Influence of joint spacing and rock characteristics on the toppling stability of cut rock slope through a simplified limit equilibrium method

Toppling failure of rock mass/soil slope is an important geological and environmental problem.Clarifying its failure mechanism under different conditions has great significance in engineering.The toppling failure of a cutting slope occurred in a hydropower station in Kyushu,Japan illustrates that the joint characteristic played a significant role in the occurrence of rock slope tipping failure.Thus,in order to consider the mechanical properties of jointed rock mass and the influence of geometric conditions,a simplified analytical approach based on the limit equilibrium method for modeling the flexural toppling of cut rock slopes is proposed to consider the influence of the mechanical properties and geometry condition of jointed rock mass.The theoretical solution is compared with the numerical solution taking Kyushu Hydropower Station in Japan as one case,and it is found that the theoretical solution obtained by the simplified analysis method is consistent with the numerical analytical solution,thus verifying the accuracy of the simplified method.Meanwhile,the Goodman-Bray approach conventionally used in engineering practice is improved according to the analytical results.The results show that the allowable slope angle may be obtained by the improved Goodman-Bray approach considering the joint spacing,the joint frictional angle and the tensile strength of rock mass together.

RKDG Methods with Multi-resolution WENO Limiters for Solving Steady-State Problems on Triangular Meshes

In this paper, we design high-order Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) methods with multi-resolution weighted essentially non-oscillatory (multi-resolution WENO) limiters to compute compressible steady-state problems on triangular meshes. A troubled cell indicator extended from structured meshes to unstructured meshes is constructed to identify triangular cells in which the application of the limiting procedures is required. In such troubled cells, the multi-resolution WENO limiting methods are used to the hierarchical L^(2) projection polynomial sequence of the DG solution. Through using the RKDG methods with multi-resolution WENO limiters, the optimal high-order accuracy can be gradually reduced to first-order in the triangular troubled cells, so that the shock wave oscillations can be well suppressed. In steady-state simulations on triangular meshes, the numerical residual converges to near machine zero. The proposed spatial reconstruction methods enhance the robustness of classical DG methods on triangular meshes. The good results of these RKDG methods with multi-resolution WENO limiters are verified by a series of two-dimensional steady-state problems.

Monolithic Convex Limiting for Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto Discontinuous Galerkin Spectral-Element Methods

We extend the monolithic convex limiting(MCL)methodology to nodal discontinuous Galerkin spectral-element methods(DGSEMS).The use of Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto(LGL)quadrature endows collocated DGSEM space discretizations of nonlinear hyperbolic problems with properties that greatly simplify the design of invariant domain-preserving high-resolution schemes.Compared to many other continuous and discontinuous Galerkin method variants,a particular advantage of the LGL spectral operator is the availability of a natural decomposition into a compatible subcellflux discretization.Representing a highorder spatial semi-discretization in terms of intermediate states,we performflux limiting in a manner that keeps these states and the results of Runge-Kutta stages in convex invariant domains.In addition,local bounds may be imposed on scalar quantities of interest.In contrast to limiting approaches based on predictor-corrector algorithms,our MCL procedure for LGL-DGSEM yields nonlinearflux approximations that are independent of the time-step size and can be further modified to enforce entropy stability.To demonstrate the robustness of MCL/DGSEM schemes for the compressible Euler equations,we run simulations for challenging setups featuring strong shocks,steep density gradients,and vortex dominatedflows.

Data-driven methods for predicting the representative temperature of bridge cable based on limited measured data

Cable-stayed bridges have been widely used in high-speed railway infrastructure.The accurate determination of cable’s representative temperatures is vital during the intricate processes of design,construction,and maintenance of cable-stayed bridges.However,the representative temperatures of stayed cables are not specified in the existing design codes.To address this issue,this study investigates the distribution of the cable temperature and determinates its representative temperature.First,an experimental investigation,spanning over a period of one year,was carried out near the bridge site to obtain the temperature data.According to the statistical analysis of the measured data,it reveals that the temperature distribution is generally uniform along the cable cross-section without significant temperature gradient.Then,based on the limited data,the Monte Carlo,the gradient boosted regression trees(GBRT),and univariate linear regression(ULR)methods are employed to predict the cable’s representative temperature throughout the service life.These methods effectively overcome the limitations of insufficient monitoring data and accurately predict the representative temperature of the cables.However,each method has its own advantages and limitations in terms of applicability and accuracy.A comprehensive evaluation of the performance of these methods is conducted,and practical recommendations are provided for their application.The proposed methods and representative temperatures provide a good basis for the operation and maintenance of in-service long-span cable-stayed bridges.

Applicability of Microbial Limit Test Method for Qingyan Zhisou Powder

[Objectives]This study was conducted to establish a microbial limit test method for Qingyan Zhisou Powder.[Methods]Applicability tests were carried out according to Microbial Limit Tests of Non-sterile Products,General Rules 1105-1107 of Part IV of Chinese Pharmacopoeia,2020.[Results]Qingyan Zhisou Powder had a strong bacteriostatic effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.After increasing the dilution ratio(1:40),the bacteriostatic effect was obviously eliminated.When the total number of aerobic microbes was determined by the test liquid dilution method(1:40),the recovery values were in the range of 50%-200%;and when using the test liquid(1:10)to determine the total number of mold and yeasts,the recovery ranged from 50%to 200%.Escherichia coli,Salmonella and bile-tolerant Gram-negative bacteria were detected by both the routine method and dilution method in experimental groups.[Conclusions]The microbial limit test of Qingyan Zhisou Powder adopted the test liquid dilution method,and the routine method could be used for the test of Escherichia coli,Salmonella and bile-tolerant Gram-negative bacteria.The applicability test of the method is feasible,with scientific and accurate results,and the method can effectively control the quality of the preparation and is recommended for popularization.

Establishment of Microbial Limit Test Methods for Two Hospital Preparations

[Objectives] This study was conducted to establish microbial limit test methods for traditional Chinese medicine preparations Yunpi Granules and Bupi Qiangli Paste. [Methods] According to General Rules of Part IV of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, applicability tests were conducted on microbial limit test methods for the above two traditional Chinese medicine preparations by the plate method. [Results] The established methods showed recovery values in the range of 0.5-2.0 for both experimental strains, and the control bacteria could be detected in the experimental group, but not in the negative control group. [Conclusions] The microbial limit test methods were reliable for the two traditional Chinese medicine preparations and could be used for quality control.

Influence of confined water on the limit support pressure of tunnel face in weakly water-rich strata

In the process of shield tunneling through soft soil layers,the presence of confined water ahead poses a significant threat to the stability of the tunnel face.Therefore,it is crucial to consider the impact of confined water on the limit support pressure of the tunnel face.This study employed the finite element method(FEM)to analyze the limit support pressure of shield tunnel face instability within a pressurized water-containing layer.Subsequently,a multiple linear regression approach was applied to derive a concise solution formula for the limit support pressure,incorporating various influencing factors.The analysis yields the following conclusions:1)The influence of confined water on the instability mode of the tunnel face in soft soil layers makes the displacement response of the strata not significant when the face is unstable;2)The limit support pressure increases approximately linearly with the pressure head,shield tunnel diameter,and tunnel burial depth.And inversely proportional to the thickness of the impermeable layer,soil cohesion and internal friction angle;3)Through an engineering case study analysis,the results align well with those obtained from traditional theoretical methods,thereby validating the rationality of the equations proposed in this paper.Furthermore,the proposed equations overcome the limitation of traditional theoretical approaches considering the influence of changes in impermeable layer thickness.It can accurately depict the dynamic variation in the required limit support pressure to maintain the stability of the tunnel face during shield tunneling,thus better reflecting engineering reality.

Probabilistic Analysis of Slope Using Finite Element Approach and Limit Equilibrium Approach around Amalpata Landslide of West Central, Nepal

The stability study of the ongoing and recurring Amalpata landslide in Baglung in Nepal’s Gandaki Province is presented in this research. The impacted slope is around 200 meters high, with two terraces that have different slope inclinations. The lower bench, located above the basement, consistently fails and sets others up for failure. The fluctuating water level of the slope, which travels down the slope masses, exacerbates the slide problem. The majority of these rocks are Amalpata landslide area experiences several structural disruptions. The area’s stability must be evaluated in order to prevent and control more harm from occurring to the nearby agricultural land and people living along the slope. The slopes’ failures increase the damages of house existing in nearby area and the erosion of the slope. Two modeling techniques the finite element approach and the limit equilibrium method were used to simulate the slope. The findings show that, in every case, the terrace above the basement is where the majority of the stress is concentrated, with a safety factor of near unity. Using probabilistic slope stability analysis, the failure probability was predicted to be between 98.90% and 100%.

Methodology Validation of Microbial Limit Test of Bupi Qiangli Ointment

[Objective] This study was conducted to establish a microbial limit test method for Bupi Qiangli Ointment. [Method] The conventional method and medium dilution method were used for bacterial, mold and yeast counting in sample recovery test. [Result] The medium dilution method （1：10 test solution, 0.5 ml/plate） could effectively eliminate the inhibition effect of the Bupi Qiangli Ointment, and the recovery of Staphylococcus aureus was greater than 70% in the 3 batches of samples; and the conventional method exhibited the recoveries of E. coil, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans and Aspergillus greater than 70% in the 3 batches of samples. [Conclusion] Due to Bupi Qiangli Ointment has strongly antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus au- reus, the medium dilution method was used for bacterial counting, and the conventional method was used for mold and yeast counting; and the conventional method was used for controlled bacterium examination of E. coll.

LIMITED MEMORY BFGS METHOD BY USING LINEAR INDEPENDENT SEARCH DIRECTIONS

The degree of numerical linear independence is proposed and discussed. Based on this linear independence theory, a modified limited memory BFGS method is deve loped. Similar to the standard limited memory method, this new method determines the new update by applying the updating formula m times to an initial positive diagonal matrix using the m previous pairs of the change in iteration and gradient. Besides the most recent pair of the change, which guarantees the quadratic termination, the choice of the other ( m -1) pairs of the change in the new method is dependent on the degree of numerical linear independence of previous search directions. In addition, the numerical linear independence theory is further discussed and the computation of the degree of linear independence is simplified. Theoretical and numerical results show that this new modified method improves efficiently the standard limited memory method.

Force analysis of pile foundation in rock slope based on upper-bound theorem of limit

Based on the characteristic that the potential sliding surfaces of rock slope are commonly in the shape of either line or fold line,analysis thought of conventional pile foundation in the flat ground under complex load condition was applied and the upper-bound theorem of limit analysis was used to compute thrust of rock layers with all possible distribution shapes. The interaction of slope and pile was considered design load in terms of slope thrust,and the finite difference method was derived to calculate inner-force and displacement of bridge pile foundation in rock slope under complex load condition. The result of example shows that the distribution model of slope thrust has certain impact on displacement and inner-force of bridge pile foundation. The maximum displacement growth rate reaches 54% and the maximum moment and shear growth rates reach only 15% and 20%,respectively,but the trends of inner-force and displacement of bridge pile foundation are basically the same as those of the conventional pile foundation in the flat ground. When the piles bear the same level lateral thrust,the distribution shapes of slope thrust have different influence on inner-force of pile foundation,especially the rectangle distribution,and the triangle thrust has the smallest displacement and inner-force of pile foundation.

ELASTIC MODULUS REDUCTION METHOD FOR LIMIT LOAD EVALUATION OF FRAME STRUCTURES

A new strategy for elastic modulus adjustment is proposed based on the element bearing ratio （EBR）,and the elastic modulus reduction method （EMRM） is proposed for limit load evaluation of frame structures. The EBR is defined employing the generalized yield criterion,and the reference EBR is determined by introducing the extrema and the degree of uniformity of EBR in the structure. The elastic modulus in the element with an EBR greater than the reference one is reduced based on the linear elastic finite element analysis and the equilibrium of strain energy. The lower-bound of limit-loads of frame structures are analyzed and the numerical example demonstrates the flexibility,accuracy and effciency of the proposed method.

Upper-Bound Limit Analysis of the Multi-Layer Slope Stability and Failure Mode Based on Generalized Horizontal Slice Method

Multi-layer slopes are widely found in clay residue receiving fields.A generalized horizontal slice method(GHSM)for assessing the stability of multi-layer slopes that considers the energy dissipation between adjacent horizontal slices is presented.In view of the upper-bound limit analysis theory,the energy equation is derived and the ultimate failure mode is generated by comparing the sliding surface passing through the slope toe(mode A)with that below(mode B).In addition,the influence of the number of slices on the stability coefficients in the GHSM is studied and the stable value is obtained.Compared to the original method(Chen’s method),the GHSM can acquire more precise results,which takes into account the energy dissipation in the inner sliding soil mass.Moreover,the GHSM,limit equilibrium method(LEM)and numerical simulation method(NSM)are applied to analyze the stability of a multi-layer slope with different slope angles and the results of the safety factor and failure mode are very close in each case.The ultimate failure modes are shown to be mode B when the slope angle is not more than 28°.It illustrates that the determination of the ultimate sliding surface requires comparison of multiple failure modes,not only mode A.

Combined influence of nonlinearity and dilation on slope stability evaluated by upper-bound limit analysis

The combined influence of nonlinearity and dilation on slope stability was evaluated using the upper-bound limit analysis theorem.The mechanism of slope collapse was analyzed by dividing it into arbitrary discrete soil blocks with the nonlinear Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion and nonassociated flow rule.The multipoint tangent(multi-tangent) technique was used to analyze the slope stability by linearizing the nonlinear failure criterion.A general expression for the slope safety factor was derived based on the virtual work principle and the strength reduction technique,and the global slope safety factor can be obtained by the optimization method of nonlinear sequential quadratic programming.The results show better agreement with previous research result when the nonlinear failure criterion reduces to a linear failure criterion or the non-associated flow rule reduces to an associated flow rule,which demonstrates the rationality of the presented method.Slope safety factors calculated by the multi-tangent inclined-slices technique were smaller than those obtained by the traditional single-tangent inclined-slices technique.The results show that the multi-tangent inclined-slices technique is a safe and effective method of slope stability limit analysis.The combined effect of nonlinearity and dilation on slope stability was analyzed,and the parameter analysis indicates that nonlinearity and dilation have significant influence on the result of slope stability analysis.

Overhanging rock slope by design:An integrated approach using rock mass strength characterisation,large-scale numerical modelling and limit equilibrium methods

Overhanging rock slopes(steeper than 90°) are typically avoided in rock engineering design, particularly where the scale of the slope exceeds the scale of fracturing present in the rock mass. This paper highlights an integrated approach of designing overhanging rock slopes where the relative dimensions of the slope exceed the scale of fracturing and the rock mass failure needs to be considered rather than kinematic release of individual blocks. The key to the method is a simplified limit equilibrium(LE) tool that was used for the support design and analysis of a multi-faceted overhanging rock slope. The overhanging slopes required complex geometries with constantly changing orientations. The overhanging rock varied in height from 30 m to 66 m. Geomechanical modelling combined with discrete fracture network(DFN)representation of the rock mass was used to validate the rock mass strength assumptions and the failure mechanism assumed in the LE model. The advantage of the simplified LE method is that buttress and support design iterations(along with sensitivity analysis of design parameters) can be completed for various cross-sections along the proposed overhanging rock sections in an efficient manner, compared to the more time-intensive, sophisticated methods that were used for the initial validation. The method described presents the development of this design tool and assumptions made for a specific overhanging rock slope design. Other locations will have different geological conditions that can control the potential behaviour of rock slopes, however, the approach presented can be applied as a general guiding design principle for overhanging rock cut slope.

Lateral Bearing Capacity of Modified Suction Caissons Determined by Using the Limit Equilibrium Method

The modified suction caisson(MSC) adds a short-skirted structure around the regular suction caissons to increase the lateral bearing capacity and limit the deflection. The MSC is suitable for acting as the offshore wind turbine foundation subjected to larger lateral loads compared with the imposed vertical loads. Determination of the lateral bearing capacity is a key issue for the MSC design. The formula estimating the lateral bearing capacity of the MSC was proposed in terms of the limit equilibrium method and was verified by the test results. Parametric studies on the lateral bearing capacity were also carried out. It was found that the lateral bearing capacity of the MSC increases with the increasing length and radius of the external skirt, and the lateral bearing capacity increases linearly with the increasing coefficient of subgrade reaction. The maximum lateral bearing capacity of the MSC is attained when the ratio of the radii of the internal compartment to the external skirt equals 0.82 and the ratio of the lengths of the external skirt to the internal compartment equals 0.48, provided that the steel usage of the MSC is kept constant.

A New Curve Fitting Method for Forming Limit Experimental Data

The forming limit curve （FLC） can be obtained by means of curve fitting the limit strain points of different strain paths. The theory of percent regression analysis is applied to the curve fitting of forming limit experimental data.Forecast intervals of FLC percentiles can be calculated. Thus reliability and confidence level can be considered. The theoretical method to get the limits of limit strain points distributing region is presented, and the FLC position can be adjusted according to practical requirement. Method for establishing FLC with high reliability using small samples is presented at the same time. This method can make full use of the current experimental data and the previous data.Compared with the traditional method that can only use current experimental data, fewer specimens are required in the present method to obtain the same precision and the result is more accurate with the same number of specimens.

A LIMITED MEMORY QUASI-NEWTON METHOD FOR LARGE SCALE PROBLEM

We study how to use the SR1 update to realize minimization methods for problems where the storage is critical. We give an update formula which generates matrices using information from the last m iterations. The numerical tests show that the method is efficent.

A Generalized Limit Equilibrium Method for the Solution of Active Earth Pressure on a Retaining Wall

In this paper, a generalized limit equilibrium method of solving the active earth pressure problem behind a retaining wall is proposed.Differing from other limit equilibrium methods, an arbitrary slip surface shape without any assumptions of pre-defined shapes is needed in the current framework, which is verified to find the most probable failure slip surface. Based on the current computational framework, numerical comparisons with experiment, discrete element method and other methods are carried out. In addition, the influences of the inclination of the wall, the soil cohesion, the angle of the internal friction of the soil, the slope inclination of the backfill soil on the critical pressure coefficient of the soil, the point of application of the resultant earth pressure and the shape of the slip surface are also carefully investigated. The results demonstrate that limit equilibrium solution from predefined slip plane assumption, including Coulomb solution, is a special case of current computational framework. It is well illustrated that the current method is feasible to evaluate the characteristics of earth pressure problem.

Comprehensive analysis of slope stability and determination of stable slopes in the Chador-Malu iron ore mine using numerical and limit equilibrium methods

One of the critical aspects in mine design is slope stability analysis and the determination of stable slopes. In the Chador- Malu iron ore mine, one of the most important iron ore mines in central Iran, it was considered vital to perform a comprehensive slope stability analysis. At first, we divided the existing rock hosting pit into six zones and a geotechnical map was prepared. Then, the value of MRMR （Mining Rock Mass Rating） was determined for each zone. Owing to the fact that the Chador-Malu iron ore mine is located in a highly tectonic area and the rock mass completely crushed, the Hoek-Brown failure criterion was found suitable to estimate geo-mechanical parameters. After that, the value of cohesion （c） and friction angle （tp） were calculated for different geotechnical zones and relative graphs and equations were derived as a function of slope height. The stability analyses using numerical and limit equilibrium methods showed that some instability problems might occur by increasing the slope height. Therefore, stable slopes for each geotechnical zone and prepared sections were calculated and presented as a function of slope height.