ArticlePublisher preview available

A New Approach Based on Strain Sensitivity for Reinforcement Optimization in Slope Stability Problems

DOI:10.1007/s10706-016-9982-0
Authors:
M. Yazdanpanah
M. Yazdanpanah
M. Yazdanpanah
  • This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.
Gang Ren at RMIT University
Gang Ren
Yi Min Xie at RMIT University
Yi Min Xie
Muhammad Wasim at University of Melbourne
Muhammad Wasim
Read publisher preview
Download citation
To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the authors.

Abstract and Figures

The shape of the reinforcement for stabilizing slopes in geotechnical application is usually based on empirical methods, and is often in the shape of a grouted curtain to cover the slope surface to increase the shear strength. The reinforcement optimization is an important measure to achieve the most stable shape with the determined amount of materials. This paper aims at exploring the state-of-the-art design of reinforcement to approach stability in the slope using minimum amount of the reinforcement. In this research, enhancement in the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method has been made to optimize the reinforced layers in slope stabilization design. Through an iterative approach, the stability of slope is increased by addition of reinforced material to minimize total deformation. A new analytical technique for the slope reinforcement optimization has been introduced based on strain sensitivity analysis. The obtained results show a reasonable resemblance to the practical slope reinforcement solutions. The process of optimization requires the finite element analysis to assess elements respond which is carried out by finite element package ABAQUS in this research.
Figures - available from: Geotechnical and Geological Engineering
This content is subject to copyright. Terms and conditions apply.
  • A preview of this full-text is provided by Springer Nature.
  • Learn more
Preview content only
Content available from Geotechnical and Geological Engineering
This content is subject to copyright. Terms and conditions apply.
ORIGINAL PAPER
A New Approach Based on Strain Sensitivity
for Reinforcement Optimization in Slope Stability Problems
M. Yazdanpanah .G. Ren .Y. M. Xie .M. Wasim
Received: 16 July 2015 / Accepted: 12 January 2016 / Published online: 25 January 2016
ÓSpringer International Publishing Switzerland 2016
Abstract The shape of the reinforcement for stabi-
lizing slopes in geotechnical application is usually
based on empirical methods, and is often in the shape
of a grouted curtain to cover the slope surface to
increase the shear strength. The reinforcement opti-
mization is an important measure to achieve the most
stable shape with the determined amount of materials.
This paper aims at exploring the state-of-the-art design
of reinforcement to approach stability in the slope
using minimum amount of the reinforcement. In this
research, enhancement in the bi-directional evolution-
ary structural optimization method has been made to
optimize the reinforced layers in slope stabilization
design. Through an iterative approach, the stability of
slope is increased by addition of reinforced material to
minimize total deformation. A new analytical tech-
nique for the slope reinforcement optimization has
been introduced based on strain sensitivity analysis.
The obtained results show a reasonable resemblance to
the practical slope reinforcement solutions. The pro-
cess of optimization requires the finite element
analysis to assess elements respond which is carried
out by finite element package ABAQUS in this
research.
Keywords Bi-directional evolutionary structural
optimization (BESO) Sensitivity analysis
Reinforcement Slope stability
1 Introduction
Slope stability analysis is considered as one of the
most important areas of geotechnics. The designation
of shape and reinforcement to overcome stability
issues requires empirical methods and experienced
geotechnical engineers (Das 2011). Reinforcement,
through transferring loads and integrating the rock
masses increases the stability in geotechnical prob-
lems (Brady and Brown 1985). As a useful tool in
finding optimum reinforcement material distribution,
topology optimization techniques can also be used in
finding the pattern of reinforcement to stabilize slopes.
The first proposed optimization method applied
homogenisation technique; in which firstly, the micro-
scopic properties were evaluated and then, the macro-
scopic properties of the structure were estimated
through homogenisation theory. The whole procedure
was done through iterations to obtain the optimum
M. Yazdanpanah (&)G. Ren Y. M. Xie M. Wasim
School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical
Engineering, RMIT University,
GPO Box 2476V, Melbourne 3001, Australia
e-mail: s3349616@student.rmit.edu.au
G. Ren
e-mail: gang.ren@rmit.edu.au
Y. M. Xie
e-mail: mike.xie@rmit.edu.au
M. Wasim
e-mail: s3442859@student.rmit.edu.au
123
Geotech Geol Eng (2016) 34:713–724
DOI 10.1007/s10706-016-9982-0
Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved.
... As the most common problem in engineering, landslides have seriously affected traffic safety and people's lives (Hassiotis et al. 1997;Guo and Qin 2010;Yazdanpanah et al. 2016). Therefore, experienced geotechnical engineers try to provide a reasonable design and reinforcement to overcome stability problems (Ito et al. 1981;Poulos 1995). ...
... Many measures have been put forward in the study of landslide prevention and control. Antislide piles are widely applied as an important structure to prevent landslides and in slope engineering generally (Popov and Okatov 1980;Poulos 1995;Yazdanpanah et al. 2016). However, the calculation method for anti-slide piles still has some limitations. ...
Investigation of internal force of anti-slide pile on landslides considering the actual distribution of soil resistance acting on anti-slide piles
Article
Full-text available
Frequent landslides have generated huge security threats and economic losses all over the world. As an important anti-slip retaining structure, anti-slide piles can maintain the slope stability. The distribution of soil resistance acting on piles is the critical factor influencing the design of anti-slide piles, and the method of calculating the internal force is directly related to the landslide treatment and construction cost. However, limitations in the method of calculating the internal force of anti-slide piles still exist. In this paper, the influence of the internal force of anti-slide piles both considering and ignoring the soil resistance acting on the piles was verified using ABAQUS software, revealing that the soil resistance indeed had a significant effect on the anti-slide piles, especially when the gradient of the soil before piles was less than 40°. Therefore, the formula for calculating the internal force of anti-slide piles was proposed considering the soil resistance. Based on this formula, the optimum quantity of steel reinforcement and the safety factor were compared in practical slope engineering. This proposed formula considering actual distribution of soil resistance can be used for approximate calculation for anti-slide piles, which can reduce the construction cost, especially in large and neutral landslide engineering.
Optimization of Stabilizing Systems in Protection of Cultural Heritage: The Case of the Historical Retaining Wall in the Wisłoujście Fortress
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2020
The aim of the paper is to propose new quantitative criteria for selecting the optimal method of securing and repairing a historical object, which take into account Structural, Conservation and Architectural aspects (the S-C-A method). Construction works on cultural heritage sites tend to be challenging and require an interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, they are strictly related to the philosophy of sustainable development which seeks adequate proportions between factors indicated on the natural and social environment. Optimization of several systems stabilizing retaining structure that are a historic object was considered in the paper. Appropriate formulas for scores meeting additional conservation and aesthetic requirements were proposed. The method is used in the stabilization of the brick retaining wall, a part of the Wisłoujście Fortress located in Gdańsk, Poland. In order to compute the displacement of the wall and its stability, numerical analysis was performed by the two-dimensional explicit Finite Difference Method (using the FLAC2D software). The algorithm proposed could be beneficial to the protection of cultural heritage since it could also be applied to other structures, such as roof trusses, masonry walls, pillars, etc.
e-learning in Geotechnical Engineering
Conference Paper
Full-text available
  • Nov 2011
Since the advent of cheaper and more powerful personal computers, in the mid- to late-1980s, e-learning has continued to evolve, and it has now matured to the point where it has become an established and recognized part of higher education in engineering. This paper discusses the benefits and limitations of e-learning and examines several technologies and e-learning pedagogies, with the lens of geotechnical engineering education. In particular, the paper explores online learning, computer assisted learning and e-assessment, and prophesies some possible directions for e-learning in the future. The paper advocates the use of a blended approach, whereby e-learning is used to enhance, rather than replace, traditional forms of teaching. In addition, the paper also proposes a number of approaches by which a geotechnical educator might incorporate e-learning into his or her courses.
Closing
Chapter
  • Feb 2012
Devised with a focus on problem solving, Geotechnical Problem Solving bridges the gap between geotechnical and soil mechanics material covered in university Civil Engineering courses and the advanced topics required for practicing Civil, Structural and Geotechnical engineers. By giving newly qualified engineers the information needed to apply their extensive theoretical knowledge, and informing more established practitioners of the latest developments, this book enables readers to consider how to confidently approach problems having thought through the various options available. Where various competing solutions are proposed, the author systematically leads through each option, weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of each, to ensure the reader can approach and solve real-world problems in a similar manner. The scope of material covered includes a range of geotechnical topics, such as soil classification, soil stresses and strength and soil self-weight settlement. Shallow and deep foundations are analyzed, including special articles on laterally loaded piles, retaining structures including MSE and Tieback walls, slope and trench stability for natural, cut and fill slopes, geotechnical uncertainty, and geotechnical LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design).
Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis of Solids and Structures: Second Edition
Article
  • Jul 2012
Built upon the two original books by Mike Crisfield and their own lecture notes, renowned scientist René de Borst and his team offer a thoroughly updated yet condensed edition that retains and builds upon the excellent reputation and appeal amongst students and engineers alike for which Crisfield's first edition is acclaimed. Together with numerous additions and updates, the new authors have retained the core content of the original publication, while bringing an improved focus on new developments and ideas. This edition offers the latest insights in non-linear finite element technology, including non-linear solution strategies, computational plasticity, damage mechanics, time-dependent effects, hyperelasticity and large-strain elasto-plasticity. The authors' integrated and consistent style and unrivalled engineering approach assures this book's unique position within the computational mechanics literature. Key features: • Combines the two previous volumes into one heavily revised text with obsolete material removed, an improved layout and updated references and notations • Extensive new material on more recent developments in computational mechanics • Easily readable, engineering oriented, with no more details in the main text than necessary to understand the concepts. • Pseudo-code throughout makes the link between theory and algorithms, and the actual implementation. • Accompanied by a website (www.wiley.com/go/deborst) with a Python code, based on the pseudo-code within the book and suitable for solving small-size problems. Non-linear Finite Element Analysis of Solids and Structures, 2nd Edition is an essential reference for practising engineers and researchers that can also be used as a text for undergraduate and graduate students within computational mechanics.
Underground excavation shape optimization considering material nonlinearities
Article
The shape of an underground opening is a major factor influencing the stability of the underground excavation. Obtaining an optimized shape is significant in civil and mining engineering applications for increasing stability and reducing costs. This paper presents an updated method for finding the optimal shape of an underground excavation using the latest bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) techniques considering material nonlinearities. Recent development in the BESO applications to underground excavation is discussed through illustrated examples. Details are given of the BESO method used to finding the optimal shape based on the global stiffness. The methodology of the stiffness based optimization techniques is described with examples of applications to underground excavation. Applications to underground void structures, such as cavern and tunnel, as well as underground solid structure such mine pillar are demonstrated. It is concluded that stiffness based optimization techniques are applicable to underground excavations and practical shape of an excavation can be generated as a result of the BESO application.
A strain based topology optimization method for compliant mechanism design
Article
  • Feb 2014
The Energy based topology optimization method has been used in the design of compliant mechanisms for many years. Although many successful examples from the energy based topology optimization method have been presented, optimized configurations of these designs are often very similar to their rigid linkage counterparts; except using compliant joints in place of rigid links. These complaint joints will endure large strain under the applied forces in order to perform the specified motions which are very undesirable in a compliant mechanism design. In this paper, a strain based topology optimization method is proposed to avoid a localized high strain of the compliant mechanism design, which is one of the drawbacks using strain energy formulation. Therefore, instead of minimizing the strain energy for structural rigidity, a global effective strain function is minimized. This is done in order to distribute the strain within the entire mechanism while maximizing the structural rigidity. Furthermore, the physical programming method is adopted to accommodate both flexibility and rigidity design objectives. Design examples from both the strain energy based topology optimization and the strain based method are presented and discussed.
Underground excavation shape optimization using an evolutionary procedure
Article
Underground excavation in either soil or rock induces complex stress redistribution around the opening principally depending on excavation geometry, in situ stresses and material properties. Finding the optimal shape for an excavation based on stress distribution has practical significance in increasing stability and lowering support costs. This paper presents a new approach to the optimization of underground excavation shapes using an evolutionary structural optimization (ESO) procedure. Illustrated examples show that the ESO method is applicable to the optimization of underground excavation shapes. Both two- and three-dimensional cases are considered and compared with theoretical solutions. Optimal shapes of underground excavations under different virgin stress states are also presented.