Computational Geodynamic, Geotechnics and Geomechanics

A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263). This special issue belongs to the section "Geomechanics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 June 2024) | Viewed by 2631

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
2. Rock Engineering and Geology Department, Rejlers AB, Stockholm, Sweden
Interests: volcano deformation; volcano stresses; crustal displacements; volcano unrest; geodetic data; numerical modelling
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Guest Editor
Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EQ, UK
Interests: volcanotectonics; seismotectonics; tectonophysics; rock mechanics; structural geology; reservoir modelling; hydrogeology; fluid transport in reservoirs; thermodynamics/statistical mechanics of linements and networks

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Computational geodynamics, geotechnics, and geomechanics are important fields of study that focus on the use of computer-based numerical methods to model and analyse geodynamic, geotechnical, and geomechanical problems in civil, energy, geological, and mining engineering. This field is a sub-discipline of computational mechanics with a focus on geosciences and includes various approaches such as finite element, finite difference, and discrete element methods. These methods have been used to solve a range of geotechnical and geomechanical problems, including foundation design, slope stability, tunnelling, and mining.

The finite element method is a numerical technique used to model and solve complex geodynamic, geotechnical, and geomechanical problems. The method involves dividing a complex structure or soil mass into a finite number of smaller, simpler elements, each with its own set of equations describing its behaviour. These equations are then solved using matrix algebra to obtain a solution to the entire system. The FEM has been widely used to analyse a variety of geotechnical problems, including slope stability, foundation design, tunnelling, and mining. The finite difference method is another computational technique used to model and solve geodynamic, geotechnical, and geomechanical problems. This method involves dividing a complex domain into a finite number of smaller cells, each with its own set of equations describing its behaviour. The equations are then solved using iterative methods to obtain a solution to the entire system. The FDM has been used to analyse a range of geotechnical problems, including soil–structure interaction, rock mechanics, and groundwater flow. The discrete element method is a numerical technique that models the behaviour of a granular material as a collection of individual particles. The method involves simulating the motion and interaction of each particle under the influence of external forces, such as gravity or applied loads. The DEM has been used to analyse a range of geoscientific problems, including rock fragmentation, blasting, and soil compaction.

These methods are used to optimise the design of structures or mining operations, by minimising costs or maximising performance applied in a range of geotechnical and geomechanical problems, including slope stability analysis, foundation design, and mine planning.

Dr. Mohsen Bazargan
Prof. Dr. Agust Gudmundsson
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • slope stability
  • tunnel stability
  • dyke propagations
  • permeability evolution
  • hydraulic fracturing with viscous flow
  • mine planning

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 10169 KiB  
Article
Effect of Vehicle Cyclic Loading on the Failure of Canal Embankment on Soft Clay Deposit
by Kuo Chieh Chao, Tanawoot Kongsung and Krit Saowiang
Geosciences 2024, 14(6), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14060163 - 11 Jun 2024
Viewed by 646
Abstract
Road embankments along irrigation canals, constructed on soft Bangkok clay, have always been unstable. Numerous studies have shown that rapid drawdown of water level may be one of the main causes, while vehicle cyclic loading may also contribute to embankment failure. This study [...] Read more.
Road embankments along irrigation canals, constructed on soft Bangkok clay, have always been unstable. Numerous studies have shown that rapid drawdown of water level may be one of the main causes, while vehicle cyclic loading may also contribute to embankment failure. This study aims to investigate the impact of vehicle loading on the failure of embankments built on Bangkok soft clay. The behavior of soft Bangkok clay under vehicle load has been investigated by employing conventional and dynamic triaxial techniques, and finite element method (FEM). This study also examined the effects of soft clay thickness and cyclic loading with different magnitudes and frequencies. The laboratory testing results indicate that the threshold stress of the soft clay is estimated to be approximately three-fourths of the undrained shear strength of the soil. The reduction in effective stress in the soft clay is caused by varied frequencies and thicknesses of the clay. Based on the analysis results, it has been proven that the cyclic loads exerted by vehicles solely are insufficient to cause the embankment to collapse. Nevertheless, the repetitive loading of vehicles may result in a one-quarter decrease in the embankment’s factor of safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Geodynamic, Geotechnics and Geomechanics)
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20 pages, 7735 KiB  
Article
Modeling the Stiffening Behavior of Sand Subjected to Dynamic Loading
by Majd Ahmad and Richard Ray
Geosciences 2024, 14(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14010026 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1407
Abstract
In geotechnical engineering, dynamic soil models are used to predict soil behavior under different loading conditions. This is crucial for many dynamic geotechnical problems related to earthquakes, train loading and machine foundation design. Researchers agree that under dry or drained conditions, cohesionless soils [...] Read more.
In geotechnical engineering, dynamic soil models are used to predict soil behavior under different loading conditions. This is crucial for many dynamic geotechnical problems related to earthquakes, train loading and machine foundation design. Researchers agree that under dry or drained conditions, cohesionless soils increase in stiffness with each loading cycle. Soil models that simulate the dynamic behaviors of soils are often coupled with the Masing criteria. Such models neglect the impact of stiffening during cyclic loading, leading to an underestimation in the shear modulus (G). This study investigates the stiffening behavior by conducting laboratory tests on three types of Danube sands using the Resonant Column-Torsional Simple Shear device (RC-TOSS). The increase in the dynamic shear modulus with an increasing number of cycles is substantial, especially for samples with low density. Sometimes, the dynamic shear modulus doubles when loaded at high stress levels for more than 50 cycles. A new model is introduced to simulate the stiffening behavior of dry sand when subjected to cyclic torsional loading. Modifications are proposed for the Ramberg–Osgood and Hardin–Drnevich models and for the Masing criteria to overcome the limitations that accompany these models due to the influence of stiffening caused by repetitive loading being ignored. This model can be implemented in finite element and finite difference software to solve dynamic geotechnical problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Geodynamic, Geotechnics and Geomechanics)
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