In the world of civil engineering, particularly when dealing with soft soils, understanding and predicting their behavior under load is crucial. A recent breakthrough by a team led by Dr. Yin Qian from Southeast University in Nanjing, China, has introduced a novel approach to modeling the complex rheological properties of soft soils. This research, published in the journal *Yantu gongcheng xuebao* (which translates to *Rock and Soil Mechanics*), could have significant implications for the energy sector and other industries involved in large-scale construction projects.
The team, which includes Dr. Gong Weiming, Dr. Dai Guoliang, and several other collaborators from various institutions, has developed an improved nonlinear fractal derivative Nishihara viscoelastic-plastic rheology model. This model is designed to accurately describe the complete rheological behavior of soft soils, including the decay stage, steady stage, and accelerated stage. Traditional models often fall short in capturing the full spectrum of these nonlinear characteristics.
“Our model replaces the conventional damper with a fractal damper and considers the damaging effects of soils,” explained Dr. Yin Qian. “This allows us to achieve high precision with relatively simple calculations, making it a practical tool for engineers and researchers.”
The practical applications of this model are vast, particularly in the energy sector. For instance, in the construction of offshore wind farms, oil and gas platforms, and other infrastructure projects built on soft soils, understanding the long-term behavior of the foundation is critical. The ability to accurately predict how these soils will respond to load over time can lead to more stable and cost-effective designs.
The team validated their model using triaxial creep tests and an embankment case, demonstrating its effectiveness. They also compiled a corresponding UMAT subroutine for the ABAQUS platform, a widely used finite element analysis software. This subroutine allows engineers to easily integrate the new model into their existing workflows.
Dr. Gong Weiming highlighted the commercial impact: “By providing a more accurate model, we can help reduce the risks associated with construction on soft soils. This can lead to significant cost savings and improved safety for large-scale projects.”
The research not only advances our understanding of soft soil behavior but also offers a practical tool for engineers. As the energy sector continues to expand into challenging environments, such as offshore and Arctic regions, the ability to accurately model and predict soil behavior will be increasingly important.
This breakthrough is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking. As Dr. Dai Guoliang noted, “Our work shows that by combining advanced mathematical models with practical engineering applications, we can make significant strides in the field of civil engineering.”
With the publication of this research in *Yantu gongcheng xuebao*, the engineering community now has a new tool at its disposal. The fractal derivative Nishihara viscoelastic-plastic rheology model is poised to shape future developments in soil mechanics and beyond, offering a more precise and efficient way to tackle the challenges of building on soft soils.