The role of polyurethane foam compressible layer in the mechanical behaviour of multi-layer yielding supports for deep soft rock tunnels

The polyurethane foam(PU)compressible layer is a viable solution to the problem of damage to the secondary lining in squeezing tunnels.Nevertheless,the mechanical behaviour of the multi-layer yielding supports has not been thoroughly investigated.To fill this gap,large-scale model tests were conducted in this study.The synergistic load-bearing mechanics were analyzed using the convergenceconfinement method.Two types of multi-layer yielding supports with different thicknesses(2.5 cm,3.75 cm and 5 cm)of PU compressible layers were investigated respectively.Digital image correlation(DIC)analysis and acoustic emission(AE)techniques were used for detecting the deformation fields and damage evolution of the multi-layer yielding supports in real-time.Results indicated that the loaddisplacement relationship of the multi-layer yielding supports could be divided into the crack initiation,crack propagation,strain-hardening,and failure stages.Compared with those of the stiff support,the toughness,deformability and ultimate load of the yielding supports were increased by an average of 225%,61%and 32%,respectively.Additionally,the PU compressible layer is positioned between two primary linings to allow the yielding support to have greater mechanical properties.The analysis of the synergistic bearing effect suggested that the thickness of PU compressible layer and its location significantly affect the mechanical properties of the yielding supports.The use of yielding supports with a compressible layer positioned between the primary and secondary linings is recommended to mitigate the effects of high geo-stress in squeezing tunnels.

Physical model test and numerical simulation on the failure mechanism of the roadway in layered soft rocks

To explore the failure mechanism of roadway in layered soft rocks,a physical model with the physically finite elemental slab assemblage(PFESA)method was established.Infrared thermography and a video camera were employed to capture thermal responses and deformation.The model results showed that layered soft roadway suffered from large deformation.A three-dimensional distinct element code(3 DEC)model with tetrahedral blocks was built to capture the characteristics of roadway deformation,stress,and cracks.The results showed two failure patterns,layer bending fracture and layer slipping after excavation.The layer bending fracture occurred at positions where the normal direction of layers pointed to the inside of the roadway and the layer slipping occurred in the ribs.Six schemes were proposed to investigate the effects of layered soft rocks.The results showed that the deformation of ribs was obviously larger than that of the roof and floor when the roadway passed through three types of strata.When the roadway was completely in a coal seam,the change of deformation in ribs was not obvious,while the deformation in the roof and floor increased obviously.These results can provide guidance for excavation and support design of roadways in layered soft rocks.

A three-layer structure model for the effect of a soft middle layer on Love waves propagating in layered piezoelectric systems

A three-layer structure model is proposed for investigating the effect of a soft elastic middle layer on the propagation behavior of Love waves in piezoelectric layered systems, with ＂soft＂ implying that the bulk-shear-wave velocity of the middle layer is smaller than that of the upper sensitive layer. Dispersion equations are obtained for unelectroded and traction-free upper surfaces which, in the limit, can be reduced to those for classical Love waves. Systematic parametric studies are subsequently carried out to quantify the effects of the soft middle layer upon Love wave propagation, including its thickness, mass density, dielectric constant and elastic coefficient. It is demonstrated that whilst the thickness and elastic coefficient of the middle layer affect significantly Love wave propagation, its mass density and dielectric constant have negligible influence. On condition that both the thickness and elastic coefficient of the middle layer are vanishingly small so that it degenerates into an imperfectly bonded interface, the three-layer model is also employed to investigate the influence of imperfect interfaces on Love waves propagating in piezoelectric layer/elastic sub- strate systems. Upon comparing with the predictions ob- tained by employing the traditional shear-lag model, the present three-layer structure model is found to be more ac- curate as it avoids the unrealistic displacement discontinuity across imperfectly bonded interfaces assumed by the shearlag model, especially for long waves when the piezoelectric layer is relatively thin.

Lateral compression and energy absorption of foamed concrete-filled polyethylene circular pipe as yielding layer for high geo-stress soft rock tunnels

Foamed concrete as energy absorption material for high geo-stress soft rock tunnels has been proven to be feasible due to its high compressibility and lightweight.However,the lengthy curing and defoaming problems caused by the cast-in-place method of large-volume foamed concrete remain unsolved.In this study,we propose a novel energy absorber composed of foamed concrete-filled polyethylene(FC-PE)pipe and analyze its deformation and energy absorption capacity via quasi-static lateral compression experiments.Results show that FC-PE pipes exhibit typical three-stage deformation characteristics,comprising the elastic stage,the plastic plateau,and the densification stage.Furthermore,the plateau stress,energy absorption,and specific energy absorption of the specimens are 0.81–1.91 MPa,164–533 J,and 1.4–3.6 J/g,respectively.As the density of the foamed concrete increases,the plateau stress and energy absorption increase significantly.Conversely,the length of the plastic plateau and energy absorption efficiency decrease.Moreover,based on the vertical slice method,progressive compression of core material,and the 6 plastic hinges deformation mechanism of the pipe wall,a theoretical calculation method for effective energy absorption is established and achieves good agreement with experimental results,which is beneficial to the optimization of the composite structure.

Time-dependent squeezing deformation mechanism of tunnels in layered soft-rock stratum under high geo-stress

Large squeezing deformation of layered soft rock tunnel under high geo-stress has a significant time-dependent deformation behavior.In this paper,we studied the deformation mechanism during the construction period of deep-buried softrock tunnel by means of a combination of field observations and a numerical method.First,a new classification criterion for large deformations based on the power exponent variation law between the deformation and the strength-stress ratio is proposed.Then,the initial damage tensor reflecting the bedding plane(joint)distribution and an equivalent damage evolution equation derived from the viscoplastic strain are introduced based on the geometric research method,i.e.,a new rheological damage model(RDL model)of layered soft rock is established consisting of elastic,viscous,viscoelastic,viscoplastic and plastic elements.A field test was conducted on the Maoxian tunnel in Sichuan province,southwestern China,which is in broken phyllite(layered soft rock)under high geo-stress.The tunnel has experienced large deformation due to serious squeezing pressure,thus we adopted double primary support method to overcome the supporting structure failure problems.The rheological parameters of phyllite in the Maoxian tunnel were recognized by using SA-PSO optimization,and the RDL model does a good job in describing the time-dependent deformation behavior of a layered soft-rock tunnel under high geo-stress.Thus,the RDL model was used to investigate the supporting effect and bearing mechanism of the double primary support method.Compared with the single primary support method,the surrounding rock pressure,secondary lining force,surrounding rock deformation,and the depth of the damage to the rock mass was reduced by 40%-60%after the double primary support method was used.

Preparation and characterization of carbonyl iron soft magnetic composites with magnesioferrite insulating coating layer

Spherical carbonyl iron(Fe)powders were coated with magnesioferrite(MgFe2O4)insulating coating layer and then mixed with epoxy-modified silicone resin(ESR).Soft magnetic composites(SMCs)were fabricated by compaction of the coated powders and annealing treatment.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS),X-ray diffractometry(XRD)and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)revealed that the MgFe2O4 layer was coated on the surface of the iron powders.The magnetic properties of SMCs were determined using a vibrating sample magnetometer and an auto testing system for magnetic materials.The results showed that the SMCs prepared at 800 MPa and 550℃ exhibited a significant core loss of 167.5 W/kg at 100 kHz and 50 mT.

Integrated simulation and monitoring to analyze failure mechanism of the anti-dip layered slope with soft and hard rock interbedding

The significant difference between the mechanical properties of soft rock and hard rock results in the complexity of the failure mode of the anti-dip layered slope with soft and hard rock interbedding.In order to reveal the landslide mechanism,taking the north slope of Fushun West Open-pit Mine as an example,this paper analyzed the failure mechanism of different landslides with monitoring and field surveys,and simulated the evolution of landslides.The study indicated that when the green mudstone(hard rock)of the anti-dip slope contains siltized intercalations(soft rock),the existence of weak layers not only aggravates the toppling deformation of anti-dip layered slope with high dip,but also causes the shear failure of anti-dip layered slope with stable low dip.The shear failure including subsidence induced sliding and wedge failure mainly exists in the unloading zone of the slope.Its failure depth and failure time were far less than that of toppling failure.In terms of the development characteristics of deformation,toppling deformation has the long-term and progressive characteristics,but shear failure deformation has the abrupt and transient characteristics.This study has deepened the understanding of such slope landslide mechanism,and can provide reference for similar engineering.

Numerical simulation for rheological characteristics of alternating distribution of soft and hard rock layers

The difficulty of selecting appropriate rheological model and parameters for the alternating distribution of soft and hard rock layers was often encountered due to the unhomogeneity, discontinuity and anisotropy of rock mass. The Burgers and generalized Kelvin models were applied to the soft and hard rock respectively and the rheological parameters were obtained based on the method of optimum separation. By using the simulated code FLAC^(3D), the stability of surrounding rocks of a certain underground plant was analyzed. The effect of surface load and weakening the parameters intensity of argillaceous and bioclastic interlayers between soft and hard rock on rheological behavior of layer composite rock mass was investigated. The results indicate that the rheological characteristics of soft and hard rock layer in composite rock mass can be described well with above two rheological models.

An Innovative Soft Design Science Methodology for Improving Development of a Secure Information System in Tanzania Using Multi-Layered Approach

This paper presents an innovative Soft Design Science Methodology for improving information systems security using multi-layered security approach. The study applied Soft Design Science Methodology to address the problematic situation on how information systems security can be improved. In addition, Soft Design Science Methodology was compounded with mixed research methodology. This holistic approach helped for research methodology triangulation. The study assessed security requirements and developed a framework for improving information systems security. The study carried out maturity level assessment to determine security status quo in the education sector in Tanzania. The study identified security requirements gap (IT security controls, IT security measures) using ISO/IEC 21827: Systems Security Engineering-Capability Maturity Model (SSE-CMM) with a rating scale of 0 - 5. The results of this study show that maturity level across security domain is 0.44 out of 5. The finding shows that the implementation of IT security controls and security measures for ensuring security goals are lacking or conducted in ad-hoc. Thus, for improving the security of information systems, organisations should implement security controls and security measures in each security domain (multi-layer security). This research provides a framework for enhancing information systems security during capturing, processing, storage and transmission of information. This research has several practical contributions. Firstly, it contributes to the body of knowledge of information systems security by providing a set of security requirements for ensuring information systems security. Secondly, it contributes empirical evidence on how information systems security can be improved. Thirdly, it contributes on the applicability of Soft Design Science Methodology on addressing the problematic situation in information systems security. The research findings can be used by decision makers and lawmakers to improve existing cyber security laws, and enact laws for data privacy and sharing of open data.

A study on mixed coal simulation soft layer of gas adsorption

Based on the single coal adsorption gas, hard coal and soft coal of intake airway in Shanxi Heshun Tianchi Coal Mine were chosen to simulate the soft coal seams in coalbed as those in different qualities are mixed with delamination. Experiments on characteristics of adsorption gas of hard coal and soft coal in different quality ratios were done according to the Langmuir single molecule layer absorption theory. Gas constant mensuration instrument WY-98B was used during the experiments. Isothermal adsorption curves, adsorption constants a and b of the mixed coal samples in different quality ratios were established for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The relationship curves of adsorption quantity with changing pressure and variation equation of adsorption constants a, b with changing thickness ratio shows that the thickness of soft layer and hard coal approximately equal, thus resulting in outburst at greatest risk, then a theoretical base for the mechanism of coal and gas outburst has been put forward and a technical support scheme for engineering control of gas outburst is laid out.

Enhancing Mar and Abrasion Resistance of Acrylic Hard Coatings with Soft Base Layer

Mar and abrasion resistance were investigated by a progressive load scratch test and steel wool abrasion test, respectively. Two acrylic coating systems including trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) were prepared. A soft base layer was introduced as an intermediate layer between two different types of top layer and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrate to demonstrate the effect of soft base layer on mar and abrasion resistance. Abrasion damage on the coating surface was found to be less severe, when the soft base layer was incorporated into the coating systems. The reduction in scratch coefficient of friction (SCOF) and surface roughness was also observed. The results suggested that mar and abrasion resistance was greatly influenced by the presence of soft base layer, although different top layers were used. Moreover, it was found that abrasion resistance was further improved as the thicker soft base layer was applied.

Response of Surface Soft Soil and Fine-Grained Sand Layers to Seismic Waves

Shanghai is located in eastern China and is built on overburden soil layers. It can be seen from the Mexico M S=8.1 earthquake on September 19, 1985 and the Hanshin M S=7.4 earthquake on January 17,1995 that heavy casualties and property losses have a direct relationship with overburden soil layers. Ground motions caused by earthquakes are significantly amplified when passing through the soil layers. Under the influence of these amplified motions, building structures, whose nature frequency is within the frequency band of soil amplification response, will experience more severe damage than those built on bedrock. Therefore, engineering seismologists have paid considerable attention the amplification responses in the Shanghai overburden soil layers. The amplification responses of soil and sand layers in this paper are given by the M L=4.1 earthquake in Nantong, Jiangsu Province on December 25, 2001 at 31.8° N, 120.9° E. It can be seen that the responses of soil and sand layers are very different. That is important.

Enhanced soft magnetic properties of iron powders through coating MnZn ferrite by one-step sol–gel synthesis

The MnZn ferrite coating formed on the surface of iron-based soft magnetic powders via facile and modified sol–gel process has been fabricated to obtain better magnetic performance due to its higher permeability compared with traditional nonmagnetic insulation coatings. The influence of the MnZn ferrite contents on the magnetic performance of the soft magnetic composites(SMCs) has been studied. As the MnZn insulation content increases, the core loss first experiences a decreasing trend that is followed by progressive increase, while the permeability follows an increasing trend and subsequently degrades. The optimized magnetic performance is achieved with 2.0 wt% MnZn ferrite, which results from the decrement of inter-particle eddy current losses based on loss separation. A uniform and compact coating layer composed of MnZn ferrite and oxides with an average thickness of 0.38 ± 0.08 μm is obtained by utilizing ion beam technology, and the interface between the powders and the coating shows satisfied adhesiveness compared with the sample directly prepared by mechanical mixing. The evolution of the coating layers during the calcination process has been presented based on careful analysis of the composition and microstructure.

Rotating electroosmotic flows in soft parallel plate microchannels

We present a theoretical investigation of rotating electroosmotic flows(EOFs) in soft parallel plate microchannels. The soft microchannel, also called as the polyelectrolyte-grafted microchannel, is denoted as a rigid microchannel coated with a polyelectrolyte layer(PEL) on its surface. We compare the velocity in a soft microchannel with that in a rigid one for different rotating frequencies and find that the PEL has a trend to lower the velocities in both directions for a larger equivalent electrical double layer(EDL) thickness λFCL(λFCL = 0.3) and a smaller rotating frequency ω(ω < 5).However, for a larger rotating frequency ω(ω = 5), the main stream velocity u far away from the channel walls in a soft microchannel exceeds that in a rigid one. Inspired by the above results, we can control the EOF velocity in micro rotating systems by imparting PELs on the microchannel walls, which may be an interesting application in biomedical separation and chemical reaction.

Numerical Analyses of Caisson Breakwaters on Soft Foundations Under Wave Cyclic Loading

A caisson breakwater is built on soft foundations after replacing the upper soft layer with sand. This paper presents a dynamic finite element method to investigate the strength degradation and associated pore pressure development of the intercalated soft layer under wave cyclic loading. By combining the undrained shear strength with the empirical formula of overconsolidation clay produced by unloading and the development model of pore pressure, the dynamic degradation law that describes the undrained shear strength as a function of cycle number and stress level is derived. Based on the proposed dynamic degradation law and M-C yield criterion, a dynamic finite element method is numerically implemented to predict changes in undrained shear strength of the intercalated soft layer by using the general-purpose FEM software ABAQUS, and the accuracy of the method is verified. The effects of cycle number and amplitude of the wave force on the degradation of the undrained shear strength of the intercalated soft layer and the associated excess pore pressure response are investigated by analyzing an overall distribution and three typical sections underneath the breakwater. By comparing the undrained shear strength distributions obtained by the static method and the quasi-static method with the undrained shear strength distributions obtained by the dynamic finite element method in the three typical sections, the superiority of the dynamic finite element method in predicting changes in undrained shear strength is demonstrated.

A novel water layer structure inside nanobubbles at room temperature

Molecularly thin water layer, with a hydrogen bonding network different from those in bulk water and ice, has unique properties and is generally involved in many important processes such as wetting, erosion, atmosphere chemical reaction, protein folding and biomolecular interaction. Here, we report a new water layer structure at room temperature, which is found inside nanobubbles by using synchrotron based scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy(STXM). The three peaks 535.0, 536.8 and 540.9 e V at O K edge inside the nanobubbles show a novel characteristics of very thin water layers, which has never been observed before.

Nonlinear analysis of pile load-settlement behavior in layered soil

A simplified approach is presented to analyze the single pile settlement in multilayered soil. First, a fictitious soil-pile model is employed to consider the effect of layered soil beneath pile toe on pile settlement behavior. Two approximation methods are proposed to simplify the nonlinear load transfer function and simulate the nonlinear compression of fictitious soil-pile, respectively. On this basis, an efficient program is developed. The procedures for determining the main parameters of mathematical model are discussed. Comparisons with two well-documented field experimental pile loading tests are conducted to verify the rationality of the present method. Further studies are also made to evaluate the practicability of the proposed approach when a soft substratum exists, and the results suggest that the proposed method can provide a constructive means for assessing the settlement of a single pile for use in engineering design.

A Simple and Dependable Technique for Pancreatic-Enteric Anastomosis with a Soft Pancreas and Nondilated Duct

Background:?Pancreatic anastomotic leakаgе is one of the most serious complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy?(PD).?The most significant?riskfactors?for?pancreatic leakage are pancreatic texture,?main pancreatic duct (MPD)?size and anastomotic technique. Herewith we describe?our?technical modifications for?single-layer?pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) with a soft pancreas and nondilated?MPD?for reconstruction?after?PD.?Methods: We report our early experience using this technique in 52 patients who underwent PD between May 2009?and?December?2012.?Results:?Overall postoperative mortality rate was1.92%.?Postoperative morbidity rate was 32.69%, with?major complications occurring in?three?patients (5.77%).?Pancreatic leak was?diagnosed?in sixpatients (11.54%). Three?patients with?pancreatic fistulae (PF)?of Grades A and B were?managed conservatively, whereas?three?other?patients with PF?of?Grade?C required relaparotomy.?Conclusions:?According to our early experience with this?modified technique for PJ,?usage of?horizontal mattress?sutures, “everting”?of MPD and incorporation of its wall into a?single layer pancreatic-enteric anastomosis?result in a low pancreatic anastomotic leakagerate?after?PD. This technique for PJ?with a soft pancreas and nondilated ductensures ideal?preconditions for anastomosis healing. They consist of?an excellent blood supply, an anatomical?position with tension-free approximation and unobstructed?pancreatic juice flow from the pancreas into the jejunal?loop.

Effect of seed layers on the static and dynamic magnetic properties of CoIr films with negative effective magnetocrystalline anisotropy

The c-axis oriented hcp-Co_(81)Ir_(19)magnetic films were prepared on different seed layers(Ni,Cu,Ir,Pt,Au,and No seed).We systematically investigated the impact that surface-free energy and strain energy have on the orientation and defects and/or internal stress of the grains by increasing the lattice mismatch ratio.Moreover,the initial permeability and the natural resonance frequency were discussed in great detail using a comparison between calculated values and experimental values.We found that the almost unchanged 4πM_(s) andμ_(i) are not affected,while the changed H_(c),intrinsic K_(grain),and f_(r) are strongly dependent on the seed layer and seed layer material.Moreover,the extracted damping constant is sensitive to the defects and/or internal stress and orientation of the grains.Therefore,the soft magnetic properties and microwave properties are adjusted and optimized by seed layers with different materials.

The Application of Bamboo Network Reinforcement Technology on Hydraulic Fill Soft-Soil Foundation Treatment

To make a large area of dredger fill silt surface layer form working face and subsequent construction problems, the project conducts the bamboo network reinforcement in the silt surface layer. It makes the surface layer bearing capacity to meet the construction requirement of deep processing. Based on Shantou Municipal Road Embankment Treatment Engineering and the project, the bamboo network reinforcement technology to reinforce the dredger fill super soft soil surface layer is used. The results show that the bearing capacity of hydraulic fill super soft soil surface layer is 32.6 kPa after 3 months treatment. The surface layer bearing capacity after 3 months treatment improved 323% than the early treatment and increased 695% than no processing. The results indicate that the reinforcement effect is outstanding and provide the basis for drafting the dredger fill super soft soil surface layer treatment plan.