Papers by Author: Hong Jian Liao

Abstract: Using the finite difference code FLAC3D (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 3 Dimensions) and UST (Unified Strength Theory), the influence of the intermediate principal stress effect on the problems of flat punch are analyzed in this paper. The values of the ultimate bearing capacity resulting from numerical analyses and the analytical solution of Prandtl’s strip punch problem are compared. The three-dimensional problems of strip, rectangular, square and circular punches on a semi infinite metallic medium have been analyzed.

Abstract: This paper is mainly concerned with the saturated-unsaturated seepage analysis of earth dams based on unsaturated soil theory and the stability analysis of earth dams based on conception of slices. At first, beginning basic seepage theory, thesis introduce the saturated-unsaturated and steady-unsteady seepage differential equation of porous media and the FEM regarding hydraulic pressure head as basic unknown quantity. Then considering the shear strength of unsaturated soil, the method of analysis of general limit equilibrium has been approved and it can be used in the analysis of the stability of saturated-unsaturated slopes. Through an example it is respectively discussed effects of seepage flow when water head is changed in earth dam and the effects of percolation in the stability of the earth dam slope. Some helpful conclusions are gained. This can be making the best of the tow methods and the results can be used in engineering for reference.

Abstract: Soil nailing is a widely used technique for stabilizing slopes and excavations. In all current design methods, the nail-soil interface shear strength, that is, the pull-out resistance of a soil nail is an important parameter which controls the design and safety assessment of the soil nailing system. The pressure grouting is a cost effective method for increasing the soil nail pull-out resistance and in turn improving the performance of the nailed structure. In this paper, a three dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) model for pull-out tests is established and verified by comparing simulated results with measured data. This model is then used to simulate the effect of grouting pressure on the soil nail pull-out resistance.

Abstract: In numerical simulation of engineering problems, it is important to properly simulate the interface between two adjacent parts of the model. In finite element method, there are generally three methods for simulating interface problems: interface element method, surface based contact method and the method by using a thin layer of continuum elements. In this paper, simulation of interface problems is conducted using continuum elements and surface based contact methods. The results from each method are presented and compared with each other.

Abstract: This paper is mainly concerned with the saturated-unsaturated seepage analysis of embankment dams based on unsaturated soil theory and the reliability analysis of embankment dam based on conception of reliability. The transient seepage due to change of the water level is calculated using the finite element method based on unifying saturated-unsaturated seepage governing equations. The transient pore water pressures are then used for stability analyses of embankment dam considering the effects of suction on shear strength of unsaturated soils. Meanwhile, combined with reliability computation, the Monte-Carlo stimulation method is used to calculate the corresponding reliability index dealing with the stochastic features of soil parameters. The reliability of different water level condition of embankment dams has been analyzed. The effects of different reservoir water level drawdown and raise speeds on reliability of embankment dam are discussed.

Abstract: Analysis of dynamic behavior of soil-structure interaction (SSI) is a complicated problem due to the complexities of soil behaviors and dynamic analysis. It is difficult to solve SSI with analytical methods. However, numerical methods with highly developed computer technique are efficient. Based on the advanced nonlinear finite element analysis software MSC.Marc, SSI on loess ground is studied. An approach for the application of MSC.Marc in SSI analysis is presented and an example is given. Hyperbolic soil constitutive relationship and viscous boundary conditions are adopted in the soil model. Moreover, contact between the embedded columns and the adjacent soil is considered. Response spectrum analysis of the result is carried out. Some conclusions about the seismic response of soil-structure system under different soil stiffness and different soil-layer thickness conditions are given. A new way of analyzing SSI for loess ground is provided.

Abstract: According to unified strength parameters obtained from unified strength theory, the slope of critical state line is modified to reflect critical states of different geomaterials under general stress states. Yield function that can consider the effect of the third deviatoricic invariant is proposed, and an elasto-plastic constitutive model is established by adopting non-associated flow rules; furthermore, methods of overcoming singular points on the yield surface are discussed. The proposed model is verified by true triaxial tests of clay, and results show that the model can well predict stress-strain relationships.

Abstract: Soil nailing, developed from the New Austrian Tunnelling Method, has been widely used in many countries and regions in the world since the 1970’s. This technique is used to stabilize in situ soil mass by installing a large number of closely spaced unstressed inclusions into the soil mass to increase its strength and stability. Since the mid 1970’s, several design methods have been proposed based on laboratory and field tests. Among the design criteria in these methods, the pull-out resistance of a soil nail is a key parameter that controls the stability assessment of soil nail structure. In the previous investigations, the soil dilatancy was found to be an important factor that influences the soil nail pull-out resistance especially for drill-and-grout soil nails. In order to study the influence of soil dilatancy on soil nail pull-out resistance, laboratory pull-out tests and numerical parametric studies have been carried out for soil nails in Completely Decomposed Granite (CDG) fill. The results show that the soil dilatancy has a significant influence on the soil nail pull-out resistance.