Experimental Analysis of Hydraulic Conductivity for Saturated Granular Soils

Hydraulic conductivity is the ability of a porous media to transfer water through its pore matrix. That is a key parameter for the design and analysis of soil fluid associated structures and issues. This paper presents the test results of the vertical hydraulic conductivity kv carried out on one poorly graded sand and three gap graded gravely sand. It was found that the vertical hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil depends on the grain size distribution curve, on the initial relative density of the soil. Compilation of these current test results and other test results published, shows that the common approaches predict well to some extent the vertical hydraulic conductivity kv for the poorly graded sand materials and underestimate the kv values for gap graded gravely sand materials. Therefore, new approaches are developed for the prediction of the vertical hydraulic conductivity in saturated poorly graded sand and gap graded gravely sand. The derived results from the new approaches lie in the range of the recommended values by (EAU 2012) and (NAVFAC DM 7 1974).

Torsional vibration of a pipe pile in transversely isotropic saturated soil

This study considers the torsional vibration of a pipe pile in a transversely isotropic saturated soil layer. Based on Biot＇s poroelastic theory and the constitutive relations of the transversely isotropic medium, the dynamic governing equations of the outer and inner transversely isotropic saturated soil layers are derived. The Laplace transform is used to solve the governing equations of the outer and inner soil layers. The dynamic torsional response of the pipe pile in the frequency domain is derived utilizing 1D elastic theory and the continuous conditions at the interfaces between the pipe pile and the soils. The time domain solution is obtained by Fourier inverse transform. A parametric study is conducted to demonstrate the influence of the anisotropies of the outer and inner soil on the torsional dynamic response of the pipe pile.

Dynamic analysis of slab track on multi-layered transversely isotropic saturated soils subjected to train loads

The dynamic responses of a slab track on transversely isotropic saturated soils subjected to moving train loads are investigated by a semi-analytical approach. The track model is described as an upper Euler beam to simulate the rails and a lower Euler beam to model the slab. Rail pads between the rails and slab are represented by a continuous layer of springs and dashpots. A series of point loads are formulated to describe the moving train loads. The governing equations of track-ground systems are solved using the double Fourier transform, and the dynamic responses in the time domain are obtained by the inverse Fourier transform. The results show that a train load with high velocity will generate a larger response in transversely isotropic saturated soil than the lower velocity load, and special attention should be paid on the pore pressure in the vicinity of the ground surface. The anisotropic parameters of a surface soil layer will have greater influence on the displacement and excess pore water pressure than those of the subsoil layer. The traditional design method taking ground soil as homogeneous isotropic soil is unsafe for the case of RE 〈 1 and RG 〈 1, so a transversely isotropic foundation model is of great significance to the design for high train velocities.

Reflection and transmission of seismic waves at an interface betwen two saturated soils

Based on the modified Biot model for asturated soils, taking the compressibilities of the grains and the pore fluid as well as the viscous coupling into account, the reflection and transmission of seismic aves at an interface between two saturated soils are studied in this paper. A formula is derived for calculation of the amplitude reflection and transmission coefficients of various waves. A aumerical investigation of the dependence of the coefficients on the angle of incidence and the frequency is performed. This study is of a value for seismological studies and geophysical exploration.

Numerical simulation and experimental validation of moisture-heat coupling for saturated frozen soils

In seasonally frozen regions,freezing-and-thawing action is the main cause responsible for the destruction of canals,which is closely linked to the temperature gradient and water transport.To investigate the behaviour of soils under freezing-and-thawing actions,many numerical models have been established that consider the important coupling of moisture transport and temperature evolution;but they contain excessive parameters,some of which are rather difficult to determine.Based on the well-known Harlan's theory,a simple moisture-heat coupling model was recently proposed to quantify the coupled moisture-heat transport performance of soils in terms of the central temperature and porosity.The mathematical module of COMSOL Multiphysics was further employed to solve the governing equations numerically.To validate our model,a thorough experimental scheme was carried out in our lab.The measured temperature distribution was found to be consistent with the predicted results.

Dynamic torsional response of pre-strained end bearing pile embedded in pre-strained isotropic saturated soil medium

The influence of initial strain state on the dynamic response of an end bearing pile embedded in isotropic saturated soil is investigated through the linearized theory of small elastic perturbation superposed on largely stressed bodies. The governing equations for soil, based on Blot＇s poroelasticity theory, are derived in the cylindrical coordinates, and the pile is modeled by using the one-dimensional elastic theory. The analytical solutions of pile impedance, frequency response of both twist angle and time history of velocity response are obtained by using of separation of variables technique. Finally, a parametric study of the influence of initial strains on the torsional impedance, twist angle, and velocity response at the top of the pile is carried out.

The reflection and transmission of elastic waves at a interface between a transversely isotropi celastic soils and saturated soils

According to Biot′s wave equation of transversely isotropic saturated soil, this paper deduces the general equation of the reflection coefficients and transmission coefficients when qP 1 wave goes through from saturated soil to elastic media. The effects of anisotropies and boundary drainage condition on reflection coefficients and transmission coefficients are analyzed by numerical method. The idea of this paper can be applied to the case when qSV wave or qP 2 wave goes through from saturated soils to elastic soils.

Fully fluid-solid coupling dynamic model for seismic response of underground structures in saturated soils

The seismic response characteristics of underground structures in saturated soils are investigated.A fully fluid-solid coupling dynamic model is developed and implemented into ABAQUS with a user-defined element to simulate the dynamic behavior of saturated soils.The accuracy of the model is validated using a classic example in literature.The performance of the model is verified by its application on simulating the seismic response characteristics of a subway station built in saturated soils.The merits of the model are demonstrated by comparing the difference of the seismic response of an underground structure in saturated soils between using the fully coupling model and a single-phase medium model.The study finds that the fully coupling model developed herein can simulate the dynamic response characteristics of the underground structures in saturated soils with high accuracy.The seismic response of the underground structure tends to be underestimated by using the single-phase medium model compared with using the fully coupling model,which provides a weaker confining action to the underground structure.

Layer-element analysis of multilayered saturated soils subject to axisymmetric vertical time-harmonic excitation

The analytical layer-elements for a single poroelastic soil layer and the underlying half-space are established using an algebraic manipulation and Hankel trans- form. According to the boundary conditions and adjacent continuity conditions of general stresses and displacements, a global matrix equation in the transform domain for multi- layered saturated soil media is assembled and solved. Solutions in the frequency domain can be further obtained with an inverse Hankel transform. Numerical examples are used to examine accuracy of the present method and demonstrate effects of soil parameters and load conditions on dynamic responses of the multilayered poroelastic saturated soils.

scattering and refracting of plane strain wave by a cylindrical inclusion in fluidsaturated soils

The problems involving scattering and refracting of plane strain wave by a cylinder in fluidsaturated soils are studied in this paper. The theoretical solutions for the amplitudes of scattering and refracting are derived on the basis of modified Biot′s theory for twophase medium in engineering, in which the compressibility of soil grains and the viscous coupling effect between the skeletal frame and the pore fluid are taken into account. Moreover, the amplitude equations of potential function are presented when the fluidsaturated soil cylindrical inclusion is degenerated into cylindrical cavity, rigid cylinder, single phase elastic cylinder and single phase fluid cylinder.

New artificial boundary condition for saturated soil foundations

Anew artificial boundary model based on multi-directional transmitting and viscous-spring artificial boundary theories is proposed to absorb stress waves in a saturated soil foundation in dynamic analysis. Since shear waves （S-waves） are the same in a saturated soil foundation and a single-phase medium foundation, a tangential visco-elastic boundary condition for a single-phase medium foundation can also be used for saturated soil foundations. Thus, the purpose of the artificial boundary proposed in this paper is primarily to absorb two types of P-waves in a saturated soil foundation. The main idea is that the stress of the P-waves in the saturated soil foundation is decomposed into two types. The first type of stress, δra＇ is absorbed by the first artificial boundary. The second type of stress, δrb, is balanced by the stress generated by the second artificial boundary. Ultimately, both types of P-waves （fast-P-waves and slow-P-waves） are absorbed by the artificial boundary model proposed in this paper. In particular, note that the fast-P-waves and slow-P-waves are absorbed at the position of the first boundary. Thus, the artificial boundary model proposed herein can simultaneously absorb P-fast waves, P-slow waves and shear waves. Finally, a numerical example is given to examine the proposed artificial boundary model, and the results show that it is very accurate.

Effect of an Anionic Surfactant on Hydraulic Conductivities of Sodium- and Calcium-Saturated Soils

The effect of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), an anionic surfactant used widely in household products and industrial processes, on saturated hydraulic conductivities (Ksat) of an Anthrosol saturated with sodium (Na-soil) or calcium (Ca-soil) was analyzed in a laboratory experiment using the constant head method, and adsorption and dispersion experiments were also conducted to infer the possible mechanisms of Ksat fluctuations. The results showed that SDBS was more intensely adsorbed in the Ca-soil than in the Na-soil. With an increase in the SDBS concentration, the stability of the Na-soil suspensions decreased when the SDBS concentration was less than 1.2 mmol L-1 and then above this concentration, increased markedly, while the stability of the Ca-soil suspensions increased gradually at all SDBS concentrations studied. With an increase in the SDBS concentration, the Ksat of the Na-soil increased, which resulted mainly from the increase of water channels in the soil because of the coagulation of the soil particles, while the Ksat of Ca-soil decreased mainly on account of the clogging of partial water channels by precipitated Ca(DBS)2 and the fine soil particles generated.

Instability of Saturated Soilunder Axial Load

A theoretical description of instability of saturated soil under axial load is presented with a set of equations describing the deformation based on the two phase continuous media theory. It is shown that all parameters of water and soil influence the instability and two types of instability may exist. One of them is dominated by pore pressure softening, while the other by strain softening. Finally, a practical application is discussed.

A Flexible Model for Moisture-Suction Relationship for Unsaturated Soils and Its Application

The mathematical equation for the moisture-suction relationship also known as soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) is one of the constitutive relations necessary for the computational modeling of deformation and flow problems of unsaturated soil using the finite element method. In this paper, a new empirical equa-tion for the SWCC is developed that incorporates the actual airentry suction and the maximum possible suction of the soil as input parameters. The capability of the new model is investigated by fitting the experimental data for twelve different soils that includes sands, silts, and clays. The model fits the experimental data well including in high suction range which is one of the difficulties observed in other commonly used models such as the Brooks and Corey, van Genuchten, and Fredlund and Xing models. The numerical stability and the performance of the new model at low and high degrees of saturations in finite element simulation are investigated by simulating the dynamic response of a compacted embankment and the results are compared with similar predictions made using widely used SWCC models.

Soil pressure and pore pressure for seismic design of tunnels revisited: considering water-saturated, poroelastic half-space

This paper describes a systematic study on the fundamental features of seismic soil pressure on underground tunnels, in terms of its magnitude and distribution, and further identifi es the dominant factors that signifi cantly infl uence the seismic soil pressure. A tunnel embedded in water-saturated poroelastic half-space is considered, with a large variety of model and excitation parameters. The primary features of both the total soil pressure and the pore pressure are investigated. Taking a circular tunnel as an example, the results are presented using a fi nite element-indirect boundary element(FE-IBE) method, which can account for dynamic soil-tunnel interaction and solid frame-pore water coupling. The effects of tunnel stiffness, tunnel buried depth and input motions on the seismic soil pressure and pore pressure are also examined. It is shown that the most crucial factors that dominate the magnitude and distribution of the soil pressure are the tunnel stiffness and dynamic soil-tunnel interaction. Moreover, the solid frame-pore water coupling has a prominent infl uence on the magnitude of the pore pressure. The fi ndings are benefi cial to obtain insight into the seismic soil pressure on underground tunnels, thus facilitating more accurate estimation of the seismic soil pressure.

Relationship of Resistivity with Water Content and Fissures of Unsaturated Expansive Soils

The development of fissures in expansive soils has a great effect on the stability of slope. Of the three phases of soils,the gas phase and solid phase are relatively insulated,so the average resistivity of soils can be calculated from the resistivity of the liquid phase. On this basis,the two-part model of resistivity changing with the water saturation of the expansive soil can be deduced. A 2-D resistance grid model is established based on simulating the resistance of ver-tically developed fissures. Variation in measured resistance of vertically developed fissures at different positions can be calculated from this model. Fissure development can be inversely determined from the variation in the measured resis-tance. Finally,the model is verified by an indoor resistivity test for remolded soil samples,indicating that the test result agrees well with that of the model established.

Scattering wave field around a cavity with circular cross-section embedded in saturated soil using boundary element method

Based on Biot’s theory and considering the properties of a cavity,the boundary integral equations for the numerical simulation of wave scattering around a cavity with a circular cross-section embedded in saturated soil are obtained using integral transform methods.The Cauchy type singularity of the boundary integral equation is discussed.The effectiveness of the properties of soil mass and incident field on the dynamic stress concentration and pore pressure concentration around a cavity is analyzed.Our results are in good agreement with the existing solution.The numerical results of this work show that the dynamic stress concentration and pore pressure concentration are influenced by the degree of fluid–solid coupling as well as the pore compressibility and water permeability of saturated soil.With increased degree of fluid–solid coupling,the dynamic stress concentration improves from 1.87 to 3.42 and the scattering becomes more significant.With decreased index of soil mass compressibility,the dynamic stress concentration increases and its maximum reaches 3.67.The dynamic stress concentration increases from 1.64 to 3.49 and pore pressure concentration improves from 0.18 to 0.46 with decreased water permeability of saturated soil.

Vertical vibration of a floating pile in a saturated viscoelastic soil layer overlaying bedrock

An axisymmetrical analytical solution is developed to investigate the vertical time-harmonic vibration of a floating pile in a saturated viscoelastic soil layer overlaying bedrock. The soil is described by porous medium model established by Boer, while the pile is described by a beam vibration theory. By using separation theory of differential operator and variables to solve the dynamic governing equations for the soil, the fundamental solutions for the soil reactions on side and bottom of the pile are obtained. The dynamic impedance of the pile head is then derived by solving the vibration equation for the pile according to the compatibility condition between the pile and the soil. The proposed model is validated by comparing special cases of our model with the existing results. Numerical examples are presented to analyze the vibration characteristics of the pile.

Axisymmetrical analytical solution for vertical vibration of end-bearing pile in saturated viscoelastic soil layer

Based on elasticity and the theory of saturated porous media, and regarding the pile and the soil as a single phase elastic and a saturated viscoelastic media, respectively, the dynamical behavior of vertical vibration of an end-bearing pile in a saturated viscoelastic soil layer is investigated in the frequency domain using the Helmholtz decomposition and variable separation method. The axisymmetrical analytical solutions for vertical vibrations of the pile in a saturated viscoelastic soil layer are obtained, and the analytical expression of the dynamical complex stiffness of the pile top is presented. Responses of dynamic stiffness factor and equivalent damping of pile top with respect to the frequency are shown in figures using a numerical method. Effects of the saturated soil parameters, modulus ratio of the pile to soil, slenderness ratio of pile and pile＇s Poisson ratio, etc. on the stiffness factor and damping are examined. It is shown that, due to the effect of the transversal deformation of the pile and the radial force of the saturated viscoelastic soil acting on the pile, the dynamic stiffness factor and the damping derived from the axisymmetrical solution are greatly different from those derived from the classical Euler-Bernoulli rod model, especially at some specific excitation frequencies. Therefore, there are limitations on applicability of the Euler-Bernoulli rod model in analyzing verticai vibration of the pile. More accurate analysis should be based on a three-dimensional model.