Material Properties and Tensile Behaviors of Polypropylene Geogrid and Geonet for Reinforcement of Soil Structures

The properties and tensile behaviors of polypropylene (PP) geogrids and geonets for reinforcement of soil structures are investigated.Mass per unit area of the geogrids and geonets was weighed using an electronic balance and aperture sizes of the geonets were exactly measured using a computer.Laboratory tests were performed using a small tensile machine capable of monitoring tensile force and displacement.Tensile failure behaviors were described,and tensile index properties such as tensile strength,maximum tensile strain,tensile forces corresponding to different strains in the geogrids and gronets were obtained.The characterization of these indexes is discussed.

Quantitatively characterizing sandy soil structure altered by MICP using multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm

The influences of biological,chemical,and flow processes on soil structure through microbially induced carbonate precipitation(MICP)are not yet fully understood.In this study,we use a multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm,genetic algorithm(GA)enhanced Kapur entropy(KE)(GAE-KE),to accomplish quantitative characterization of sandy soil structure altered by MICP cementation.A sandy soil sample was treated using MICP method and scanned by the synchrotron radiation(SR)micro-CT with a resolution of 6.5 mm.After validation,tri-level thresholding segmentation using GAE-KE successfully separated the precipitated calcium carbonate crystals from sand particles and pores.The spatial distributions of porosity,pore structure parameters,and flow characteristics were calculated for quantitative characterization.The results offer pore-scale insights into the MICP treatment effect,and the quantitative understanding confirms the feasibility of the GAE-KE multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm.

Prediction of constrained modulus for granular soil using 3D discrete element method and convolutional neural networks

To efficiently predict the mechanical parameters of granular soil based on its random micro-structure,this study proposed a novel approach combining numerical simulation and machine learning algorithms.Initially,3500 simulations of one-dimensional compression tests on coarse-grained sand using the three-dimensional(3D)discrete element method(DEM)were conducted to construct a database.In this process,the positions of the particles were randomly altered,and the particle assemblages changed.Interestingly,besides confirming the influence of particle size distribution parameters,the stress-strain curves differed despite an identical gradation size statistic when the particle position varied.Subsequently,the obtained data were partitioned into training,validation,and testing datasets at a 7:2:1 ratio.To convert the DEM model into a multi-dimensional matrix that computers can recognize,the 3D DEM models were first sliced to extract multi-layer two-dimensional(2D)cross-sectional data.Redundant information was then eliminated via gray processing,and the data were stacked to form a new 3D matrix representing the granular soil’s fabric.Subsequently,utilizing the Python language and Pytorch framework,a 3D convolutional neural networks(CNNs)model was developed to establish the relationship between the constrained modulus obtained from DEM simulations and the soil’s fabric.The mean squared error(MSE)function was utilized to assess the loss value during the training process.When the learning rate(LR)fell within the range of 10-5e10-1,and the batch sizes(BSs)were 4,8,16,32,and 64,the loss value stabilized after 100 training epochs in the training and validation dataset.For BS?32 and LR?10-3,the loss reached a minimum.In the testing set,a comparative evaluation of the predicted constrained modulus from the 3D CNNs versus the simulated modulus obtained via DEM reveals a minimum mean absolute percentage error(MAPE)of 4.43%under the optimized condition,demonstrating the accuracy of this approach.Thus,by combining DEM and CNNs,the variation of soil’s mechanical characteristics related to its random fabric would be efficiently evaluated by directly tracking the particle assemblages.

Dynamic Response of A Group of Cylindrical Storage Tanks with Baffles Considering the Effect of Soil Foundation

The sloshing in a group of rigid cylindrical tanks with baffles and on soil foundation under horizontal excitation is studied analytically.The solutions for the velocity potential are derived out by the liquid subdomain method.Equivalent models with mass-spring oscillators are established to replace continuous fluid.Combined with the least square technique,Chebyshev polynomials are employed to fit horizontal,rocking and horizontal-rocking coupling impedances of soil,respectively.A lumped parameter model for impedance is presented to describe the effects of soil on tank structures.A mechanical model for the soil-foundation-tank-liquid-baffle system with small amount of calculation and high accuracy is proposed using the substructure technique.The analytical solutions are in comparison with data from reported literature and numerical codes to validate the effectiveness and correctness of the model.Detailed dynamic properties and seismic responses of the soil-tank system are given for the baffle number,size and location as well as soil parameter.

Influence of soil to structure stiffness on the accuracy of the pushover method for underground structures

The pushover method for underground structures is a seismic analysis method featured by high calculation accuracy and a simple implementation process.The method has been widely used in seismic design and other related scientific research;however,the influence of different soil-structure flexibility ratios on the accuracy of this method is still not well understood.In this study,we select the cross-section structures beneath the Daikai subway station as the research object and establish 12 finite element analysis models with different soil-structure flexibility ratios using ABAQUS.All models are computed by the dynamic time-history method or the pushover method.Furthermore,the dynamic time-history solution result is taken as the standard solution,and the precision and application of the pushover analysis method are discussed based on the parameters of peak interlayer displacement and peak internal force of the middle column section.The results show that the soil-structure flexibility ratio has a significant influence on the calculation accuracy of the pushover method,and the calculation accuracy of this method is the most ideal when the soil-structure flexibility is equal to 1.The research results can provide significant references for the seismic design of underground structures or the improvement of simplified seismic analysis methods.

Influence of Soil-Structure Interaction Models on the Dynamic Responses of An Offshore Wind Turbine Under Environmental Loads

Offshore wind turbines(OWTs) suffer wind, wave and earthquake loads. The investigation of OWTs' dynamic response under environmental loads is essential for structural safety assessment. The soil-structure interaction(SSI)significantly affects the responses of OWT under environmental loads. However, there is few systematic research about the difference in the dynamic response of different SSI models under environmental loads. In order to solve the problem, the OWT is modeled by shell element, and several SSI models are built. The wind, wave and earthquake loads are taken into account. Moreover, the dynamic response, fatigue and buckling analysis are performed by ANSYS. The results indicate that SSI cannot be ignored in the dynamic response of the OWT under wind and wave loads. The SSI can decrease the displacement response of the OWT by 19% under wind and wave loads and reduce the fatigue damage of the pile. Multi-layer SSI can strongly influence the OWT's dynamic response under wind and wave loads or earthquake-only load. The vertical earthquake load increases the dynamic response in three directions.Besides, in order to simulate real environment, multi-layer SSI, soil damping and vertical SSI must be considered to evaluate the displacement response of the OWT under wind, wave and earthquake loads. The earthquake and gravity loads can cause more obvious response of the OWT than that of only wind and wave loads. The top and bottom of the tower are prone to occur buckling.

Strength Model of Soda Residue Soil Considering Consolidation Stress and Structural Influence

Soda residue(SR)is a type of industrial waste produced in the soda process with the ammonia-soda method.Applying SR to backfilling solves the land occupation and environmental pollution problems in coastal areas and saves material costs for foundation engineering.The strength characteristics of soda residue soil(SRS)under different consolidation conditions are the key points to be solved in the engineering application of SRS.Triaxial compression tests were performed on the undisturbed SRS of Tianjin Port.The shear properties of SRS under different consolidation conditions were then discussed.Meanwhile,a structural strength model(SSM)based on Mohr-Coulomb theory was proposed.SSM reflects the influence of soil structure on undrained strength(Cu)and divides the Cu into the following two parts:friction strength(C_(uf))and original structural strength(C_(u0)).C_(uf)characterizes the magnitude of friction between soil particles,which is related to the consolidation stress.Meanwhile,C_(u0)represents the structural effect on soil strength,which is related to the soil deposition and consolidation processes.SSM was validated by the test data of undisturbed soils.Results reveal that the undisturbed soil generally had a certain C_(u0).Therefore,the SRS strength model was established by combining the experimental law of SRS with SSM.Error analysis shows that the SRS strength model can effectively predict the Cu of undisturbed SRS in Tianjin Port under different consolidation conditions.

A Modified Model for Soil–Structure Interface Considering Random Damage of Mesoscopic Contact Elements

The interaction between soil and marine structures like submarine pipeline/pipe pile/suction caisson is a complicated geotechnical mechanism process.In this study,the interface is discretized into multiple mesoscopic contact elements that are damaged randomly throughout the shearing process due to the natural heterogeneity.The evolution equation of damage variable is developed based on the Weibull function,which is able to cover a rather wide range of distribution shapes by only two parameters,making it applicable for varying scenarios.Accordingly,a statistical damage model is established by incorporating Mohr–Coulomb strength criterion,in which the interfacial residual strength is considered whereby the strain softening behavior can be described.A concept of“semi-softening”characteristic point on shear stress–displacement curve is proposed for effectively modeling the evolution of strain softening.Finally,a series of ring shear tests of the interfaces between fine sea sand and smooth/rough steel surfaces are conducted.The predicted results using the proposed model are compared with experimental data of this study as well as some results from existing literature,indicating that the model has a good performance in modeling the progressive failure and strain softening behavior for various types of soil–structure interfaces.

Phosphorus Fertilizer Effects on Near-Surface Soil Aggregation in Furrow-Irrigated Rice on a Silt-Loam Soil

Well-aggregated soil has been shown to improve soil infiltration and reduce runoff and soil erosion, making well-aggregated soil important for productive, sustainable agriculture. One factor that may influence near-surface soil aggregate stability is fertilizer application. Rapid dissolution of fertilizers, which are mostly salts, can potentially disperse clays and destabilize aggregates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of various fertilizer-phosphorus (P) and -nitrogen (N) sources [i.e., triple superphosphate (TSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), chemically precipitated struvite (CPST), electrochemically precipitated struvite (ECST), environmentally smart nitrogen (ESN)] and soil depth on water-stable aggregates (WSA) in furrow-irrigated rice on a silt-loam soil (Typic Albaqualf). Total WSA (TWSA) concentration was unaffected (P > 0.05) by fertilizer treatment or soil depth, while WSA concentration was numerically largest (P ∙g-1), which did not differ from CPST, ECST, and ESN in the 0 - 5 cm depth or the unamended control in the 0 - 5 and 5 - 10 cm depths, and was at least 1.7 times larger than ESN in the 5 - 10 cm depth (0.03 g∙g-1). Results indicated that WSA concentration among non-struvite fertilizer-P sources was generally similar to that from the struvite fertilizer materials. Principal component analysis determined that 32% of the variation of TWSA was mainly explained by changes in soil bulk density, pH, and electrical conductivity. Long-term, continual annual application of fertilizer-P and N could negatively impact soil aggregate stability, soil structure, and potentially erosion.

Flume experiments to study fine-grain migration and its impact on slope stability

Fine grains migration is a primary cause of landslides and debris flows.This study investigates the effect of fine-grain migration on slope failure through flume experiments,focusing on the spatiotemporal characteristics and mechanisms of slope stability.A series of artificial rainfall flume experiments with varying rainfall intensities and slopes were conducted using soil samples collected from Wei Jia Gully.The experiments monitored pore-water pressure,grain migration,and failure sequences.Grain-size distribution parameters(μand Dc)were analyzed to understand the migration path and accumulation of fine grains.The experiments reveal that fine-grain migration significantly alters soil structure,leading to random blockage and interconnection of internal pore channels.These changes result in fluctuating pore-water pressure distributions and uneven fine-grain accumulation,critical factors in slope stability.Slope failures occur randomly and intermittently,influenced by fine-grain content in runoff and resulting pore-water pressure variations.This study highlights that fine-grain migration plays a vital role in slope stability,with significant implications for predicting and mitigating slope failures.The stochastic nature of fine-grain migration and its impact on soil properties should be incorporated into predictive models to enhance their accuracy and reliability.

Soil Fertility in Agroforestry System of Chinese Fir and Villous Amomum in Subtropical China

A trial of interplanting and non-interplanting villous amomum (Amomum villosum Lour.) under the canopy of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook.) at age 22 was established in Sanming, Fujian of China, and a survey on soil fertility was carried out 10 years after its establishment. Compared with the control (non-interplanting), the properties of soil humus in agroforestry system were ameliorated, with a higher level of humification and resynthesis of organic detritus. The soil microbial population and enzymatic activities were both higher under the influence of villous amomum. Both the nutrient supplying and nutrient conserving capacities of the soil were improved. This agroforestry system exhibited an advantage of improved soil fertility as well as an accelerated growth of Chinese fir, it was, therefore, a sustainable management system suited for Chinese fir in South China.

Effect of Root Architecture on Structural Stability and Erodibility of Topsoils during Concentrated Flow in Hilly Loess Plateau

Traditional vegetation techniques for the control of concentrated flow erosion are widely recognized, whereas only a few studies have experimentally investigated the impacts of belowground roots on the erodibility of topsoils in semi-arid areas. To quantify the effects of root architectures on soil erodibility and its relevant structural properties, simulated flow experiments were conducted at six-week intervals from 18 July to 20 October in 2012 in the hilly Loess Plateau. Five treatments were: 1) bare(control), 2) purple alfalfa(Medicago sativa), representing tap roots(T), 3) switchgrass(Panicum virgatum), representing fibrous roots(F), 4) purple alfalfa and switchgrass, representing both tap and fibrous roots(T + F), and 5) natural recovery(N). For each treatment, soil structural properties and root characteristics were measured at an interval of six weeks. Soil anti-scouribility was calculated. Results showed that grass planting slightly reduced soil bulk density, but increased soil aggregate content by 19.1%, 10.6%, 28.5%, and 41.2% in the treatments T, F, T + F, and N, respectively. Soil shear strength(cohesion and angle of internal friction(φ)) significantly increased after the grass was planted. As roots grew, soil cohesion increased by 115.2%–135.5%, while soil disintegration rate decreased by 39.0%–58.1% in the 21 th week compared with the recorded value in the 9th week. Meanwhile, root density and root surface area density increased by 64.0%–104.7% and 75.9%–157.1%, respectively. No significant differences in soil anti-scouribility were observed between the treatments of T and F or of T + F and N, but the treatments of T + F and N performed more effectively than T or F treatment alone in retarding concentrated flow. Soil aggregation and root surface-area density explained the observed soil anti-scouribility during concentrated flow well for the different treatments. This result proved that the restoration of natural vegetation might be the most appropriate strategy in soil reinforcement in the hilly Loess Plateau.

Impact of Continuous Chinese Fir Monoculture on Soil

Soil properties were investigated in sites where three succeeding generationsof Chinese fir (Gunning-hamia lanceolata, (Lambert) Hooker) in Nanping, Fujian, China, werecultivated in order to show the impact of a repeated monoculture on site productivity. Compared withthe first generation (FG) stand the soil structure deteriorated in the second generation (SG) andthe third generation (TG) stands. For instance, the destruction rate of the peds increased by 55%-115% in the SG and the TG stands compared to the FG stand. Soil nutrient storage and nutrientavailability also decreased in the SG and the TG stands. For surface soils of 0-20 cm, the organicmatter content, total N and P, and available N and P decreased by 3%-20% relative to those in the FGstand. For many soil parameters, the differences between the FG stand and the SG and the TG standswere statistically significant (LSD test, P < 0.05). Furthermore, with each succeeding generation ofChinese fir, the total number of soil microbes declined, the soil enzyme activity weakened, and thesoil biological activity decreased. In order to maintain sustainable site productivity, newsilvicultural practices need to be developed for management of Chinese fir plantations.

Micromorphological Analysis of Soil Structure under No Tillage Management in the Black Soil Zone of Northeast China

The structure of the ＂black soil＂ in Northeast China has been greatly deteriorated by long-term intensive conventional mouldboard plow tillage （CT） practices. In this study, micro- morphological observation and image analysis of soil thin sections were conducted to evaluate the impacts of 21 years （1986-2007） of no tillage （NT） on soil structure as compared to CT in an experiment near Gongzhuling City, Jilin Province. Soil organic matter （SOM）, wet aggregate stability and saturated hydraulic conductivity （Ks） were also analyzed. Total SOM was not significantly affected by tillage systems, but fresher SOM was observed in the surface layer under NT. The aggregates under NT showed different hierarchies in the form of crumbs, and the mean weight diameter （MWD） of NT was significant higher than that of CT in the surface layer. Platy and blocky aggregates were frequently observed in the lower layers under CT practice. The compound pore structure with intertwined intra- and inter- aggregates pores under NT was well developed in a layer from 0-5 cm to 20-25 era. While under CT system, more inter-aggregate pores and fewer intra- aggregate pores were observed, and planes and channels were frequently found in the 20-25 cm layer, where maeroporosity decreased significantly and a plow pan was evident. The Ks values of NT weresignificantly lower at o-5 cm but significantly higher at 20-95 cm compared with CT, which showed the same trend with macroporosity. These results confirmed that long-term CT practice fragmented the tillage layer soil and compacted the lower layer soil and formed a plow pan. While long-term NT practice in the black soil region favored soil aggregation and a stable porous soil structure was formed, which are important to the water infiltration and prevent soil erosion.

Effects of seasonal water-level fluctuation on soil pore structure in the Three Gorges Reservoir,China

Inundation of the Three Gorges Reservoir has created a 30-m water-level fluctuation zone with seasonal hydrological alternations of submergence and exposure, which may greatly affect soil properties and bank stability. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of soil pore structure to seasonal water-level fluctuation in the reservoir, and particularly, the hydrological change of wetting and drying cycles. Soil pore structure was visualized with industrial X-ray computed tomography and digital image analysis techniques. The results showed that soil total porosity(? 100 ?m), total pore number, total throat number, and mean throat surface area increased significantly under wetting and drying cycles. Soil porosity, pore number and throat numberwithin each size class increased in the course of wetting and drying cycles. The coordination number, degree of anisotropy and fractal dimension were indicating an increase. In contrast, the mean shape factor, pore-throat ratio, and Euler-Poincaré number decreased due to wetting and drying cycles. These illustrated that the wetting and drying cycles made soil pore structure become more porous, continuous, heterogeneous and complex. It can thus be deduced that the water-level fluctuation would modify soil porosity, pore size distribution, and pore morphology in the Three Gorges Reservoir, which may have profound implications for soil processes, soil functions, and bank stability.

Effect of Organic Manure Application on Physical Properties and Humus Characteristics of Paddy Soil

Long-term field experiment was established in 1978 on a coastal paddy soil to determine the effect of applicationof pig manure, rice straw and chemical N fertilizer on the physical property and humus characteristics of soil . Resultsshowed that the porosity, the microstructural coefficient, the reactivities of organic C and N, the ΔlogK value, thedegree of oxidation stability, the contents of O-alkyl C and alkyl C, and the ratio of aliphatic C to aromatic C ofhumic acid from soils received organic manure increased, whereas, the ratio of < 10 μm to >10 μm ofmicroaggregates, the humification degree of humus, the degree of organo-mineral complexation, the number-averagemolecular weight, the C/ H ratio. the contents of carboxyl and aromatic C of HAs in them decreased. These resultsindicated that the application of organic manure not only improved the physical property of the paddy soil but alsomade the HA more aliphatic in structure and younger in origin.

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.

The effect of total carbon on microscopic soil properties and implications for crop production

Soil structure is a dynamic property affected by physical, chemical, and microbiological processes. Addition of organic matter to soils and the use of different management practices have been reported to impact soil structure and crop production. Moderation in soil temperature and increases in microbial activity and soil water retention are often suggested as reasons for the rise in crop yield when organic matter is added to the soil. Less is known about the direct effect of changes in soil structure on crop production. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of summer cover crop and in-season management system on soil structure. The experiment was a nested design with summer cover crop as the main plot and management system as the subplot. Summer cover crop treatments included cowpea （Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.） incorporated into the soil in the fall （CI）, cowpea used as mulch in the fall （CM）, sudangrass （Sorghum vulgare） incorporated into the soil in the fall （S）, and dry fallow or bare ground （B）. Management systems were organic （ORG） and conventional （CNV） systems. Lettuce （Lactuca sativa L.） and cantaloupes （Cucumis melo L.） were cultivated in rotation in the plots for three consecutive years using the same cover crops and management systems for each plot. Disturbed and undisturbed soil cores were collected at the end of the third year and used for laboratory experiments to measure physical, chemical, and hy- draulic properties. Image analysis was used to quantify soil structure properties using a scanning electron micro- scope on thin sections prepared from the undisturbed soil cores. We found that total soil carbon was correlated with porosity, saturation percentage, and pore roughness. Pore roughness was correlated with crop production in gen- eral and with marketable production in particular. We found that the higher the complexity of the pore space, the more water retained in the soil, which may increase soil water residence and reduce plant water stress.

Effect of Pisha sandstone on water infiltration of different soils on the Chinese Loess Plateau

The infiltration of water into soil is one of the most important soil physical properties that affect soil erosion and the eco-environment, especially in the Pisha sandstone area on the Chinese Loess Plateau. We studied the one-dimensional vertical infiltration of water in three experimental soils, created by mixing Pisha sandstone with sandy soil, irrigation-silted soil, and loessial soil, at mass ratios of 1：1, 1：2, 1：3, 1：4, and 1：5. Our objective was to compare water infiltration in the experimental soils and to evaluate the effect of Pisha sandstone on water infiltration. We assessed the effect by measuring soil bulk density（BD）, porosity, cumulative infiltration, infiltration rate and saturated hydraulic conductivity（Ks）. The results showed that Pisha sandstone decreased the infiltration rate and saturated hydraulic conductivity in the three experimental soils. Cumulative infiltration over time was well described by the Philip equation. Sandy soil mixed with the Pisha sandstone at a ratio of 1：3 had the best water-holding capacity. The results provided experimental evidence for the movement of soil water and a technical support for the reconstruction and reclamation of mining soils in the Pisha sandstone area.

Dynamic Finite Element Analysis for Interaction between Two Phase Saturated Soil Foundation and Platform

In this paper, the foundation soil of offshore structure is simulated as a two phase saturated porous medium. The dynamic equations of porous medium and finite element formulation are given. For structural analysis, the technique of multilevel substructure is used, and the saturated soil analysis is set in the highest level substructure model. Based on these theories a dynamic finite element analysis program DIASS for the analysis of interaction between two phase ocean soil foundation and platform structures has been developed. A numerical example is given here to illustrate the influence of the pore water in soil on the structural response of an ocean platform.