Vertical cyclic loading response of geosynthetic-encased stone column in soft clay

Dynamic responses of the geosynthetic-encased stone column (GESC) supported embankment under traffic loads have become a hot topic. This study investigates the responses of GESC improved ground under vertical cyclic loading. A series of laboratory tests in a designed model test tank have been carried out with different loading parameters (varied loading amplitudes and frequencies), different column dimensions (varied encasement lengths and column diameters). In the tests, the soil-column stress distribution, accumulated settlement of loading plate, excess pore water pressure in the surrounding soil and lateral bulging of the stone column are monitored. Experimental results indicate that the vertical stress on the stone column increases with the increment of encasement length, and decreases with the increment of column diameter, loading amplitude and loading frequency. The increasing stress on the surrounding soil leads to a greater accumulated settlement of the loading plate and excess pore water pressure, while the increasing stress on the column leads to larger lateral bulging of the column. Excess pore water pressure dissipates effectively through vertical and horizontal drainage channels provided by the stone column and the sand bed. The geosynthetic encasement prevents the clay from obstructing the drainage channel by filtration and guarantees the drainage effect.     

A semicontinuous approach for heterogeneous azeotropic distillation processes

The separation of azeotropes has substantial energy and investment costs, and the available methods require high capital costs for reconstruction of process plants. As an alternative, a semicontinuous configuration that utilizes an existing plant with minor modifications has been explored. In this paper, a semicontinuous, heterogeneous azeotropic distillation process is proposed and acetic acid dehydration process is used as a case study. To carry out the simulation work, Aspen HYSYS^® simulation software is used along with MATLAB^® and an interface program to handle the mode-transition of the semicontinuous process. Sensitivity analyses on operating parameters are performed to identify the process limits. Comparisons are made to conventional heterogeneous azeotropic distillation, and dividing-wall distillation column on the annual cost. The results proved that the semicontinuous system is the best setup in terms of total annual costs and energy requirements.     

Influence of geosynthetic reinforcement on the stability of an embankment with rigid columns embedded in an inclined underlying stratum

Incompressible dipping substrata are commonly encountered in engineering practice. Compared to horizontal underlying strata, the inclined underlying stratum increase the risk of collapse of embankments reinforced with columns because it weakens the restraint of the column base. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of geosynthetics on improving the embankment stability when the underlying stratum is inclined. The influence of geosynthetic tensile stiffness on the ultimate surcharge and failure mechanism is studied. A deep-seated failure with column tilting occurs when the geosynthetic tensile stiffness is low, whereas a lateral sliding occurs when the geosynthetic tensile stiffness is high. To illustrate the contribution of geosynthetics, the distribution of the lateral pressures acting on the columns is analyzed.     

Experimental Investigation of FRP-Strengthened RC Beam-Column Joints

The results of a comprehensive experimental program, aimed at providing a fundamental understanding of the behavior of shear-critical exterior reinforced concrete (RC) joints strengthened with fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) under simulated seismic load, are presented in this study. The role of various parameters on the effectiveness of FRP is examined through 2/3-scale testing of 18 exterior RC joints. Conclusions are drawn on the basis of certain load versus imposed displacement response characteristics, comprising the strength (maximum lateral load), the stiffness, and the cumulative energy dissipation capacity. The results demonstrate the important role of mechanical anchorages in limiting premature debonding, and they provide important information on the role of various parameters, including: area fraction of FRP; distribution of FRP between the beam and the column; column axial load; internal joint (steel) reinforcement; initial damage; carbon versus glass fibers; sheets versus strips; and effect of transverse beams.     

单层球面网壳地震反应特征分析

考虑不同矢跨比、荷载、跨度和支座刚度等多种因素的影响,对单层球面网壳在地震作用下的反应进行了较全面的研究,给出了其随各参数变化的规律,得出了在单层球面网壳抗震设计中起控制作用的是水平地震作用而不是竖向地震作用等有益的结论.此外本文还给出了由于阻尼比不同而需对引用现行抗震规范反应谱分析的网壳地震作用进行修正的建议.     

山区建筑的结构设计注意点及探讨——永安一中教学楼设计心得

本文通过工程实例分析了山区建筑的结构设计特点,并提出了结构设计中应注意的问题。     

地震勘探震源药柱技术进展

介绍国内外震源药柱产品现状,着重介绍了湖北凯龙化工集团股份有限公司近期所取得的技术进展,探讨了一些施工设想及地震勘探震源药柱今后可能的发展方向.     

机构设计在大型柱面网壳结构施工中的应用

 将机械行业中的机构运动概念应用到大型柱面网壳结构的施工，提出一种“折叠展开式”整体提升施工技
术． 详细阐述了该项施工方法的基本思想，并推导机构运动过程的运动学和动力学公式． 通过一个工程算例的分
析，总结机构运动和动力特性．计算结果证明机构运动过程中产生的动力效应不明显，处于“折叠”状态的网壳能够
承受施工荷载．该项新技术在亚洲最大跨度的柱面网壳结构的施工中得到了成功应用，证明了它的实用性和优越性．     

ALGORITHMIC SYNTHESIS OF GENERAL NON-SHARP SIMPLE DISTILLATION COLUMN SEQUENCES

An algorithmic approach was used to select recoveries for non-sharp sequence designs. Simple distillation columns were employed. The non-key component distribution was modeled using the Fenske equation. The combination of producing impure products and allowing non-key component distribution, results in a large search space. With this large search space size and software limitations, five problems were solved (see summary table in the Design Examples sub-section). The optimal non-key component distribution was found to be significant but not necessarily maximal. Parallel processing was selected as optimal in contrast to the more traditional sequential processing.     

CONDITIONING COAL GAS WITH REFRIGERATED METHANOL IN A SYSTEM OF PACKED COLUMNS

Experience with the operation of a pilot-scale unit is used to outline potential difficulties in the operation of acid gas removal systems on gases produced from coal. The pilot plant has been used to condition gases produced from subbituminous coal, devolatilized char, peat and lignite. The solvent used in the acid gas removal system has been refrigerated methyl alcohol. Data from this study document accumulation of hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen compounds, and mercury in the circulating solvent.