In the quest to understand the intricate behaviors of soil under stress, a team of researchers led by Dr. Pan Kun from the College of Civil Engineering at Zhejiang University of Technology has made significant strides. Their work, published in *Yantu gongcheng xuebao* (translated to *Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering*), delves into the cyclic liquefaction behavior of silty sand, a critical factor in the stability of foundations for energy infrastructure.
Using the particle flow program PFC3D, the team simulated the liquefaction process of silty sands under undrained cyclic loading. Their focus was on the effects of initial static shear stress and fines content on the cyclic liquefaction behavior of sand. “We wanted to understand how these factors influence the microscopic mechanisms of liquefaction,” explained Dr. Pan. “This knowledge is crucial for predicting and mitigating the risks associated with soil liquefaction, particularly in the context of energy sector projects.”
The simulations revealed two distinct liquefaction failure patterns: cyclic mobility and residual deformation accumulation. These patterns were observed regardless of the fines content. The team found that the coordination number, a measure of particle contact, decreased with cyclic mobility but remained relatively stable under residual deformation accumulation. Interestingly, the fabric norm F, a parameter indicating the structural arrangement of particles, was always greater than zero during cyclic shearing.
Dr. Li Peipei, a co-author from the same institution, highlighted the commercial implications of their findings. “Understanding these behaviors allows us to design more robust foundations for energy infrastructure, such as wind turbines and oil rigs, which are often subjected to cyclic loading. This can lead to significant cost savings and improved safety.”
The research also showed that fine-grained sand exhibited larger variations in the coordination number during cyclic loading compared to clean sand, indicating a higher liquefaction resistance. Furthermore, a higher initial static shear level led to a larger change in the coordination number and an increase in cyclic liquefaction resistance.
The findings of this study have the potential to shape future developments in geotechnical engineering, particularly in the energy sector. By providing a deeper understanding of the microscopic mechanisms of liquefaction, the research can inform the design of more resilient structures and foundations, reducing the risk of failure and improving the overall safety and efficiency of energy projects.
As the energy sector continues to expand into more challenging environments, the insights gained from this research will be invaluable. Dr. Pan and his team’s work serves as a testament to the importance of fundamental research in driving technological advancements and ensuring the stability and safety of critical infrastructure.