Showing 183 results for Type of Study: Original Research
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Volume 16, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Mr. Mohammad Alizadeh Mansouri, Dr. Rouzbeh Dabiri,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
In this study, it is attempted to analyze sensitivity and reliability in order to evaluate the liquefaction potential in soil layers in Tabriz. 62 boreholes that had possible conditions for liquefaction were selected. Seismic mapping was simulated using finite fault method and then the effect of soil layers on PGA was estimated. In continue, the liquefaction potential index was estimated and the zoning map of liquefaction risk was presented. In final, through sensitivity and reliability analysis of the Monte Carlo method, the rate of density function against safety factor of the soil layers versus to liquefaction was determined.
Prof. Amir Hamidi, Mr. Mahdi Sobhani, Ms. Farzaneh Rasouli, Ms. Marjan Sadrjamali,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
The goal of this study was improvement of sandy soil using a combination of polystyrene foam container waste and Portland cement. For this purpose, Babolsar sand was used as the base soil. Strips of disposable polystyrene foam container waste in “chips” of 50 ´ 5 mm and 50 ´ 10 mm were added to the soil at 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% by weight along with 3% Portland cement at a relative density of 70%. All samples were cured for 7 days under saturated conditions and then tested using a large-scale direct shear apparatus. The results showed that, in both cemented and uncemented samples, the addition of foam chips increased the cohesion and internal friction angles, which increased the shear strength of the soil. At higher percentages and using larger-sized foam chips, the shear strength increased even more. In uncemented samples, the stiffness did not change with the addition of foam chips, yet the final dilation of the samples decreased. In cemented samples, both the stiffness and softening behavior after the peak strength point decreased. The final dilation of the cemented samples increased at higher foam chip contents and for the larger sized chips. The results of numerical analysis showed that the use of foam chips increased the safety factor of a slope improved in this manner. It also was found that the foam chips with a lower length-to-width ratio had a greater effect on increasing the safety factor of the tested slopes.
Mehdi Derakhshandi, Mojtaba Honarmand, Amir Hossein Sadeghpour,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Earth dams are geotechnical structures constructed on various shapes of a valley. The Vanyar Dam is a rock-fill dam located on a narrow valley. Concerning the geometry of the canyon, three-dimensional modeling was utilized to analyze this dam. According to the numerical analysis, the maximum settlement is 88.14 cm, which corresponds to 48 m above the bedrock in cross-section C, that is, a little less than 1% of the dam height. Besides, the total vertical stresses recorded by the pressure cells are about 28% less than those obtained from the numerical analysis. It is assumed that the difference is caused by local arching due to lower compaction and consequently a low stiffness area around the pressure cells. In terms of pore water pressure, there is good agreement between the pore water pressure obtained from the numerical analysis and the piezometers, such that the results are restricted to less than 1%. In general, the difference between the numerical analysis results and those recorded by the instruments is acceptable. Furthermore, the dam shows a suitable level of performance at the end of construction.
Dr. Seyed Hossein Hosseini Lavassani, Mr. Hamed Alizadeh, Pro. Ali Massumi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Many researches have been currently conducted on the effects of fault distance on structures revealing that their seismic response can differ according to their distance from the fault. Suspension bridges due to their long period and high flexibility can be more sensitive to this phenomenon, especially in vertical vibration. Since the engineers tend to use longer spans, the length factor should be studied more accurately. In this paper, the effects of length factor on the seismic response of the suspension bridge under near and far-fault ground motions were addressed. The Vincent Thomas and Golden Gate suspension bridges as short and long ones, respectively, are selected as the case studies. The seismic responses of two bridges under five main worldwide ground motions contained both near and far-fault ones, with the same peak ground’s acceleration, are evaluated. The results indicated that the response of both bridges to the near and far-fault ground motions are perfectly different. Short span suspension bridges are vulnerable to near-fault ground motions, whereas long span ones are completely susceptible to both near and far-fault ground motions, and by increasing the length of span, the sensitivity of bridge was increased against far-fault low frequency excitations. Also, maximum displacement responses of spans in both bridges did not increase by maximizing peak ground’s acceleration.
Ali Kamali, Dr Mehdi Mokhberi, Dr Abbas Ghalandarzade,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Marls are one of the problematic soils that undergo more erosion due to their deformability and sensitivity to humidity and weather conditions. The effects of these soils have been observed on subgrades of pavements, abutment of dams, foundation of high-rise structures, the interaction of soil-structure and etc. The strength and deformation of marls are more effective to moisture content. In addition, the dynamic parameters of theses soil are considerable as well as static geotechnical specifications. Soil dynamic parameters can be obtained from both laboratory experiments and field experiments. With the aim of understanding the dynamic behavior of marl soils, this study was carried out to evaluate the marls of northwest region of Shiraz City which is mixture of marls containing the expansive anhydride gypsum. For this purpose, the laboratory cyclic triaxial test and in situ downhole test has been performed. The results showed that for normal consolidated marls, with increasing the confined pressure from 400 to 600 kPa (increasing soil depth), the shear modulus increases from 50 to 200 kPa. In addition, the behavior of the damping ratio is relatively different for strains less than and greater than 1%, but in general, for strains higher than 1%, the damping ratio decreases from 0.21 to 0.18 with the increase confined pressure from 100 to 600 kPa.
Amin Ahmadi, Manouchehr Chitsazan , Seyed Yahya Mirzaee , Arash Nadri ,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
In order to protect water wells, it is necessary to analyze the zones of influence, capture, recharge and discharge zones. Despite much research, this issue still needs further discussion. The purpose of this research is to analyze the capture and discharge zones of water wells in alluvial unconfined aquifers. For this purpose, a hypothetical aquifer was simulated using the Modflow and Modpath models. The accuracy of the numerical model outputs was confirmed by comparison with the analytical calculations, and then the effect of the independent parameters of the well and the aquifer was investigated. This research showed that, contrary to popular belief, changes in hydraulic conductivity, specific yield, bedrock dip, initial thickness, porosity, and heterogeneity do not cause changes in the surface extent of the well's capture zone in the unconfined aquifer.This research has shown that changes in surface recharge, discharge and well location cause many changes in the surface extent of the well capture zone in unconfined alluvial aquifers. Investigation of the effect of pumping time in a single well system showed that the size of the capture zone initially increases, but after a short period, of time, despite the continued expansion of the drawdown cone, its position stabilises. It was found that the change in all the above parameters causes a change in the size of the well's discharge zone. The stability of the above-mentioned areas is very important for the determination of zones for the protection of the quantity and quality of water wells! It has been found that the relative stability of the water level in the aquifer at an appropriate level is necessary, and this requires the management of the aquifer and the allocation of a limited percentage of the aquifer recharge to discharge through wells.
Mehdi Talkhablou, Seyed Mahmoud Fatemi Aghda, Habibulah Heidari Renani,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
The stabilization of underground spaces is one of the most challenging topics in engineering geology. There are several methods to determine the type of tunnel stabilization system, but most of these methods have several weaknesses. Therefore, the development of a method that comprehensively considers almost all parameters influencing tunnel stability and their interdependencies has not received sufficient attention. The aim of this research is to investigate the parameters influencing the stability of tunnels using the rock mechanics system method. In this paper, 6 tunnels with different geological characteristics were selected. The effective parameters on the primary stabilization of these tunnels were coded using the ESQ method. Subsequent analyses were performed using the RES rock engineering system method to estimate and evaluate the optimal tunnel stabilization system. The results showed that parameters such as weathering of the joint surface, backfill and joint spacing played a more effective role than other parameters. For comparison, the analyses were also carried out using the RMR rock mass ranking method. The comparison between the results of the RES and RMR methods showed that the results of the RES method are in better agreement with the actual tunnel conditions and the shotcrete thickness of the proposed stabilization system of the studied tunnels. Since there is no limit to the number of input parameters in this method and, on the other hand, the mutual influence of the parameters on each other is considered, the relationships obtained from the RES method in this research can be effectively used in engineering projects along with other methods.
Dr Nasrollah Eftekhari, Dr Sasan Motaghed, Dr Lotfallah Emadali, Dr Hasi Sayyadpour,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
In the variability of earthquake hazard analysis results, ground motion prediction equations play an important role. Selection of appropriate prediction relationships for the region can lead to stability and accuracy of earthquake hazard analysis results. In this study, different prediction relationships were investigated and analyzed for earthquake hazard analysis in Ahvaz city. These relationships were ranked based on the criteria of logarithmic probability, Euclidean distance and deviation information in different periods. Then the most efficient relationships were selected by data envelopment analysis (DEA) method on the basis of differences in the obtained results. Out of 67 possible relationships, 5 were identified as suitable relationships for earthquake hazard analysis in the Ahvaz urban area. Then, a special efficiency criterion was used to determine the weight of these relationships. The results of this study can help to reduce to a large extent the uncertainties involved in analyzing the seismic hazard of the area studied.
Kamal Ganjalipour, Seyyed Mahmoud Fatemi Aghda, Kamal Nabiollhi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Electromagnetic methods in applied geophysics are advancing rapidly. Since the TDR system has grown, its use has led to innovative applications and comparisons with other previous measurement methods. A TDR system consists of a radar (electromagnetic) receiver and generator, a transmission line, and a waveguide. The electromagnetic pulse generated from inside the conductor cable moves towards the waveguide and is tested through the waveguide into the environment under test. In the last few years, the use of the TDR system to identify water leakage situations has been expanding. In this article, by performing tests on two-strand telecommunication cables as TDR sensors, the ability and accuracy of the time domain reflectometry method in detecting leakage situations has been evaluated. In this research, the two-stranded cable was buried under GC gravel clay material, and by increasing the percentage of soil moisture stepwise at two points, the sensitivity of the TDR method to the changes in moisture around the cable was investigated. Based on the TDR waveforms, the points of reflection coefficient changes are located at the distances of 9.5-9 and 4.5 meters, which is completely consistent with the actual distance of the test points. In this research, TDR moisture meter made by soil moisture company model 6050x1 was used. The results of this research show that the TDR method has the ability to be used as a monitoring system to detect leakage in dams, dikes and other geotechnical structures.
Dr Masoud Amelsakhi, Eng Arash Ebrahimi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
This research is a laboratory study to improve the geotechnical properties of fine-grained soils. For this purpose, agricultural waste ash such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husk and almond husk have been used. In this regard, the effect of using ash of the mentioned fibers with at 4, 8 and 12 weight percentages on fine grain clay soils has been investigated. The compaction test results indicate that these additives generally increase the optimum soil moisture and the maximum optimum moisture was observed for the samples made with 12% ash. Also, based on the results of the unconfined compressive strength test, the studied additives have increased the uniaxial strength of the soil. The samples made with 12% ash were the most effective, so that the addition of 12% bagasse ash increased the soil resistance by 117%, and the addition of 12% rice husk ash and almond husk ash increased the soil resistance by 89, 80% respectively.
Dr Mohammad Fathollahy, Mr. Habib Rahimi Menbar, Dr. Gholamreza Shoaei,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Shear strength parameters are important for assessing the stability of structures, and are costly to calculate using conventional methods. In this research, simple geotechnical techniques and artificial intelligence were used to calculate the angle of internal friction and soil cohesion without the need for more complex testing. To this end, intact samples from 14 boreholes in Bandar Abbas, which had undergone primary geotechnical testing and direct cutting, were selected and used to train neural networks. 195 networks were trained in in this research. To achieve the best performance, feedforward neural networks were first trained in single and double layer modes with a low number of neurons in the middle layer, and the TRAIN BR function was selected due to the high ratio of R (0.97). Then, by incorporating additional layers, the Median model was trained using configurations of 3, 4, and 5 layers, each with varying numbers of neurons in the intermediate layer (50, 40, 30, 20, and 10). The results show that the four-layer MLP network gives the best results, for this mode R training 1, the test R is 0.90 and the total R is 0.98. Finally, to validate the neural network, 15 samples were selected and the input parameters of the network were trained in the optimal states of 2, 3, and 4 layers, then the output of the network was evaluated. For cohesion prediction, the neural network in 4-layer mode (R2=0.99) and 2, 3 and 4-layer networks (R2=0.99) have the best output for the friction angle.
Armin Aziminejad, Omid Makhdoom, Panan Zarfam, Abolreza Sarvghad Moghadam,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
In most current seismic codes, the stiffness and strength of seismic members are considered to be independent, so that a change in the strength of the members does not result in a change in the stiffness of the members. Recent studies show that these parameters are interdependent. Therefore, the way these parameters are calculated and the arrangement of centers of mass, stiffness and strength can be effective in determining the seismic response. In this research, buildings with different levels of normalized yield eccentricity (ed/A) were designed according to the ASCE/SEI 07-22 seismic code (Code Design models) and compared with the Balance-25% and Symmetric Strength models. The results of the nonlinear static analysis and incremental dynamic analysis showed that the average spectral acceleration at the level of collapse in the Balance-25% and Symmetric Strength models increased by approximately 18% compared to the Code Design model. Therefore, these models are safer than the Code Design model. In addition, the average of the peak rotation of floors and the maximum inter-story drift at the collapse level in the Balance-25% and Symmetric Strength models has decreased by 100% and 12% respectively compared to the Code Design model. Therefore, the Code Design model had the lowest and the Balance-25% and Symmetric Strength models had the highest dynamic seismic performance.
Mahdi Beshavard, Arash Adib, Seyed Mohammad Ashrafi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Droughts caused by precipitation deficits and increasing water consumption are intensifying worldwide, with negative economic and environmental consequences. The negative impacts can be mitigated by using optimized reservoir operation patterns and implementing rationing rules during droughts. These approaches involve meeting only a portion of total demand, allowing for water storage and accepting a small current deficit to mitigate severe future shortages. This research presents a case study to determine the operational command curves for Jareh Dam and to investigate the impact of reservoir operation under two management policies, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and rationing, on downstream drought indices, an aspect not previously studied. To achieve this, an optimization model coupled with a genetic algorithm was linked to a simulation model to determine the optimal values of command curves and rationing coefficients based on historical inflow data to the reservoir. The performance of the model was evaluated in the Allah River water resources system. In addition, the drought severity index (SDI), SOP performance, and rationing model performance during the base period were evaluated by calculating the objective function value or modified shortage index (MSI) and the resilience, vulnerability, and reversibility indices. The results showed that under the rationing model during the study period, the MSI value improved by 41% compared to the SOP method. In addition, the implementation of the rationing policy significantly improved the vulnerability of the system compared to the SOP method, reducing it from 64% to 26%.
Ms Najmeh Mohammadi, Dr. Giti Forghani Tehrani, Dr. Afshin Qishlaqi,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) as the most important environmental issue in mining sites is considered a significant source of environmental pollution. AMD is typically produced by the oxidation of sulphide minerals, especially pyrite. The present study aims to investigate the acid production potential of the wastes of Mehmandoost coal washing plant located in NE Damghan. For this purpose, mineralogical, geochemical, and statistic tests were carried out on 7 representative coal washing waste samples. The obtained results show that although coal washing wastes are not enriched in Cu and Mn, they are moderately enriched in Ni and Co, significantly enriched in Cr, Sb and Zn, strongly enriched in Cd and As, and extremely enriched in Pb and Mo. The main mineral phases presented in the studied samples include quartz, muscovite, clinochlore, kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite, calcite and pyrite. In most of the studied samples, the pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the saturated paste is <3 and > 2000 μm/cm, respectively. Moreover, in most samples the Net Neutralization Potential (NNP) is < -20. Also, in most of the samples, the Net Acid Production Potential (NAPP) is positive and the Neutralization Potential ratio (NPR) is < 3. The pH of Net Acid Formation (NAG pH) of these samples is < 4.5 and the ratio of Acid Neutralization Capacity to Maximum Acid Potential Acidity (ANC/MPA) is < 1. According to the results of static tests, there is a possibility of production of acidic drainage by the studied samples, therefore, taking suitable management measures to control acid production in the area is of crucial importance.
Miss Masoumeh Nikbakht, Prof Mohammad Nakhaei, Prof Ata Shakeri, Dr Vahab Amiri,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
In this study, the hydrogeochemical and qualitative status of groundwater resources of the Zarabad coastal aquifer in southeast Iran has been investigated. The decreasing order of cations and anions is Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+>K+ and Cl->SO42->HCO3-, respectively. The two most water type are Na-Cl (78%) and Ca-Mg-Cl (22%). The water type, chlorine-alkalinity index, ion ratios, and position of the samples on the Gibbs diagram show that cation exchange (direct and reverse), weathering of silicates and evaporites, and seawater intrusion are the main controlling processes of water chemistry. The ionic ratios of SO42-/Cl-, B/Cl-, and Na+/Cl- indicate that saltwater infiltration increases as the distance from the Rabach River increases, particularly in the northwest and southeast regions. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of water resources. Moreover, the water quality for agricultural use is assessed based on some indices, including electrical conductivity (EC), sodium percentage (Na%), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), magnesium absorption ratio (MAR), permeability index (PI), Kelly’s ratio (KR), and USSL and Wilcox diagrams. The results showed that about 60% of the samples had unsuitable quality for irrigation. These samples were located in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the plain. About 40% of the samples have suitable quality for irrigation and are located in the vicinity of the Rabach River.
Dr. Davood Fereidooni, Dr. Sajeddin Mousavi, Dr. Esmaeil Najafi, Dr. Gholam Reza Khanlari,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Assessing and understanding the hydromorphological characteristics are necessary to understand the behavior of a river and its active processes. This is useful for understanding the erosion and sedimentation regime and changing the river path, for making correct engineering and human activities in the river's catchment area. The Gian River, with an average annual discharge of 2.3 m3/s, is one of the tributaries of the Gamasiab River in the Hamedan province. From a geological and hydrogeomorphological point of view, the Gian is a small river. It is fully compatible with the geological structures of the region. The calculation of the sinusoidal coefficient has shown that this river is a meandering river whose wavelength, the amplitude of the oscillation and the width of the meander belt are smaller in the mountainous area than in the plain area The gradient of the river bed is relatively low and it is classified as an erosion and sedimentation river in its different sections. The Gian River has a rocky bed in the mountainous part and an alluvial bed in the plain. The Gian River has a small catchment area, and, according to theGravelius' coefficient, its shape is almost elongated. The catchment elevation of the Gian River is between 1455 and 2700 with a weighted average of 1715.20 m.a.s.l. and its area decreases with the increase in the elevation. The concentration time of the catchment is 4.204 hours. The application of the data and results of the research can be very effective in land use planning, engineering and executive applications to predict river changes and protect engineering structures such as roads, bridges, coastal structures and railways, protect agricultural lands in the region and develop tourism.
Aylar Hosniyeh, Dr Rouzbeh Dabiri, Alireza Alizadeh Majdi, Elnaz Sabbagh,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Silty soils containing sodium content, known as salty silty soils, are classified as another type of problematic soil. When this type of soil comes into contact with water, it can swell and diverge, leading to settlement and deformation. Considering that a significant part of the Urmia Lake basin and the Tabriz plain consists of sodium-rich fine soils, the aim of the project is to improve the quality of the soils. Therefore, one of the main objectives of this study is to assess the sediments within the lake bed in order to reduce erosion and to evaluate the possibility of improving and stabilizing the sodium saline silty soils in the area using the geopolymerization technique. To achieve this, pumice material with pozzolanic properties was separately mixed with the soil under investigation at weight percentages of 3%, 5% and 7%, together with a calcium hydroxide solution as a catalyst at concentrations of 2%, 5% and 7%. The samples were then cured for one day. Laboratory tests, including compaction, uniaxial compressive strength, direct shear, and consolidation, were carried out to evaluate the geotechnical behavior of the improved soil. The results obtained indicate that the combination of 3% pumice with 2% calcium hydroxide increased the uniaxial compressive strength of the stabilized sample by 1.32 times after one day of curing. In addition, the mixture of 7% pumice with 2% calcium hydroxide significantly improved the internal friction angle by 20 times. Finally, the combination of 7% pumice with 2% calcium hydroxide reduced the value of free swelling potential by up to 86%.
Dr. Ehsan Pegah,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
The ratios of elastic shear stiffness anisotropy and fabric anisotropy in granular soils are of very important characteristics in soil mechanics, which can influence directly lots of geotechnical engineering attributes. The shear stiffness anisotropy in a soil mass is directly related to the soil fabric anisotropy, which in turn has a fundamental contribution in variations model of shear stiffness anisotropy ratio. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the variations ranges of shear stiffness and fabric anisotropy ratios in granular soils by developing a novel approach for estimating fabric anisotropy ratio from soil grading and particles shape properties. By presuming cross-anisotropy, the anisotropic shear stiffness values of 1042 conducted tests on 200 distinct sandy and gravelly soil specimens from 43 various soil types of diverse sites throughout the world were acquired from literature. Those were then integrated with their associated void ratios, stress conditions, grading parameters and particles shape specifications to produce a comprehensive database of anisotropic shear moduli with respect to testing conditions. The collected data were analyzed, from which the shear stiffness and fabric anisotropy ratios could be calculated for examined geomaterials. The resulting values for fabric anisotropy ratio were then depicted versus grading and particles shape information to inspect the level of dependences through deriving the respective correlations. The findings of this study may serve as a suitable technique to obtain first-order approximations for fabric and shear stiffness anisotropies from soil grading and particles shape characteristics.
Khadijeh Kord, Heeva Elmizadeh, Hakimeh Amanipour,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
The study area is a part of the Dez River Basin, which is located in the central part of the basin. In this area, due to the climatic conditions, the irregular availability in terms of time and space, the increasing use of water resources and surface water resources, there is a great dependence on the underground water of the region. The main objective of this research is to investigate the factors influencing the fluctuations of the water level in the Dezful-Andimeshk plain during a statistical period of 20 years. For this purpose, using piezometric well level data and well logs of the study area in WinLog software, maps of the groundwater level and the bottom level of reservoir were prepared using theIDW method. The results of the research showed that the greatest drawdown occurred in north-eastern, south-eastern and western parts of the study area. Asthe amount of precipitation, evaporation and temperature are high in this part, one of the reasons for the decline in these parts can be attributed to the climatic factors of the region. Other factors in the decline of the reservoir level are the main river channel and the high slope of the area. Comparing the changes in the reservoir level with the flow of the Dez River showed that there is a high correlation between the changes in these two parameters with a time interval of one year. Therefore, according to agricultural activities, these limited resources should be harvested, scientifically and fundamentally, the region will be at risk of a serious water crisis in the future.
