Mechanical Structural Characteristics Research Articles

Research on influence laws of aggregate sizes on pore structures and mechanical characteristics of cement mortar

Aggregate plays an important role in cement-based materials. Evaluating the impact of aggregate gradation on pore structure and mechanical properties will help to optimize the mortar ratio and improve its durability. In this study, artificial sand with 5 different particle sizes was used as aggregate, and the synthetic gradation formed by their coupling was compared. The pore structure distribution of mortar was quantitatively characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. Surface-to-volume ratio (SVR) and ρd (aggregate packing density) were used to characterize the aggregate grading characteristics. The correlation between aggregate gradation characteristics and mortar parameters, such as porosity, pore structure fractal dimension, permeability coefficient, and mechanical strength, was analyzed, and a compressive modulus of mortar was established. The results indicate that the pore structure characteristics, K (permeability), and mechanical characteristics of mortar are all influenced by both SVR and ρd. The predominant pores in the mortar are micropores and movable fluid pores, and the addition of 0.1–0.5 mm aggregates reduces the formation of micropores, mesopores, macropores, and movable fluid pores in the mortar. As the number of pores increases, the complexity of the pore structure decreases, leading to higher homogeneity. Moreover, the K shows a strong power function relationship with the total porosity and the total porosity fractal. The compressive strength and Ec (compression modulus) of GM1–6 are significantly higher than those of GM7–9, correlating with the minimum aggregate size and the inherent strength of the aggregates. The regression results of the strength correlation model are significant, and the strength model established based on the porosity of micropores and Ec can accurately predict the compressive strength of mortar.

First-Principles Study of the Structural, Mechanical, Electronic, and Thermodynamic Properties of AlCu2M (M = Ti, Cr, Zr, Sc, Hf, Mn, Pa, Lu, Pm) Ternary Intermetallic Compounds.

Based on the first principles, the structural stability, mechanical characteristics, electronic structure, and thermodynamic properties of AlCu2M (M = Ti, Cr, Zr, Sc, Hf, Mn, Pa, Lu, Pm) are investigated. The calculated results indicate that the AlCu2Pa crystal structure is more stable and that AlCu2Pa should be easier to form. All of the AlCu2M compounds have structural stability in the ground state. Elastic constants are used to characterize the mechanical stability and elastic modulus, while the B/G values and Poisson ratio demonstrate the brittleness and ductility of AlCu2M compounds. It is demonstrated that all computed AlCu2M compounds are ductile and mechanically stable, with AlCu2Hf having the highest bulk modulus and AlCu2Mn having the highest Young's modulus. AlCu2Mn has the highest intrinsic hardness among AlCu2M compounds, according to calculations of their intrinsic hardness. The electronic densities of states are discussed in detail; it was discovered that all AlCu2M compounds form Al-Cu and Al-M covalent bonds. Additionally, we observe that the Debye temperature and minimum thermal conductivity of AlCu2Mn and AlCu2Sc are both larger than those of others, indicating stronger chemical bonds and higher thermal conductivities, which is consistent with the elastic modulus results.

Thermal, and radiation shielding properties of SrO–B2O3–TeO2–ZnO–Bi2O3 glasses doped with Dy2O3

The newly proposed materials demonstrated outstanding and effective radiation shielding capabilities and promising mechanical properties. A series of (20-x) SrO-(73)B2O3-(5)TeO2-(1)ZnO-(1)Bi2O3 doped with x-Dy2O3 have been produced employing the traditional melt-quench process, with the concentration of Dy2O3 varying from 0.05 to 1.5 mol%. This research examined glass samples' structural stability, mechanical and thermal characteristics, and radiation shielding capabilities. All of the glasses were amorphous, as confirmed by the X-ray examination, and the glass with the label SBTZBD6 had the maximum density because of the higher Dy2O3 content. The insert of Dy2O3 into the glass composition increased density values from 2.94 to 3.04 g/cm3 for SBTZBD1 and SBTZBD6 and improved mechanical properties such as Poisson ratio and elastic moduli. The hardness Vickers showed the maximum value at 1095.7 HV corresponding to Dy2O3 1 mol%, indicating the influence of Dy2O3 addition on the mechanical properties. The ability of the generated samples to shield against several forms of radiation, such as alpha, proton, neutron, and gamma radiation, was examined using SRIM and Phy-X software. The lowest HVL is 0.009 cm for SBTZBD6 at 0.02 MeV, the highest HVL was observed at 15 MeV with a value equal to 7.066 cm for the same sample. Dy2O3 was used instead of SrO, significantly increasing the μ/ρ values and improving radiation shielding. However, it was discovered that fast neutron shielding experienced a reduction in energy loss per unit mass (mass stopping power) when SrO was replaced with Dy2O3. However, the substitution also reduced energy loss per unit mass for alpha and protons and fast neutron shielding. To sum up, this study's glass samples are highly recommended for ionizing radiation shielding.

Studying the possibility of using butter produced by the method of converting high fat cream in the production of puff products

The article presents comparative studies of the composition, physico-chemical and structural-mechanical characteristics of butter samples produced by the method of converting high-fat cream from domestic raw materials, and foreign-made but- ter by churning cream in continuous buttermakers, as well as their influence on the process of puff pastry formation and the organoleptic properties of finished products made from puff pastry. The purpose of the research is to assess the suitability of butter produced by the method of converting high-fat cream for the production of puff pastry and products made from it. New Zealand butter samples produced by the method of churning cream in continuous butter makers and often used in the manufacture of puff pastry products in cafes served as control samples. Typical samples of Russian-made butter produced by the method of converting high-fat cream were used as experimental samples. Based on the research results, differences in the fatty acid composition of the studied butter samples were established in terms of the content of lauric, myristic, palmitic and linoleic acids. It was revealed that in the range from 20 to 30 °, i. e., in conditions under which the dough rolling and proofing operations take place, the experimental butter samples were characterized by relatively higher levels of solid triglycerides and hardness. This caused a decrease in the plasticity of the butter and its ability to roll out. Based on comparative studies of the structural and mechanical properties of the butter, it was established that in order to improve its characteristics necessary for uniform rolling of the butter layer, it is advisable to lower the hardness value while simultaneously increasing the value of the butter structure recoverability. It has been concluded that such characteristics for butter produced by the method of convert- ing high-fat cream can be obtained by adjusting the composition of the butter and its production modes, and a decrease in the solid triglycerides can be achieved by active influence of the diet of animals in different periods of the year.

Analysis on Shear Resistance of Joint and Structural Mechanical Response of Assembled Composite Beam Joints

This article systematically studies the shear characteristics and structural mechanical response characteristics of composite beam joints. The results indicate that the shear stiffness of the connector is between 1000 N/mm and 2500 N/mm, with high stiffness performance. Meanwhile, as the stiffness increases, the frequency of the structure shows a significant increasing trend, indicating that high stiffness helps to improve the stability of the structure. In the trend chart of shear characteristics and performance of connectors over time, the shear characteristics of connectors significantly increased between 2018 and 2023, with an average shear strength increasing from 1500 N to 2100 N, an increase of 40%. By studying the static and dynamic response characteristics, as well as the bearing capacity, stability, and fatigue performance of composite beams. The results indicate that the response characteristics of the new connector are significantly better than those of traditional connectors. Based on the research results, this article proposes strategies and suggestions for optimizing connector design and improving overall structural performance, providing important theoretical support and practical guidance for practical engineering applications. This study not only enriches the theoretical system of composite beams, but also has important significance in promoting technological progress in related fields.

Investigation on the stability, mechanism and electronic properties of rutile TiO2 via first-principle calculations

Through first-principles calculations, the structural stability, electrical properties, and mechanical characteristics of TiO2 in the P42/mcm space group under varying external pressures were explored. The dynamical and elastic stability of TiO2 with P42/mcm space group are evaluated based on calculated results of phonon dispersion curves and elastic constants. Furthermore, the evaluation of the theoretical elastic modulus, derived through the stress-strain method, reveals a notable anisotropic characteristic in the TiO2 structure. In light of the ideal strength values ascertained through a range of strain conditions, coupled with the two-dimensional electron localization function maps pertinent to various pivotal structural models, the fundamental mechanism that dictates the mechanical properties of the TiO2 structure has been pinpointed. Meanwhile, the contributions of oxygen (O) and titanium (Ti) atoms to the conduction and valence bands in the band structure of TiO2 have been systematically analyzed. The results of the research will aid in exploring the inherent mechanical and electrical properties of TiO2 compounds.

Mechanical response analysis of the wide-chord hollow fan blade considering the fluid–structure interaction

The aero-engine wide-chord hollow fan blade with a cavity stiffener structure can effectively reduce the weight and greatly increase the rotational speed. However, during the high-speed rotation process of the hollow fan, there is a strong coupling effect between the solid domain of the blade and the incoming air. This effect leads to a certain deformation of the rotor blade, which has a large impact on the structural strength of the blade. Aiming at the problem of the fluid–structure interaction in its operation, the finite-element method was used to simulate the two-layer structure of the TC4 titanium alloy wide-chord hollow fan blade. The centrifugal force and fluid–structure coupling effect were considered when carrying out the research on the structural mechanical characteristics of the blade. The results show that the maximum equivalent stress of the blade considering the fluid–structure coupling effect is 508 MPa at the rotational speed of 2,900 r/min, which is approximately 18% higher than the maximum stress when only the centrifugal force is considered. This phenomenon indicates that the effect of aerodynamic force on the blade stress cannot be ignored. The stress concentration area of the blade is located in the third stiffener from the leading edge and near the root of the blade, and the aerodynamic force has a more significant effect on the radial stress distribution of the blade. Further analysis of the equivalent stress distribution along the blade tip direction shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The maximum equivalent stress appears at a distance of 30 mm up to the bottom of the stiffener.

Decoding Biomechanical Cues Based on DNA Sensors.

Biological systems perceive and respond to mechanical forces, generating mechanical cues to regulate life processes. Analyzing biomechanical forces has profound significance for understanding biological functions. Therefore, a series of molecular mechanical techniques have been developed, mainly including single-molecule force spectroscopy, traction force microscopy, and molecular tension sensor systems, which provide indispensable tools for advancing the field of mechanobiology. DNA molecules with a programmable structure and well-defined mechanical characteristics have attached much attention to molecular tension sensors as sensing elements, and are designed for the study of biomechanical forces to present biomechanical information with high sensitivity and resolution. In this work, a comprehensive overview of molecular mechanical technology is presented, with a particular focus on molecular tension sensor systems, specifically those based on DNA. Finally, the future development and challenges of DNA-based molecular tension sensor systems are looked upon.

Development of Physico-chemical and Technological Parameters for the Production of Dairy Products for Sports Nutrition in Pavlodar Region

Main problem:The article considers the results of research and design of basic formulations of dairy products for sports nutrition in Pavlodar region. The authors analyzed the problems in the field of development of modern food technologies of a specialized orientation. Purpose: To develop physical, chemical and technological parameters for the production of dairy products for sports nutrition in Pavlodar region. Methods: structural-mechanical, physico-chemical, organoleptic. Results and their significance: Reliable research results have been obtained: the fatty acid composition of goat and cow's milk for the production of a new product has been determined, the physico-chemical and structural-mechanical characteristics of goat and cow's milk (raw materials) have been studied. The authors concluded that in the protein composition of goat's milk in the spring and summer period, there is a slight excess of total protein by 0,27 %, whey and casein proteins by 0,07 % and 0,2 %, respectively, non-protein nitrogenous substances by 0,01 % compared with cow's milk. A comparative analysis of the physico-chemical composition of the research objects (goat and cow's milk) was carried out and it was concluded that the mass fraction of solids in the milk of Zaanen goats is 12,8 %, respectively, and significantly exceeds the same indicator of cow's milk – 12,41 %. In the milk of Altai and Alpine goat breeds, the mass fraction of solids ranges from 11,85 % to 11,94 %, which is significantly lower than in cow's milk. The study found that the dry matter content in goat's milk is 8,59 %, which is 0,19 % more than the dry matter in cow's milk. There is a greater amount of protein, respectively, by 0,1 %, while the amount of fat is less than in cow's milk, by almost 1 %.

Multi-objective design and optimization of squeezed branch pile based on orthogonal test

In recent years, the emergence of the squeezed branch pile has presented a new avenue for civil engineering, offering a distinctive structure and favorable mechanical characteristics. Squeezed branch piles have strong compressive, uplift, and horizontal load resistance capabilities. Due to the existence of discs, the geometric parameters of squeezed branch piles are abundant but important. This article selects number of discs, disc diameter, disc squeeze angle, and disc spacing as the main influencing factors on the bearing capacity of squeezed branch piles and conducts a qualitative analysis of their mechanical properties. The aim of this article is to analyze the different bearing performances of squeezed branch piles through orthogonal experimental design, simulate test conditions using finite element software ABAQUS, obtain relevant data, and finally determine the weight ranking and optimal combination of influencing factors through range analysis to provide better guidance for engineering practices. Through multi-objective optimization design, six optimization objectives including compressive performance, compressive economic efficiency, uplift performance, uplift economic efficiency, maximum horizontal displacement and maximum bending moment of pile body were analyzed. The analysis methods used included comprehensive balance method, queue scoring method, principal component analysis method, entropy weight method, and analytic hierarchy process. The conclusions obtained are similar, and based on the judgment, the squeezed branch pile with 4 discs, disc diameter of 2.5D, disc squeeze angle of 35°, and disc spacing of 3D is considered as the optimal combination under consideration of all optimization objectives.

Experimental investigations of impact behavior and milling performance of T700-CFRP under cryogenic conditions

The carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite is a reliable body material for modern airplanes, and extremely difficult to cut owing to its complex structure and special mechanical characteristics. In cutting CFRP, fiber breakage and delamination defects very frequently appear on the machined surface. The use of cryogenic cooling in CFRP cutting has proven to be an advanced approach to improving the machined surface quality of CFRP composites. To reveal the mechanism of milling CFRP under cryogenic conditions, this study investigates the impact behavior and cutting performance of T700-CFRP at low temperatures. The impact test of T700-CFRP unidirectional laminates with 0°, 45°, and 90° fiber directions was performed at various temperatures ranging from 20 °C to −196 °C, to analyze the impact toughness and the fracture morphology. Side milling experiments of CFRP laminates of 0°, 45°, and 90° fiber directions with the PCD endmill were conducted at the same temperatures used in the impact test. Experimental findings revealed that for 0° specimens, the impact toughness increased at lower temperatures, and the impact damage worsened as the temperature dropped from −120 °C to −196 °C. There were no evident changes in the impact toughness or impact damage of 45° and 90° specimens with the decrease in temperature. The feed force and radial force increased as the cooling medium temperature lowered during milling CFRP. The machined surface of 45° workpieces was the roughest among all the workpieces and covered with numerous pits and craters. The machined surface roughness Ra of 0° workpieces decreased as the cooling medium temperature was lowered from 20 °C to −160 °C and then increased at −196 °C, while the Ra value of both 45° and 90° workpieces rose as the temperature dropped from 0 °C to −196 °C.

Research progress in influence of microstructure on performance of triply-periodic minimal surface bone scaffolds

To summarize the influence of microstructure on performance of triply-periodic minimal surface (TPMS) bone scaffolds. The relevant literature on the microstructure of TPMS bone scaffolds both domestically and internationally in recent years was widely reviewed, and the research progress in the imfluence of microstructure on the performance of bone scaffolds was summarized. The microstructure characteristics of TPMS bone scaffolds, such as pore shape, porosity, pore size, curvature, specific surface area, and tortuosity, exert a profound influence on bone scaffold performance. By finely adjusting the above parameters, it becomes feasible to substantially optimize the structural mechanical characteristics of the scaffold, thereby effectively preempting the occurrence of stress shielding phenomena. Concurrently, the manipulation of these parameters can also optimize the scaffold's biological performance, facilitating cell adhesion, proliferation, and growth, while facilitating the ingrowth and permeation of bone tissue. Ultimately, the ideal bone fusion results will obtain. The microstructure significantly and substantially influences the performance of TPMS bone scaffolds. By deeply exploring the characteristics of these microstructure effects on the performance of bone scaffolds, the design of bone scaffolds can be further optimized to better match specific implantation regions.

Study on the meshing theory of the ring-shaped roller screw mechanism

Based on the structural characteristics of ring-shaped roller screw mechanism (RRSM), helical equations of the screw, roller and nut are derived. Meshing equations at the screw-roller and nut-roller interfaces are developed, which can be used to calculated contact positions of thread teeth. The equations of axial clearances in the RRSM are also derived and zero-clearance design values of the thread thicknesses are given. By comparing the contact positions and clearances obtained from a previously published numerical model, the feasibility of the proposed model is validated. The influence of structural parameters on the meshing characteristics of the RRSM is analyzed. When the nominal radius of the screw is increased or that of the roller is decreased, the contact point at the screw-roller interface will move towards to the tangential-point of pitch circles. The difference between the value of the screw flank angle and that of the screw flank angle has great influence on contact positions. When the values of the nut and roller flank angles are equal, the contact points will lie on the tangential-point of pitch circles and the zero-clearance design value of the thread thickness at the nut-roller interface is equal to the half of the screw pitch. The radius of the roller thread profile has little influence on the zero-clearance design values of thread thickness.

Effect Produced by the Treatment Type on the Performance of the Artificial Heart Valve Welded Frame

Background: The welded joint loss of performance is largely determined by the heterogeneity of the structural state of the heat-affected zones. The basic materials from which the artificial heart valve welded frames are made are technically pure titanium grade VT1-OS and alloy grade 40 KHNM with the required biomedical properties. Objective: The study of the structural state, and changes in mechanical characteristics under static and cyclic loading of welded joints made of pure titanium grade VT1-OS and alloy grade 40 KHNM. Method: The paper investigates structural changes and mechanical characteristics under static and cyclic loading in Ringer-Locke saline solution of welded T-shaped joints made of pure titanium grade VT1-OS and alloy grade 40 KHNM, simulating the nodes of an artificial heart valve subject to maximum cyclic loads during operation. Result: It is revealed that the structural and mechanical heterogeneity along the length of the welded joints of the studied materials determines a loss of mechanical performance, both under static and cyclic loading. Conclusion: Experimental batches of welded elements of artificial heart valve assemblies made of VT1-OS titanium and 40 KHNM alloy according to the established optimal modes have successfully passed full-scale tests on physiological and biological stands in conditions as close as possible to the operational ones.

Investigation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AlSi7Mg0.3Cu0.5 Alloy with Addition of Zr, Ti and Sr

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of Zr and its synergistic effect together with the addition of an inoculant (Ti) and a modifier (Sr) in terms of structural analysis and mechanical characteristics of AlSi7Mg0.3Cu0.5 alloy. In accordance with the objectives of the paper, in the experimental part, eight material variants were cast by the investment casting method. The presence of Zr in the experimental alloys was manifested by the crystallization of phases with different chemical compositions mainly (AlSi)3(TiZr) and (AlSi)2(TiZr). The graded addition of Ti in the alloys resulted in a higher number of nucleation grains of Zr-rich phases, and alloys with a combination of Zr and Sr were characterized by the formation of (AlSi)2(TiZr) phases. Various types of precipitates based on Zr (Al3(ZrTi)) and Cu (Al2Cu) were observed in the substructure of the alloys. The addition of Zr and its synergistic effect with Ti and Sr led to an increase in the conventional yield strength, hardness and partly tensile strength with reduced elongation of the experimental alloys.

Implementation of artificial intelligence to the prediction of the mechanical properties of concrete: A review

Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intellect by machines such as computer systems. Due to the lack of technology, the construction sector suffered from low productivity, time waste, poor product performance, and a lack of safety and security. The construction industry's use of artificial intelligence has risen and current challenges have been resolved. The article reveals that artificial Intelligence is utilized to monitor personnel, equipment, and construction-related mistakes. Major concrete problems include carbonation, reinforcing corrosion, chemical assault, and overloading which leads to strength reduction in concrete. The subfields of artificial intelligence, which include machine learning, knowledge-based systems, computer vision, robotics, and optimization, have been utilized to improve safety, security, quality, productivity, dependability, and precision. This study also describes the application of Artificial Intelligence to the assessment of mechanical properties of concrete. The main purpose of this article is to use artificial intelligence to monitor the structural health and mechanical characteristics of concrete. Concrete's health and safety are dependent on the subfields of artificial intelligence such as machine learning, computer vision, and knowledge-based systems. In line with this, the sensors were used to measure the health monitoring of concrete structures. These modern methods prevent workplace accidents leading to safety for the occupants in the workplace. This study also discusses mixture composition estimates to attain desired strength characteristics of the composite. The capacity to capture the physical and chemical processes of failure is also described in this study. This paper suggests that artificial intelligence in concrete is capable of monitoring the health of concrete. The technique has also been shown to accurately forecast the strength of concrete. This article also concludes that artificial intelligence can determine concrete's flexural strength and other attributes.

Influence of vacancy on the elastic, thermodynamic and electronic properties of LaMgNi4 alloys from first-principles calculations

In this work, the structural stability, mechanical, electronic, and thermodynamic characteristics of LaMgNi4 alloys with different vacancies are discussed in detail. The calculated results of formation enthalpy (ΔH) of LaMgNi4 alloys with Mg-Va, Ni-Va2, La-Va1 and La-Va2 vacancies are −0.294eV/atom, −0.273eV/atom, −0.241eV/atom and −0.241eV/atom, respectively, and the results of phonon dispersion curves show that these vacancy models do not exhibit imaginary frequency in any high symmetry direction, which indicates that these models have stable structure. In addition, different vacancies have different effects on the mechanical properties of LaMgNi4 alloys. For example, the existence of Mg-Va, La-Va1, and La-Va2 vacancies enhances the mechanical properties of LaMgNi4 alloys, while the existence of Ni-Va2 vacancy weakens its mechanical properties. From the perspective of electronic structure, the change of mechanical properties of LaMgNi4 alloys is probably caused by the change of electronic state density at the Fermi level due to the existence of different vacancies. The thermodynamic properties such as the specific heat (Cv) and Debye temperature (ΘD) of the LaMgNi4 alloys with different vacancies are calculated by phonon calculations for wide temperature range from 0 K to 1000 K, and further discussed in detail. Finally, the adsorption of O atom on LaMgNi4 (110) surface and the elastic constants and the elastic modulus of random solid solution alloys of La4Mg4Ni14Cu2 are also investigated.

Enzyme Composition Modeling and Its Application in the Baking Cryotechnology

Cryotechnologies are widely used in the production of bakery products, including dough. The study aim is to optimize the enzyme composition and evaluate its application effectiveness in the technology of rye-wheat bread based on frozen dough. To solve nonlinear problems and the fractional factor experiment method a man applied algorithms of the generalized reduced gradient method. As a result of data analysis using MS Office Excel, the maximum possible concentrations of the enzyme complex components are, wt. %: “Pentopan 500 BG” – 12.0, “Novamil 1500 MG” – 5.0 and “Neutrase 1.5 MG” – 2.0; the optimal ratio is 6:2.5:1. The authors run the recipe optimization of rye-wheat bread based on frozen dough using Statgraphics 18.1 and constructing mathematical models based on multifactorial analysis. The variables were the dosages of the enzyme composition 4–10 % by weight of flour and dry starter culture of lactic acid bacteria 0.05–0.15 % by weight of flour; the required functions were porosity and specific volume of rye-wheat bread. As the mathematical data processing result, a man received regression dependence equations of rye-wheat bread porosity and specific volume on the components concentrations; optimal dry starter concentrations and enzyme composition – 0.12 and 7.5 % by weight of flour, respectively. The thesis provides physicochemical, organoleptic and structural-mechanical characteristics of rye-wheat bread developed on the cryotechnology basis after long-term low-temperature storage of test dough at a temperature of minus 18–20 ° C for 150 days, confirming the enzyme composition effectiveness.

Seismic stress state of a high earth dam using the spectroscopic method

The reliable and safe operation of earth dams located in seismic regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan requires engineers and researchers to constantly improve the design normative methods for their calculation in order to identify safety margins and stability under various types of loads. A method is proposed for calculating the seismic stress state of an earth dam (on the example of the Pskem HPP being designed), based on the spectral method, in accordance with the current standards for the design of hydro-technical structures in seismic areas. Structural and piecewise non-homogeneous physical and mechanical characteristics of soils of the structure body were provided by Hydroproject JSC of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The results of the calculations show that under a horizontal seismic impact, the dam performs transverse oscillations. It was determined that the maximum vertical stresses are observed in the lower part of the upper slope, where the maximum hydrostatic pressure is reached. The maximum shear stresses appear at the base of the dam and on the surface of the downstream slope, where the risk of loss of strength under shear is greater..

Long-term monitoring of earth dam of the Charvak hydroelectric power plant (HPP) considering the water level of the reservoir

A numerical method for determining the settlement and stress-strain state (SSS) of high earth dam of the Charvak hydroelectric power plant is developed based on the finite element method (FEM). The results were compared with the available data from long-term field observations and with records of continuous geodetic monitoring of the dam behavior based on processed space radar images obtained from the Sentinel-1 satellite. To conduct calculations, OJSC Gidroproekt of the Republic of Uzbekistan provided the structural and piecewise non-homogeneous physical and mechanical characteristics of soil of the structure body. The results of calculations of vertical displacements, normal stresses, and pore pressure were compared with field observation data for the section in which the corresponding control and measuring equipment was installed. A cause-and-effect relationship was identified between the water level in the reservoir and the deformation of the dam. The difference between the theoretical results obtained and field observations was up to 10%. A comparison of the results obtained using the finite element analysis calculations (taking into account the level of water filling in the reservoir) with the actually measured deformations of the dam during the filling of the reservoir, and with processed space monitoring data depending on the time of year, showed a good agreement between the measured and calculated displacements.