In the ever-evolving world of geotechnical engineering, a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Hu Jing from Fuzhou University and her team has shed new light on the dynamic behavior of unsaturated soils under moving loads. This research, published in the Chinese journal *Yantu gongcheng xuebao* (which translates to *Rock and Soil Engineering*), introduces a novel approach to modeling the dynamic response of unsaturated soils, with significant implications for the energy sector and beyond.
The team’s work focuses on the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC), a crucial tool for understanding the behavior of unsaturated soils. Traditional SWCC models, however, often overlook the deformation caused by applied loads. To address this gap, Dr. Hu and her colleagues developed a modified SWCC model that accounts for these deformations. “By incorporating the deformation effects, our model provides a more accurate representation of the soil’s behavior under dynamic loading,” Dr. Hu explained.
The researchers then derived a dynamic governing equation for unsaturated soils, which fully describes the water-force coupling effects under dynamic loading. This equation was solved using the 2.5-dimensional finite element method (2.5D FEM), a computational technique that strikes a balance between accuracy and computational efficiency. “The 2.5D FEM allows us to capture the complex interactions between the soil, water, and applied loads, while keeping the computational time manageable,” said Dr. Jin Linlian, a co-author of the study.
The team validated their approach by comparing their solutions with analytical ones for single-phase, double-phase saturated, and three-phase unsaturated media. The results confirmed the accuracy of their method. Moreover, the computational time analysis demonstrated that the 2.5D FEM is an advantageous algorithm for solving dynamic problems in porous media.
The findings of this study have significant commercial implications, particularly for the energy sector. Unstable soil foundations can lead to costly delays and safety hazards in energy infrastructure projects. “Our research provides a more accurate tool for predicting the dynamic response of unsaturated soils, which can help in the design and maintenance of energy infrastructure,” said Dr. Lü Zhihao, another co-author.
The study also highlights the importance of considering deformation effects in SWCC models. “Using the traditional SWCC without considering the deformation can underestimate the vibration intensity of unsaturated foundations,” warned Dr. Bian Xuecheng from Zhejiang University, a co-author of the study.
This research paves the way for future developments in geotechnical engineering, particularly in the energy sector. By providing a more accurate model for the dynamic response of unsaturated soils, it can help in the design and maintenance of energy infrastructure, ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for accurate and efficient geotechnical models will only grow, making this research a timely and valuable contribution to the field.