What is the liquefaction potential of clay and silt?5 answersThe liquefaction potential of clay and silt is influenced by various factors such as fine grain content, plasticity index (PI), and overconsolidation ratio (OCR). Clay-like behavior is more prone to liquefaction under cyclic loading. Silt liquefaction can lead to loss of bearing capacity and infrastructure damage, with vulnerability linked to the fundamental frequency and amplification of dynamic parameters. Flow liquefaction, common in loose sands, silts, and sensitive clays, is crucial in mining due to tailings' geotechnical characteristics. Studies show that higher fine content in soil decreases liquefaction potential, with silt samples liquefying after varying durations based on fine grain content. Understanding these factors is essential for assessing and mitigating liquefaction hazards in geologically unstable areas.
How does groundwater pumping affect the local water table and groundwater resources?4 answersGroundwater pumping activities have significant impacts on the local water table and groundwater resources. Overpumping can lead to groundwater depletion, land subsidence, and water quality issues. Excessive pumping can disrupt the dynamic equilibrium of the groundwater system, affecting groundwater quality in multiple ways. It can transport atmospheric oxygen and organic-rich surface water to the subsurface, promote arsenic build-up in surface soil irrigated with arsenic-laced groundwater, and shift groundwater replenishment zones, carrying dissolved arsenic to deeper aquifers. Pumping activities also result in hydrodynamic and hydrochemical changes in the aquifer system, particularly at the saline/freshwater transition and pumping zones. These changes can lead to irreversible alterations in the aquifer matrix, mainly in the pumping zone and saline/freshwater transition. Additionally, over-pumping can cause groundwater resources to be over-exploited, leading to pollution, collapse, and seawater intrusion.
Studying the liquefaction effect on pile lateral load numerically?4 answersNumerical analysis has been used to study the liquefaction effect on pile lateral load in several papers. Haque proposed a tunnel-sand pile interaction (TSPI) model using Plaxis 3D to analyze liquefaction numerically. Liu et al. conducted a large-scale shake-table test and validated a 2D FE model to analyze soil-pile-quay wall interaction in liquefaction-induced lateral spreading ground. Gowda et al. conducted three-dimensional finite difference analyses using FLAC3D to understand the effect of liquefiable soils on the seismic performance of piles and pile groups. Li et al. designed a centrifugal shake table test to investigate the liquefied soil pressure on an individual pile of a pile group and developed a finite element model for accurate analysis. Xi and Enquan presented a theoretical investigation on the lateral force of piles in liquefaction sites using fluid mechanics principles.
How does pore water pressure affect liquefaction using numerical analysis?5 answersPore water pressure affects liquefaction by causing a decrease in effective stress and soil/rock strength. This phenomenon occurs when there is a loss of strength in saturated and cohesionless soil due to increased pore water pressures, resulting in a reduction of effective stress under dynamic loading. Numerical analysis can be used to assess the effects of pore water pressure on liquefaction. For example, a study on an embankment dam in Shanghai used numerical analysis to simulate seismic responses and assess the effects of self-weight consolidation on liquefaction mitigation. The analysis showed that the remediation method reduced excess pore water pressure, decreased settlement and lateral displacement of the dam structure, and increased the stiffness of the foundation soil. Therefore, numerical analysis can provide insights into the impact of pore water pressure on liquefaction and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
What is static liquefaction potential?3 answersStatic liquefaction potential refers to the susceptibility of soil to undergo liquefaction under static loading conditions. It is a phenomenon where a seemingly solid soil behaves like a liquid due to the loss of shear strength. The potential for static liquefaction is influenced by various factors such as relative density, effective stress, and the state parameter of the soil. Gravel soils, which are typically resistant to liquefaction, can still experience static liquefaction under certain conditions. The behavior of soil under static liquefaction can be studied through laboratory experiments, such as undrained triaxial tests, to evaluate stress variation and state parameters. The state parameter has been found to be an effective indicator of static liquefaction in gravel soils. Understanding the static liquefaction potential of soils is crucial for assessing the stability and safety of structures built on or near liquefiable soils.
What is the effect of groundwater pumping on seismicity?5 answersGroundwater pumping has been shown to have a significant effect on seismicity. In the Delhi region of India, anthropogenic groundwater pumping for irrigation and urban activities has been found to modulate the effective stress regime and induce seismicity on basement faults. Similarly, in the Wadi Al-Arab basin along the Dead Sea fault, extensive groundwater abstraction has caused significant drawdowns and triggered seismicity. In the North China Plain, over-exploitation of groundwater resources has led to crustal deformation and stress changes, increasing the likelihood of active fault failure and earthquake events. These findings highlight the importance of considering the effects of groundwater pumping on seismicity, as it can have significant implications for earthquake occurrence and hazard assessment.