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Shaoyang Dong_Dissertation.pdf (6.04 MB)

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Microstructure Based Multiphysics Simulation of Frozen Unsaturated Soils

Dong, Shaoyang
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1562788653029207

Abstract Details

2019, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Civil Engineering.
Frozen unsaturated soils are ubiquitous type of materials in cold regions that characterized by a solid skeleton with internal pores filled with fluids, gas and ice. Understanding the fundamental behaviors of frozen unsaturated soils is important due to their engineering applications, environmental significances and reactions to climate change. Frozen unsaturated soils are multiphase materials that can demonstrate complex multiphysical behaviors when undergoing temperature or moisture change. This is a complex, multiphysical process which is referred to as thermal-hydro-mechanical process. In this research, a microstructure-based random finite element model (RFEM) is developed to study the thermal-hydro-mechanical properties of frozen unsaturated soils. The phase coded image is created to automatically link the structure and content of each phase in the soil. By applying the material properties of each phase of the soil and by utilizing the mixture theory, the overall behaviors (such as temperature distribution, hydraulic conductivity distribution and stress and deformation distribution) of frozen unsaturated soils can be simulated. To calibrate the model, a monitoring system is designed incorporating thermal couples and time domain reflectometry (TDR) to measure the temperature and moisture content of frozen unsaturated soil. The uniaxial test is conducted to measure the mechanical behaviors of frozen soils. In addition, the frost heave and thaw settlement of frozen soil is monitored by use of the dial gauge and laser displacement transducer. The RFEM model is implemented to simulate the induced stress and deformation due to frost action on pavement. The coupled thermal-mechanical processes allow to simulate the mechanical responses of subgrade soils subjected to freezing temperature and its effects on the pavement structure. The newly developed model is also applied to simulate the frozen soil-pipeline interaction. The interaction modes between frozen ground and water pipe leads to increase of stresses in the water pipe. Finally, this RFEM model is utilized to simulate the stability of thawing slopes. Coupled thermal-mechanical processes are introduced to describe the temperature field, displacement field and stress field. From these the local factor of safety field was determined based on the RFEM simulation.
Xiong Yu (Committee Chair)
Adel Saada (Committee Member)
David Zeng (Committee Member)
Brian Metrovich (Committee Member)
Bo Li (Committee Member)
150 p.
Civil Engineering

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Dong, S. (2019). Microstructure Based Multiphysics Simulation of Frozen Unsaturated Soils [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1562788653029207

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Dong, Shaoyang. Microstructure Based Multiphysics Simulation of Frozen Unsaturated Soils. 2019. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1562788653029207.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Dong, Shaoyang. "Microstructure Based Multiphysics Simulation of Frozen Unsaturated Soils." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1562788653029207

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1562788653029207
385
© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.