| 1. |
- Andersson, J. Christer, 1974-
(author)
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Rock Mass Response to Coupled Mechanical Thermal Loading : Äspö Pillar Stability Experiment, Sweden
- 2007
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The geological disposal of nuclear waste, in underground openings and the long-term performance of these openings demand a detailed understanding of fundamental rock mechanics. A full scale field experiment: Äspö Pillar Stability Experiment was conducted at a depth of 450 m in sparsely fractured granitic rock to examine the rock mass response between two deposition holes. An oval shaped tunnel was excavated parallel to the σ3 direction to provide access to the experiment and also provide elevated stress magnitudes in the floor. In the tunnel floor two 1.75-m diameter 6-m deep boreholes were excavated so that a 1-m thick pillar was created between them. In one of the holes a confinement pressure of 700 kPa was applied and in the other displacement transducers were installed. The pillar volume was monitored by an Acoustic Emission System. Spatially distributed thermocouples were used to monitor the temperature development as the pillar was heated by electrical heaters. The excavation-induced stress together with the thermal-induced stress was sufficient to cause the wall of the open borehole to yield. The temperature-induced stress was increased slowly to enable detailed studies of the rock mass yielding process. Once the rock mass loading response was observed, the rock mass was unloaded using a de-stress slotting technique.This thesis focuses on the in-situ study of the rock mass response to coupled mechanical thermal loading and thermal-mechanical unloading. The experiment, its design, monitoring and observations are thoroughly described. An estimate of the yielding strength of the rock mass is presented and compared with laboratory test and results from other rock mass conditions reported elsewhere in the open literature. General conclusions about the effect of the confining pressure and the observations from the unloading of the pillar are also presented.Important findings are that the yielding strength of the rock mass has been successfully determined, low confinement pressures significantly affects the onset of yielding, the primary mode of fracture initiation and propagation is extensional, no significant time dependency of the yielding process was observed. The unloading studies also indicated that what appeared to be shear bands likely was a propagating zone of extensile failure that weakened the rock so that displacements in the shear direction could occur.
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| 2. |
- Bagheri, Mehdi
(author)
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Block stability analysis using deterministic and probabilistic methods
- 2011
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This thesis presents a discussion of design tools for analysing block stability around a tunnel. First, it was determined that joint length and field stress have a significant influence on estimating block stability. The results of calculations using methods based on kinematic limit equilibrium (KLE) were compared with the results of filtered DFN-DEM, which are closer to reality. The comparison shows that none of the KLE approaches– conventional, limited joint length, limited joint length with stress and probabilistic KLE – could provide results similar to DFN-DEM. This is due to KLE’s unrealistic assumptions in estimating either volume or clamping forces. A simple mechanism for estimating clamping forces such as continuum mechanics or the solution proposed by Crawford-Bray leads to an overestimation of clamping forces, and thus unsafe design. The results of such approaches were compared to those of DEM, and it was determined that these simple mechanisms ignore a key stage of relaxation of clamping forces due to joint existence. The amount of relaxation is a function of many parameters, such as stiffness of the joint and surrounding rock, the joint friction angle and the block half-apical angle. Based on a conceptual model, the key stage was considered in a new analytical solution for symmetric blocks, and the amount of joint relaxation was quantified. The results of the new analytical solution compared to those of DEM and the model uncertainty of the new solution were quantified. Further numerical investigations based on local and regional stress models were performed to study initial clamping forces. Numerical analyses reveal that local stresses, which are a product of regional stress and joint stiffness, govern block stability. Models with a block assembly show that the clamping forces in a block assembly are equal to the clamping forces in a regional stress model. Therefore, considering a single block in massive rock results in lower clamping forces and thus safer design compared to a block assembly in the same condition of in-situ stress and properties. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine which is the most important parameter by assessing sensitivity factors and studying the applicability of the partial coefficient method for designing block stability. It was determined that the governing parameter is the dispersion of the half-apical angle. For a dip angle with a high dispersion, partial factors become very large and the design value for clamping forces is close to zero. This suggests that in cases with a high dispersion of the half-apical angle, the clamping forces could be ignored in a stability analysis, unlike in cases with a lower dispersion. The costs of gathering more information about the joint dip angle could be compared to the costs of overdesign. The use of partial factors is uncertain, at least without dividing the problem into sub-classes. The application of partial factors is possible in some circumstances but not always, and a FORM analysis is preferable.
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| 3. |
- Bergman, Niclas
(author)
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Aspects of probabalistic serviceability limit state design of dry deep mixing
- 2015
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- An expanding population and increased need for infrastructure increasingly necessitate construction on surfaces with poor soil conditions. To facilitate the construction of buildings, roads and railroads in areas with poor soil conditions, these areas are often improved by means of foundation engineering. Constructions that are fairly limited in scope are often founded on shallow or deep foundations. However, these methods are relatively expensive and thus not applicable for large-scale constructions like roads and railroads. A cost-effective way to deal with poor soil conditions is to use ground improvement. This thesis deals with a ground improvement method called deep mixing (DD)using lime-cement columns.Lime-cement columns are manufactured by pushing a mechanical mixing tool to the desired depth, with the tool then rotated and retracted while a lime-cement binder is distributed into soil, forming lime-cement columns. Because of the complex mixing process and inherent soil variability, soil improved by DD shows high variability with respect to strength and deformation properties. Due to this high variability, it is difficult to predict the properties in advance; it is therefore important to verify the properties after installation. In Sweden, this is normally done using the column penetration test (KKK) method.Current design praxis considers evaluated mean values in the design, and the effect of variability and uncertainties is dealt with by using a sufficiently high total factor of safety. A more rational approach for dealing with the effect of variability and uncertainties on the reliability of a mechanical system is to include them as parameters in the design model. This can be done by using reliability-based design (RRR). A major incentive for using ??? is that lower variability in design properties produces higher design values. This is important since it encourages contractors to improve their manufacturing methodologies because ??? allows more homogenous columns to be assigned higher design values. Reliability-based design is also in line with Eurocode 7, which states that the selection of the characteristic values for geotechnical parameters shall take the variability of the measured property values into account.The first part of this doctoral thesis deals with test methods and quantification of the strength variability of soil improved by lime-cement columns. Tip resistances from three different test sites using three different penetration test methods – the cone penetration test, the column penetration test and the total-sounding test – are analysed and quantified in terms of means, variances and scale of fluctuations. The second part introduces RRR in serviceability limit state (SSS) design, using First Order Reliability Methods (FFFF) and Monte-Carlo simulations.Summarizing the most important findings and conclusions from this study: The scale of fluctuation was estimated to be 0.2-0.7 m and 0-3 m in the vertical and horizontal direction, respectively. The relation between cone tip resistances measured using the cone penetration test and column penetration test does not correspond to the cone factors proposed in previous studies and in the Swedish Design Guidelines. The agreement between the column penetration test and total-sounding test was found to be “good enough”. It is therefore suggested that the total-sounding test be used as a complement to the column penetration test in evaluating the average strength properties of a group of medium- and high-strength lime-cement columns.Reliability-based design is a rational approach to incorporate strength and deformation parameter variability with an SSS design.
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| 4. |
- Bjurström, Henrik
(author)
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Non-contact surface wave measurements on pavements
- 2017
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In this thesis, nondestructive surface wave measurements are presented for characterization of dynamic modulus and layer thickness on different pavements and cement concrete slabs. Air-coupled microphones enable rapid data acquisition without physical contact with the pavement surface.Quality control of asphalt concrete pavements is crucial to verify the specified properties and to prevent premature failure. Testing today is primarily based on destructive testing and the evaluation of core samples to verify the degree of compaction through determination of density and air void content. However, mechanical properties are generally not evaluated since conventional testing is time-consuming, expensive, and complicated to perform. Recent developments demonstrate the ability to accurately determine the complex modulus as a function of loading time (frequency) and temperature using seismic laboratory testing. Therefore, there is an increasing interest for faster, continuous field data evaluation methods that can be linked to the results obtained in the laboratory, for future quality control of pavements based on mechanical properties.Surface wave data acquisition using accelerometers has successfully been used to determine dynamic modulus and thickness of the top asphalt concrete layer in the field. However, accelerometers require a new setup for each individual measurement and are therefore slow when testing is performed in multiple positions. Non-contact sensors, such as air-coupled microphones, are in this thesis established to enable faster surface wave testing performed on-the-fly.For this project, a new data acquisition system is designed and built to enable rapid surface wave measurements while rolling a data acquisition trolley. A series of 48 air-coupled micro-electro-mechanical sensor (MEMS) microphones are mounted on a straight array to realize instant collection of multichannel data records from a single impact. The data acquisition and evaluation is shown to provide robust, high resolution results comparable to conventional accelerometer measurements. The importance of a perfect alignment between the tested structure’s surface and the microphone array is investigated by numerical analyses.Evaluated multichannel measurements collected in the field are compared to resonance testing on core specimens extracted from the same positions, indicating small differences. Rolling surface wave measurements obtained in the field at different temperatures also demonstrate the strong temperature dependency of asphalt concrete.A new innovative method is also presented to determine the thickness of plate like structures. The Impact Echo (IE) method, commonly applied to determine thickness of cement concrete slabs using an accelerometer, is not ideal when air-coupled microphones are employed due to low signal-to-noise ratio. Instead, it is established how non-contact receivers are able to identify the frequency of propagating waves with counter-directed phase velocity and group velocity, directly linked to the IE thickness resonance frequency.The presented non-contact surface wave testing indicates good potential for future rolling quality control of asphalt concrete pavements.
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| 5. |
- Draganovic, Almir, 1964-
(author)
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Bleeding and Filtration of Cement-Based Grout
- 2009
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Grouting is a common method of sealing rock around tunnels to reduce or stop water inflow. Successful grouting significantly minimizes the maintenance cost and safety of the tunnel. Some questions about bleeding and penetrability of the grouts have to be examined more closely to carry out a successful grouting. Bleeding of cement-based grout is a complex problem. Measuring methods used today originate from the measuring of the bleeding of cement pastes used in ordinary building industry. Whether bleeding measured with a standard method is relevant for bleeding in small fractures in rocks is one of the main questions in this study. The aim of the study is to illustrate what really happens with a grout during bleeding and which factors and processes influence it. In this way relevant measuring methods can be developed as well as the knowledge regarding interpretation of the measured results. The study has shown the most important factors which governs bleeding in cement-based grout. It has also shown that the results measured with standard methods are not relevant for bleeding of grout in rock joints and that voids in the joints caused by bleeding could be refilled during grouting itself. An important aspect of grouting is penetration of the grout. The penetration is defined as the length of how far grout penetrates in the rock through fractures from a bore hole. Filtration of the grout is a result of a plug building at fracture constrictions which reduces the penetrability of the grout. This is the other important issue discussed in the study which examines the question whether this can be measured by some measuring method and which factors and processes influence penetrability and filtration. A hypothesis of how the factors w/c ratio, pressure and relative constriction influence penetrability are presented and tested by special constructed measuring equipment. The results obtained by this measuring equipment are compared with the results measured with a penetrability meter.
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| 6. |
- Eklund, Daniel, 1975-
(author)
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Penetrability due to filtration tendency of cement based grouts
- 2005
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Grouting as a method of strengthening and sealing rock, soil and concrete is widely used. The possibilities of sealing structures are of great importance from both an economical and environmental point of view. The cost of grouting has in certain projects been as high as the cost for the blasting and excavation of the tunnel. To improve the technique of grouting with cement based material, it is necessary to focus on the properties of the used grout mixture. The ability of a grout to penetrate cavities, channels and porous material, the penetrability, depends on two things, the theology and the filtration tendency. Extensive laboratory tests on stable, low w/c-ratio, injection grouts show that the most significant limitation to their penetrability is the tendency of cement grains to agglomerate into an impermeable filter cake. The properties of a grout that may prevent passing obstructions in the flow path without the cement grains clogging and preventing further penetration is in this work called filtration tendency. An inert material mixture and a cement-based mixture are used for the investigations in this work. The inert material, which is crushed dolomite stone, does not react with the added water in the mixture. The used cement grouts are based upon three types of commercial available Portland cements and four Portland cements with modified grain size distribution curves. Performed tests show that the grain size and grain size distribution is of great importance for the filtration tendency. According to performed experiments with inert and cement material, it seems to be advantageous for the penetrability to have a grain size distribution that contains neither too many fine or coarse grains. It is reasonable to believe that the grain size distribution should be relatively steep (narrow grain size range) between minimum and maximum grain size. The maximum grain size is of importance in terms of for example d95. Too large maximum grain size will prevent penetration of the mixture through obstructions in the flow path. According to performed tests, the value of d95, should be between 4-10 times smaller than the aperture to be penetrated by the cement based mixture. The small grain sizes are also of importance in order to achieve a low filtration tendency of the grout. This is because of the increased tendency for the small grains to flocculation into larger agglomerates, compared to larger grain sizes. The filtration experiments with cement based grouts show that influences of parameters like surface chemistry (use of superplastisisers) and cement chemistry (hydration of cement grains) will strongly affect the filtration tendency of the mixture. To visualize the phenomenon of filtration tendency it can be investigated on a larger scale than usually takes place. Filtration experiments in the scale of approximately 100:1 have been performed in order to see influences of grain concentration, grain shape and the penetrated slot aperture. It can be seen that used grain sizes (monodisperse and inert mixture) should be approximately at least 2-3 times smaller than the aperture to be penetrated by the mixture. Numerical experiments of filtration tendency have also been performed to investigate the possibilities to numerically simulate the influence of grain concentration and slot aperture. The numerical experiments are based on Eulerian flow modelling.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Johansson, Teddy, 1960-
(author)
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Artificial Ground Freezingin Clayey Soils : Laboratory and Field Studies of Deformations During Thawing at the Bothnia Line
- 2009
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Artificial ground freezing as a method to temporarily stabilize and create hydraulic sealing in urban as well as in rural areas has been used in a number of Swedish construction projects, particularly during the last decade. One problem with the freezing of soil and rock is that fine-grained clayey types of soils have showed a tendency to under certain circumstances, during the thawing process, create a pore water overpressure and to consolidate, despite a change in the external loading conditions. In certain cases, this condition can be a desired effect as the soil mass after a freeze- and thaw cycle acquires overconsolidated properties. The main objectives of this study are, to describe and review the knowledge and current state of practice of artificial ground freezing, to increase the understanding about the conceptual behaviour for prognosis of the vertical deformation concerning artificial ground freezing and to compare and discuss results from laboratory and field studies concerning vertical deformation during thawing process for Bothnia soil. The field studies and the laboratory tests in this research study have been performed with soil from the freezing of the Bothnia Line in the vicinity of Stranneberget. The Bothnia Line is the railway link between Nyland, north of Kramfors, and Umeå. This thesis relates to a part of the Bothnia Line. It deals with the behaviour of soil during thawing by means of temporary stabilization and hydraulic sealing of fine-grained soil through artificial freezing using brine as the cooling agent. However, the reason behind the problem consists of the final deformations due to the thawing process. The general conclusions of this study are; the Bothnia soil water content decreased in mean approximately 14 % after a freeze-thaw cycle, which approximately corresponds to; wth = 0.8w – 1.5 the decrease of the water content has no correlation to the depth below ground surface, in contrast, there is a strong correlation between the undisturbed soil water content and the magnitude of the decrease in water content the soil liquid limit decreases after a freeze-thaw cycle, simultaneously as the relative share of clay and fine silt grains decreases while the relative share of more coarse grains increases the coarser and denser soil created after a freeze-thaw cycle obtains an increased preconsolidation pressure and an increased undrained shear strength.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Krounis, Alexandra
(author)
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Sliding stability re-assessment of concrete dams with bonded concrete-rock interfaces
- 2016
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The shear strength of the concrete-rock interface is an important parameter in sliding stability analyses of concrete dams founded on rock and depends, in addition to the normal stress state, on the bonding conditions of the interface; concrete-rock interfaces can be either unbonded, partially bonded or fully bonded.In the Swedish guidelines for dam safety all dam-foundation contacts are treated as unbonded. This has the benefit of eliminating all uncertainties related to the cohesive strength of bonded contacts but it might also lead to unnecessary strengthening of dams. Other national guidelines deal with the uncertainties related to cohesion by applying higher safety factors, mainly determined based on previous experience, when both cohesion and friction are taken into account.The main objective of this project is to study if and how cohesion can be included when evaluating the shear strength of bonded or partially bonded interfaces. To accomplish this, uncertainties associated with cohesion are identified and their influence on the assessed stability is investigated.The results show that the influence on the assessed sliding stability is strongly dependent on the magnitude of the involved uncertainties that might vary significantly for different dams. It is thus questionable if one safety factor applicable for all dams can be established for use in deterministic analyses.Taking into account cohesion when reliability methods are used is somewhat less complicated because of the possibility of directly incorporating the uncertainties in the analysis. The main challenge in such cases is the quantification of the involved uncertainties due to lack of proper data and, in some cases, knowledge. In this thesis, a framework for quantification of parameter uncertainty is suggested and the model error due to brittle failure in combination with spatial variation in cohesion is analysed. Areas that require more research to further refine the analysis are also identified.
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| 11. |
- Lucian, Charles, 1963-
(author)
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Geotechnical Aspects of Buildings on Expansive Soils in Kibaha, Tanzania
- 2008
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The focus of this study is on potential damages to buildings resulting from expansive soils in Tanzania, particularly clay soils in Kibaha. For the fact that most of the affected structures are founded on expansive soils, a clear understanding of the behaviour of soils and their interaction with structures has been of interest to the study in order to evaluate properly the source of the problem.The geotechnical behaviour of expansive clay soils is investigated by looking into the geomorphologic, geological and climatic conditions and mineralogical composition of the soils in the study area.Two sites, representative of known problem-areas in Kibaha were selected for geotechnical tests. Geotechnical site investigation consisted of open trial pits, profile description and the collection of both disturbed and undisturbed samples. To extend and amplify the findings, supplementary samples were collected from the environs of the two sites.The collected samples were submitted to soil laboratories at KTH, ARU, SEAMIC and DIT for mineralogical composition tests, natural water content, density, Atterberg limits and swell tests. The results of this investigation indicate that soils in Kibaha contains clay (31%), have high liquid limit (59%) and plastic limit (37%) which indicate high potential swell.Since swell pressure, free swell and swell percent are key properties of expansive soils, the swell properties were measured by free swell tests and one-dimensional oedometer swell tests. The free swell ranged from 100% to 150% and the swell pressure was in the region of 45 kPa. The coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) was determined for characterizing expansive clays. For all tested samples, COLE ranged from 0.09 to 0.14 indicating that soils fall in the region of high to very high expansion potential rating. The properties of expansive soils were confirmed by the x-ray diffraction test which showed the presence of smectite in the soil. Furthermore, total suction measurement technique using filter paper method indicated that the soils have high suction values, signifying that they have a tendency to swell upon wetting depending on plasticity of particular soil.The depth of the active zone was measured as a function of moisture variations in the profiles during two extreme weather conditions. The active zone depth was found to be between 1.0 and 2.0 m deep. Procedures to assess models to predict swell in the case study were outlined together with their validity.Vertical and horizontal spatial variability in selected soil properties was defined using geostatistical techniques through the fitting of variogram. The indicator semivariograms of both clay contents and free swell gave a range of 20 m horizontally and 1.0 m vertically, with the horizontal variograms exhibiting greater ranges than the dipping variograms.Physical conditions of the surveyed properties in the area confirmed that building damages are associated with poor building materials triggered by expansive soils. In support of the obtained data, the actual behaviour of the foundations was supplemented with prototypes of strip foundations whose performances were monitored over a period of four months. Finally, suggested are the ways forward to solve the problem of foundation on expansive soil
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Rahman, Mashuqur, 1984-
(author)
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Rheology of cement grout : Ultrasound based in-line measurement technique and grouting design parameters
- 2015
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Grouting is performed in order to decrease the permeability and increase the stiffness of the material, especially soil and rock. For tunnelling and underground constructions, permeation grouting is done where cement based materials are pumped inside drilled boreholes under a constant pressure, higher than the ground water pressure. The aim of permeation grouting is to reduce the water flow into tunnels and caverns and to limit the lowering of the surrounding groundwater table. Cement based materials are commonly used as grout due to their availability and lower costs. To obtain a proper water sealing and reduce the lowering of the ground water table, a desired spread of grout must be achieved and the rheology of the cement grout is the governing factor for estimating the required spread. Rheological properties of cement grout such as viscosity and yield stress are commonly measured off-line using laboratory instruments, and some simple tools are available to make field measurements. Although the rheological properties of the grout that is used play a fundamental role in design and execution, no method has yet been developed to measure these properties in-line in field work. In addition to the real time measurement, there is no standard method for determining the yield stress for grouting applications. Despite the common usage of Bingham model fitting to determine the yield stress, the range of shear rate is often not specified or is neglected. In this work, an in-line rheometry method combining the Ultrasound Velocity Profiling (UVP) technique with Pressure Difference (PD) measurements, known as “UVP+PD”, was successfully tested for continuous in-line measurements of concentrated micro cement based grouts. A major obstacle of using the ultrasound based methodology was the transducers, which would be capable of emitting sufficient acoustic energy and can be used in field conditions. The transducer technology was developed in a parallel project and the Flow-Viz industrial rheometer was found to be capable of detail measurement of the velocity profiles of cement grout. The shape of the velocity profiles was visualized, and the change in the shape of the profiles with concentration and time was observed. The viscosity and yield stress of the grout were determined using rheological models, e.g. Bingham and Herschel-Bulkley. In addition, rheological properties were determined using the non-model approach (gradient method) and the tube viscometry concept and were compared with results obtained using the rheological models. The UVP+PD method was found to be capable of determining the rheological behavior of cement grout regardless of the rheological model.The yield stress of cement grout was investigated using off-line rheometry techniques and UVP+PD in-line measurements. Tests were performed applying different shear histories and it was found that two ranges of yield stress indeed exist. Therefore, the design value of yield stress should be chosen with respect to the prevailing shear rate at the grout front for the required spread of grout. In addition, an appropriate shear rate range should be used when a Bingham fitting is done to determine the yield stress. In order to estimate the shear rate, plug thickness and velocity for one dimensional and two dimensional geometry, a non- dimensional nomogram was developed. The advantage of using the nomogram is that it does not depend on the applied pressure and the rheological properties of the grout and can therefore, be used as a simple design tool. Analytical approaches were used for the estimation and good agreements were found with numerical calculations and experimental results.In conclusion, in this work, it was found that it is possible to continuously measure the velocity profiles and determine the change of the rheological properties of cement grout using the ultrasound based UVP+PD method under field conditions. The yield stress was also investigated and it was found that two range of yield stress exist depending on the prevailing shear rate of the grout, which should be used for designing the grouting time at different conditions. In order to decide the design value of yield stress for grouting applications, a non-dimensional nomogram was developed that can be used to estimate the plug thickness, shear rate and velocity of the grout.
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| 15. |
- Spross, Johan, 1986-
(author)
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Toward a reliability framework for the observational method
- 2016
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Constructing sustainable structures in rock that satisfy all predefined technical specifications requires rational and effective construction methods. When the geotechnical behaviour is hard to predict, the European design code, Eurocode 7, suggests application of the observational method to verify that the performance is acceptable. The basic principle of the method is to accept predefined changes in the design during construction to comply with the actual ground conditions, if the current design is found unsuitable. Even though this in theory should ensure an effective design solution, formal application of the observational method is rare.Investigating the applicability of the observational method in rock engineering, the aim of this thesis is to identify, highlight, and solve the aspects of the method that limit its wider application. Furthermore, the thesis aims to improve the conceptual understanding of how design decisions should be made when large uncertainties are present.The main research contribution is a probabilistic framework for the observational method. The suggested methodology allows comparison of the merits of the observational method with that of conventional design. Among other things, the thesis also discusses (1) the apparent contradiction between the preference for advanced probabilistic calculation methods and sound, qualitative engineering judgement, (2) how the establishment of limit states and alarm limits must be carefully considered to ensure structural safety, and (3) the applicability of the Eurocode definition of the observational method and the implications of deviations from its principles.
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| 16. |
- Wersäll, Carl
(author)
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Frequency Optimization of Vibratory Rollers and Plates for Compaction of Granular Soil
- 2016
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Vibratory rollers are commonly used for compaction of embankments and landfills. This task is time consuming and constitutes a significant part of most large construction and infrastructure projects. By improving the compaction efficiency, the construction industry would reduce costs and environmental impact.This research project studies the influence of the vibration frequency of the drum, which is normally a fixed roller property, and whether resonance can be utilized to improve the compaction efficiency. The influence of frequency on roller compaction has not before been studied but the concept of resonance compaction has previously been applied successfully in deep compaction of fills and natural deposits.In order to examine the influence of vibration frequency on the compaction of granular soil, small-scale compaction tests of sand were conducted under varying conditions with a vertically oscillating plate. Subsequently, full-scale tests were conducted using a vibratory soil compaction roller and a test bed of crushed gravel. The results showed that resonance can be utilized in soil compaction by vibratory rollers and plates and that the optimum compaction frequency from an energy perspective is at, or slightly above, the coupled compactor-soil resonant frequency. Since rollers operate far above resonance, the compaction frequency can be significantly reduced, resulting in a considerable reduction in fuel consumption, environmental impact and machine wear.The thesis also presents an iterative equivalent-linear method to calculate the frequency response of a vibrating foundation, such as a compacting plate or the drum of a roller. The method seems promising for predicting the resonant frequency of the roller-soil system and can be used to determine the optimum compaction frequency without site- and roller-specific measurements.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Yaghoobi Rafi, Jalaleddin, 1979-
(author)
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Study of Pumping Pressure and Stop Criteria in Grouting of Rock Fractures
- 2014
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Today practice of grouting is based on empirical approaches in that, pumping pressure and stop criteria are determined by benchmarking similar projects. Considering a maximum limit for grouting pressure would allow applying a relatively high pressure that may lead to jacking of the fracture or even uplift of the rock mass. On the other hand, keeping the pressure lower than the overburden, in order to avoid any deformation, will prolong grouting process. Determination of pumping pressure is more complicated considering the induced energy to the rock fracture due to combination of the injected volume and pumping pressure. In other word, pressurizing large volume of the injected grout with a low pumping pressure establish the same force inside the fracture as the high applied grouting pressure on small injected volume do. Therefore, an stop criterion to limit grouting volume along with grouting pressure, which is a hyperbola trimming maximum pressure-maximum volume limits and named as grout intensity number (GIN), has been defined. However, in using this stop criterion and at completion point, the state of the fracture and the distance that grout spread inside the fracture are unknown. As a theoretical approach, examining the flow of the Bingham fluid in network of fractures led to development of a numerical model and later an analytical solution, which enabled estimation of distance that grout spread in the fractures in real time. Finally, theoretical curves to limit elastic and ultimate jacking were established to limit grout pressure in correlation with depth of grout penetration by considering the state of the fracture. Despite empirical and theoretical developments, determination of optimum grouting pressure is still challenging. In this study, In addition to examining performance of the analytical solution in estimation of grout spread and distinguishing onset of fracture jacking, the goal is coming up with recommendations for selection of optimum grouting pressure, by examining mechanism of elastic jacking. For this purpose, negative aspects of fracture deformation, which are increase of grouting time and remaining transmissivity, were quantified and discussed against its positive effect on increase of penetrability. By that, application of a relatively high pressure was recommended in order to opening of the fracture to a permitted level, with purpose of increasing penetrability while considering negative effects of elastic jacking. The stop criterion is defined as the grouting time of achieving the required distance of grout spread at the highest applicable grouting pressure.In examining empirical methods, in grouting of fractures in deep levels, pressure-depth graph suggests usage of higher pressure in compare with the estimated pressure by theory while GIN method is conservative. In further studies GIN was estimated analytically and applying a relatively high grouting pressure in order to opening the fracture, up to attaining the hyperbola, and continuation of grouting with decreasing trend, in order to bringing the fracture back to its initial size at refusal, were proposed. Complexity of using this methodology in compare with theoretical approach was discussed.As the future work, there is a need to verify the results in the field, and to confirm well performance of this analytical solution in different geologies. Examining variation of grout mixture properties during grouting program as well as significance of simplification of geological pattern to a single horizontal fracture, in that grout flow radially, are among other future studies that can develop this theoretical application further.
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| 19. |
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