Pore Pressure Generation Research Articles

Dissipation of Energy and Generation of Pore Pressure in Load-Controlled and Displacement-Controlled Cyclic Tests

Dissipation of Energy and Generation of Pore Pressure in Load-Controlled and Displacement-Controlled Cyclic Tests

Liquefaction and reliquefaction mitigation of sand specimen treated with prefabricated vertical drains: An experimental investigation

This study examines the performance of prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) against liquefaction and reliquefaction. A series of 102 shakings were performed using 1g shaking table apparatus on untreated and treated sand specimens prepared with 25% relative density. Sinusoidal waveform experimented with three different repeated shaking patterns and independent events for two different frequencies (2 Hz and 3.5 Hz) with 1-min duration. Two different installation methods; drainage alone method (PVD-D) and drainage along with densification (PVD-DD) were experimented. Durability of PVD were examined from geotextile tensile testing apparatus and digital image correlation. These experiments demonstrated excellent durability characteristics of PVD filter even after exposed to repeated shakings. Treated specimens improved the resistance to reliquefaction due to radial drainage offered by PVD which has retarded the excess pore pressure (EPP) generation. In addition, densification induced during the installation of PVD also contributed for restricting EPP, however, the induced sand densification achieved during repeated shaking events were not responsible for increased resistance against liquefaction/reliquefaction. Results indicate that the maximum pore pressure ratio in treated specimens were restricted within threshold design limit (≤0.60) for most of the events, even when the untreated specimens completely liquefied or generated a maximum value near unity.

The Effect of Non-Plastic Fines Content on Pore Pressure Generation Rates in Cyclic Triaxial and Cyclic Direct Simple Shear Tests

The Effect of Non-Plastic Fines Content on Pore Pressure Generation Rates in Cyclic Triaxial and Cyclic Direct Simple Shear Tests

Analytical solution for one-dimensional chemo-hydro-mechanical coupled consolidation under time-dependent loading in buffer clay layer

An analytical method is developed for solving the coupled chemo-hydro-mechanical consolidation in a clay buffer layer under time-dependent loading. The coupled governing equations for the chemo-hydro-mechanical process are established in the time and spatial domain first. Then the governing equations are decoupled into two partial differential equations by introducing two variables. The analytical solutions corresponding to ramp and exponential loadings are finally derived based on the initial and boundary conditions. The developed analytical solutions are verified via comparing with the numerical results simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics. Based on the developed solutions, selected parametric study is carried out to investigate the influence of major parameters and hydraulic boundary conditions on the contaminants transport and pore water pressure dissipation in buffer clay layer. The results show that the major parameters have effects on the generation and dissipation of pore pressure, while only effective coefficient of diffusion, coefficient of ultrafiltration and relative change of total density of pore liquid significantly affect the contaminant migration process. Compared with a single drainage boundary, the pore pressure dissipation and contaminant migration in a double drainage soil layer are much faster. The longer the loading time of mechanical loading, the more significant the negative pore pressure caused by the concentration gradient.

Numerical modeling of site response at large strains with simplified nonlinear models: Application to Lotung seismic array

Abstract Site response analyses at large strains are routinely carried out neglecting the shear strength of soil and the stiffness degradation due to the increase in pore pressures, leading to unrealistic predictions of the seismic response of soil deposits. The study investigates the performance of a simplified nonlinear (NL) approach, implemented in the Deepsoil code, constituted by coupling a hyperbolic model incorporating shear strength with a strain-based semi-empirical pore pressure generation model. The first part of the study, based on a large one-dimensional parametric study, shows that above a shear strain of 0.1%, it is necessary to include shear strength in the site response modelling to get more realistic results. Then, the approach has been evaluated with reference to the well-known downhole Large-Scale Seismic Test array located in Lotung (Taiwan): numerical results have been compared with recordings in terms of acceleration response spectra and pore water pressure time histories at different depths along the soil profiles. The comparison shows that the NL simplified model is characterized by an accuracy comparable with more sophisticated advanced elasto-plastic NL analyses adopting essentially the same input data of the traditional equivalent linear approaches(shear modulus and damping curves) and simple physical-mechanical properties routinely determined during geotechnical surveys (i.e., shear strength, relative density, fine content). This approach is therefore recommended for site response analyses reaching large strains (i.e., soft soil deposits and moderate-to-high input motions).

Liquefaction behavior and shear strain-based pore pressure model of fiber reinforced calcareous sand

The generation mechanism of pore pressure plays an essential role in understanding the liquefaction behavior of sand under cyclic loading. Extensive undrained simple shear tests were undertaken to study the pore pressure and shear strain development characteristics of calcareous sand reinforced by fibers. The results show that the deformation patterns of the tested calcareous sand gradually shift from brittle to ductile failure as fiber content increases. The mechanism of pore pressure generation in calcareous sand subjected to cyclic loading is quite distinct from that of siliceous sand, exhibiting more pronounced accumulation in the initial stage of cyclic loading. Fiber reinforced calcareous sand exhibits reverse shear contraction behavior when liquefaction is imminent. A remarkable finding is the establishment of a unique correlation between pore pressure ratio and shear strain, irrespective of the fiber reinforcement. Consequently, a shear strain-based pore pressure generation model of reinforced calcareous sand is then developed to predict the pore pressure built-up trend under varying fiber content and length conditions. This model is also applicable to various testing conditions and soil types.

Influence of biocementation treatment extent on dynamic system performance: A centrifuge liquefaction study

Previous centrifuge experiments have shown Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) is a viable ground improvement technique to mitigate liquefaction. However, in these past experiments the entire sample in the model container was MICP treated. This study is an investigation of the effect of treatment extent on the system seismic performance by varying the depth of improvement, while maintaining the same cross-sectional area. Specifically, MICP treated zones (10 cm × 10 cm in model scale in plan view) were varied in depth to 100%, 75%, and 37% of the liquefiable sand layer depth. As a comparison, two additional models were constructed, an untreated and fully treated model. The treated models were initially prepared to a relative density of less than 40% and MICP treatment applied until a change of shear wave velocity (Vs) of 300 m/s was measured. All models were instrumented with accelerometers and pore pressure transducers to capture the dynamic responses during the same sequence of eight shaking events. Cone penetration resistance was measured to verify the uniformity of the untreated zones in the models and track the evolution of penetration resistances at three different times during the shaking sequence. Vs was measured after each shaking event to assess the cementation integrity of the MICP treated zones. Linear potentiometer and pre- and post-surface measurements were obtained to track seismic-induced settlements. Pore pressure generation and settlements were reduced in the MICP treated zones compared to untreated zones, showing the increased liquefaction resistance and system performance of MICP. Amplification of the strong ground motions in the models with treatment through the full liquefiable layer lead to significant degradation of the MICP. While a base isolation effect was observed in the models not treated to the full depth of the liquefiable layer, reducing seismic demands to the MICP treated zoned, and leading to minimal changes in cementation integrity. These findings suggest that there may be a benefit to not improving the entire liquefiable depth for maintaining cementation integrity of MICPtreated soils.

Energy-Based Pore Pressure Generation Models in Silty Sands under Earthquake Loading

Energy-Based Pore Pressure Generation Models in Silty Sands under Earthquake Loading

Pore pressure development model of fiber-reinforced calcareous sand based on shear strain characteristics

In this study, the pore pressure buildup characteristics of fiber-reinforced calcareous sand were investigated by examining the influences of fiber contents and fiber length through a series of cyclic simple shear tests. The test results indicate that the generation mechanisms of pore pressure ratio and shear strain of fiber-reinforced calcareous sand are interrelated under cyclic loading. The fiber content and fiber length have a significant influence on the relationship of pore pressure ratio versus number of cycles. Nevertheless, the correlation of pore pressure ratio versus shear strain is independent of fiber content and fiber length. According to the unique relationship, a pore pressure development model based on shear strain was established, exhibiting excellent predictive accuracy in simulating the pore pressure generation of fiber-reinforced calcareous sand with various fiber content and fiber lengths under cyclic loading. Moreover, the proposed model is also applicable to clean calcareous sand and siliceous sand.

Dissipated Energy and Pore Pressure Generation Patterns in Sands and Non-Plastic Silts Subjected to Cyclic Loadings

The factors that influence dissipated energy and pore pressure generation patterns with respect to the cycle ratio and dissipated energy ratio were analyzed using the results of cyclic triaxial and cyclic direct simple shear tests. These analyses revealed several interesting differences in pore pressure generation patterns when related to cycle ratio than to dissipated energy ratio. Soils with different pore pressure generation patterns when plotted against the cycle ratio were found to have nearly identical pore pressure generation patterns when plotted against the dissipated energy ratio. The differences exist as the result of the fundamental differences between cycle ratio and dissipated energy ratio. The fundamental difference is that pore pressure generation is directly linked to the process of energy dissipation; it is not inherently linked to cycles of loading. Therefore, to achieve an understanding of the pore pressure response of a soil that is independent of the specifics of the applied loading, one needs to evaluate it in terms of energy dissipation, not in terms of cycles of loading, especially irregular loadings.

The seepage driving mechanism and effect of CO2 displacing CH4 in coal seam under different pressures

The technology of CO2-ECBM holds the potential to enhance the efficiency of coalbed CH4 extraction by boosting the driving force of CH4 seepage and the desorption of adsorbed CH4 in coal. To investigate the seepage characteristics and displacement effects of gas during CO2-ECBM, the experiment of CO2 displacing CH4 in coal was conducted using a triaxial experimental system within a displacement pressure range of 1.5–4.0 MPa. The results showed that increased displacement pressure led to large coal swelling. This swelling caused a reduction in permeability, leading to high resistance to gas flow and the generation of elevated pore pressure. The distribution of the pore pressure in coal displayed a nonlinear feature, predominantly influenced by coal swelling during CO2 adsorption process. With the injection of CO2, the pressure field in the coal transitioned from an unstable to a stable state. The coal strain induced by CO2/CH4 adsorption-desorption varied, leading to the variation in pore pressure gradient and seepage flow rate, which ultimately impacted the displacement efficiency. The evolution of pressure field during CO2-ECBM provides valuable guidance for displacement effects. It contributes to a parametric optimization for CO2-ECBM application in CH4 extraction.

Spatial variability of shear wave velocity: implications for the liquefaction response of a case study from the 2010 Maule Mw 8.8 Earthquake, Chile

Assessing the potential and extent of earthquake-induced liquefaction is paramount for seismic hazard assessment, for the large ground deformations it causes can result in severe damage to infrastructure and pose a threat to human lives, as evidenced by many contemporary and historical case studies in various tectonic settings. In that regard, numerical modeling of case studies, using state-of-the-art soil constitutive models and numerical frameworks, has proven to be a tailored methodology for liquefaction assessment. Indeed, these simulations allow for the dynamic response of liquefiable soils in terms of effective stresses, large strains, and ground displacements to be captured in a consistent manner with experimental and in-situ observations. Additionally, the impact of soil properties spatial variability in liquefaction response can be assessed, because the system response to waves propagating are naturally incorporated within the model. Considering that, we highlight that the effect of shear-wave velocity Vs spatial variability has not been thoroughly assessed. In a case study in Metropolitan Concepción, Chile, our research addresses the influence of Vs spatial variability on the dynamic response to liquefaction. At the study site, the 2010 Maule Mw 8.8 megathrust Earthquake triggered liquefaction-induced damage in the form of ground cracking, soil ejecta, and building settlements. Using simulated 2D Vs profiles generated from real 1D profiles retrieved with ambient noise methods, along with a PressureDependentMultiYield03 sand constitutive model, we studied the effect of Vs spatial variability on pore pressure generation, vertical settlements, and shear and volumetric strains by performing effective stress site response analyses. Our findings indicate that increased Vs variability reduces the median settlements and strains for soil units that exhibit liquefaction-like responses. On the other hand, no significant changes in the dynamic response are observed in soil units that exhibit non-liquefaction behavior, implying that the triggering of liquefaction is not influenced by spatial variability in Vs. We infer that when liquefaction-like behavior is triggered, an increase of the damping at the shallowest part of the soil domain might be the explanation for the decrease in the amplitude of the strains and settlements as the degree of Vs variability increases.

Iron ore tailings stabilization with alternative alkali-activated cement for dry stacking: mechanical and microstructural insights

Upstream tailings dams are high-risk structures that have experienced several failures worldwide, particularly with iron ore tailings (IOT). In this study, new disposal methods/techniques, such as cement-stabilized dry stacking, are discussed that provide enhanced mechanical behavior while reducing failure risks. Alkali-activated materials are used as cementing agents due to their mechanical and environmental advantages compared to ordinary Portland cement. This study evaluates the mechanical and microstructural behavior of IOT stabilized with an alkali-activated cement (AAC) composed of two by-products from the IOT beneficiation process, metakaolin and sodium silicate, tested under plane strain conditions. Simple shear tests and microstructural analysis were performed. Mixtures of IOT were produced with 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% AAC to examine the influence of such variables on strength and deformability parameters under undrained conditions. The mixtures with 3% and 5% AAC showed the greatest impact on the strength; however, the addition of 1% AAC was able to reduce positive pore-pressure generation. Cementitious bounds were evidenced by forming a sodium aluminosilicate hydrate gel. The studied AAC was effective in stabilizing IOT, even at small contents.

Effect of Non-Plastic Fines Content on the Pore Pressure Generation of Sand-Silt Mixture Under Strain-Controlled CDSS Test

Effect of Non-Plastic Fines Content on the Pore Pressure Generation of Sand-Silt Mixture Under Strain-Controlled CDSS Test

Cyclic liquefaction of granular materials with varied forms under multidirectional loads

Both the liquefaction resistance of granular materials under complex multidirectional cyclic loadings and the influence of particle form or morphology on that resistance are poorly understood. This paper presents an experimental investigation on this topic. Round, frosted, concave and convex glass beads as well as Hong Kong completely decomposed granite (CDG) sand were used to prepare samples with varying particle morphologies (i.e. roughness, sphericity, aspect ratio and convexity). Unidirectional and multidirectional cyclic simple shear tests were performed to examine the liquefaction susceptibility and highlight the specific role of various particle morphologies. Results show that the increase of shape irregularity and surface roughness both result in a considerable liquefaction resistance improvement. Moreover, overall shape has a more fundamental effect on liquefaction behaviour than surface roughness. An enhanced morphology index, providing a collective description for the particle geometry and surface texture, are proposed to optimise the correlation with liquefaction behaviour. In addition, it is discovered that multidirectional loading could exacerbate the generation of pore pressure and trigger a sharp increase in shear strain amplitude at a lower excess pore pressure ratio. Accordingly, a novel analytical procedure for estimating the liquefaction resistance, independent of cyclic loading patterns and particle morphology, is developed and validated by additional data in the literature.

Using blast energy as an effective technology to provide subgrade stability in road construction

Drilling and blasting technology is considered to be one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to increase the bearing capacity of soft soils which form the subgrade of road embankments. This study investigates blast energy as a means of creating vertical sand drains in a section of Moscow-Saint-Petersburg Motorway M-11 (construction 2018) which crosses the Kolomenka River and is located in a swampy area. Geophysical and geological engineering tests were conducted, they included monitoring of pore pressure modification in soft soils as well as geodetic monitoring of settlement levels. The findings showed that the applied technology quickly allowed a large bulk of sandy soils (more than 500 thousand cubic meters) to compact in the subgrade of the road as a result of generation of excessive pore pressure. No other technology could have been used due to the presence of an embedded bulk of soft soils and swampiness of the site. Decreasing deformations of the subgrade and CPTU data revealed that the subgrade of the road embankment was compacted. This fact was also confirmed by geophysical tests. Drilling and blasting technology is very effective from an ecological and economic perspective in comparison with other technologies. In addition, this study highlights the importance of preserving swamp systems in order to protect river sources.

Evolution of excess pore water pressure in undrained claystructure interface shear tests

Recent studies focused on the shear behaviour of clay-structure interfaces have shown the importance of the shearing rate on the strength of these interfaces. In normally-consolidated clays, increasing the shearing rate results in a decrease in the interface strength, while the trend is opposite in heavily overconsolidated clays. While analytical and empirical interpretation methods indicate that the generation of shear-induced excess pore pressures are responsible for theaforementioned trends, experiments with pore water pressure measurements at the clay-structure interface are rare. In this paper, we first describe a modified interface shear box testing setup that is equipped with a pore water pressure sensor. For this equipment, the fully rough structural surface was manufactured with a port at the centre of the clay-surface interface to measure the pore water pressure. We present the results of undrained clay-structure interface tests on normally consolidated (NC) and overconsolidated (OC) specimens of kaolin clay. The results agree with the expectations, where the NC specimens generate excess pore pressures with greater magnitudes and heavily OC specimens generate negative excess pore pressures. Measurements of the pore water pressures allow calculating vertical effective stresses, which can be used to investigate the effective stress paths followed by the clay-structure interface during the tests. This paper also provides a comparison of the measured values of beta and adhesion factors with previously published results and relationships used for the design of deep foundations.

Pore Pressure Generation of Liquefiable Soil Subjected to Irregular Cyclic Loading

Pore Pressure Generation of Liquefiable Soil Subjected to Irregular Cyclic Loading

Excess pore pressure generation in silty sands subjected to cyclic triaxial loading

Excess pore pressure generation in silty sands subjected to cyclic triaxial loading

Assessment of liquefaction potential and applicability of excess pore pressure generation model for gravelly soil

Assessment of liquefaction potential and applicability of excess pore pressure generation model for gravelly soil