The rockfall process is characterized by bounces of a block on the ground. The coefficient of restitution (COR), which indicates the degree of rockfall energy dissipation, has a significant effect on the rockfall trajectory. The 3-dimensional Distinct Element Code (3DEC) is an effective tool to study the rockfall trajectory, and the damping can reflect the COR in numerical modeling. However, the relationship between damping and COR is not understood. A field test is numerically modelled to investigate the correspondence between damping and COR. A series of damping–COR correspondences are obtained and compared with the field test and its previous numerical simulation to verify the rationality of the correspondences. Then, the damping–COR correspondence is adopted in a typical rockslide in Yunnan province, China. The numerical results show that the proposed method is in good agreement with practical engineering. This study provides a new method for predicting rockfall trajectory.
This study systematically investigates the effects of individual and combined incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) and nano-silica sol (NS) on the macroscopic properties and microstructure of cement-based grouting materials, with emphasis on their synergistic mechanisms. A series of macroscopic tests including setting time, fluidity, bleeding rate, and mechanical strength were conducted, complemented by multi-scale microstructural characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results demonstrate that both NS and GO effectively reduce setting time and bleeding rate while enhancing mechanical strength; however, NS exhibits a more pronounced adverse effect on fluidity compared to GO. The hybrid system displays a distinct transition from synergy to antagonism: under low-dosage co-incorporation (2 wt% NS + 0.01 wt% GO), the flexural and compressive strengths increased by 13.5% and 45.5%, respectively, relative to the reference group. Microscopic analysis revealed that the synergistic interaction between the pozzolanic effect of NS and the templating effect of GO under this condition optimizes hydrate morphology and pore structure, leading to enhanced performance. Conversely, excessive dosage of either component induces agglomeration, resulting in microstructural deterioration and performance degradation. This study establishes optimal dosage ranges and combination principles for NS and GO in cement-based materials, providing a theoretical foundation for designing high-workability and high-strength cementitious composites.
11 January 2026 in Case Studies in Construction Materials
This study examines the stability of the Huangyukou landslide in Yanqing District, Beijing, under varying rainfall conditions, focusing on the effects of rainfall infiltration and surface runoff on slope stability. Using a combination of field surveys, geophysical methods, drone photogrammetry, and laboratory testing, a high-precision 2D and 3D numerical model was developed. A hydrological-soil-structure coupling model was employed to simulate rainfall-induced infiltration and runoff processes, revealing that increased saturation and pore water pressure significantly reduce shear strength, enhancing the risk of slope failure. Stability analysis, using a reduction factor method, yielded stability coefficients of 1.06 and 1.04 for 20-year and 100-year return period rainfall scenarios, respectively. The results highlight the critical role of rainfall in destabilizing the upper layers of dolomite and shale, with significant deformation observed in the middle and rear slope sections. This research provides a comprehensive framework for assessing landslide risk under extreme rainfall events, offering practical implications for risk mitigation in similar geological contexts.
Coastal subsea tunnels often traverse shallow heterogeneous strata, creating significant deformation risks. Deformation control is therefore essential for safe urban construction. This study integrates FLAC3D, SSA-LSSVM, and NSGA-II for multi-objective excavation-support optimization. The Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Second Subsea Tunnel serves as the case study. The results show that the large-span double central diaphragm method with vertical temporary supports provides the best deformation control. Ground surface grouting provides better control of ground and building settlements than the advanced pipe roof scheme, while the combined reinforcement scheme provides only marginal additional benefit. Sensitivity analysis identifies shotcrete strength, thickness, bolt length, bolt spacing, and steel-arch spacing as key parameters. The SSA-LSSVM surrogate model achieves R2 > 0.99 in reproducing the numerical simulation results of crown deformation, ground surface settlement, and building settlement within the studied parameter space. The optimized scheme reduces crown deformation, ground surface settlement, and building settlement by 25.27%, 17.09%, and 15.69%, respectively, with a 22.39% cost increase. Field monitoring of the construction section, which adopted the recommended excavation and reinforcement strategy but not all the exact optimized support parameters, indicates that the deformation remains within acceptable limits and may provide preliminary engineering verification.