and 70 mm under side excavation, respectively. The results provide a straightforward reference for setting a controlled deformation standard considering the waterproof performance.