Bing Sun

This study addresses the reliance on empirical methods in the structural analysis of hinged prefabricated frame beam (HPFM) structures by proposing a theoretically rigorous analytical framework based on the Winkler foundation model. The proposed analytical framework comprises three main steps: (a) The HPFB structure is discretized into individual beam segments supported on a Winkler foundation, based on the locations of anchorage points and hinge connections; (b) A system of linear equations is formulated using static equilibrium and deformation compatibility conditions at both anchorage points and hinge joints. Solving this system yields the distribution of concentrated loads—applied perpendicular to the slope surface at anchorage points—among horizontal and longitudinal beam segments of the cross beams, and simultaneously determines the shear forces transferred through hinge joints to adjacent beam ends; and (c) The deflection and internal forces for each Winkler-supported beam segment are evaluated using the computed loads and beam-end shear forces obtained in the previous step. To evaluate the validity and practical applicability of the proposed framework, a simplified HPFB structure was analyzed in terms of load distribution, beam-end shear forces, deflections, and internal forces. The results were compared with those from a traditional frame beam (TFB) structure under identical conditions to assess differences in mechanical behavior between the two structures. Deformation analysis at both the anchorage points and hinge joints indicates that the proposed analytical framework inherently satisfies deformation compatibility conditions at the anchorage points and hinge joints. Consequently, the results demonstrate improved accuracy compared to those derived from empirical methods. Comparative analysis reveals that, relative to the TFB structure, the HPFB structure exhibits larger deflections near the beam ends and smaller deflections in regions farther away from the beam ends, along with a reduced maximum negative bending moment, an increased maximum positive bending moment, and lower maximum shear forces. These results suggest that the HPFB structure offers improved mechanical performance. A sensitivity analysis was further performed to quantify the influence of the subgrade reaction coefficient on the mechanical behavior of the HPFB structure. As the subgrade reaction coefficient increases multiplicatively, the concentrated loads allocated to the shorter horizontal beam segments and their corresponding beam-end shear forces exhibit a progressive increase. Conversely, the loads assigned to the longer longitudinal beam segments and the associated beam-end shear forces demonstrate a consistent decrease.Variations in beam loading induced by a multiplicative increase in the subgrade reaction coefficient significantly influence beam deflection, yet exert only a minimal effect on both the bending moment and shear force. Consequently, the proposed analytical framework establishes a robust theoretical foundation for the rational design of HPFB structures, diminishing the dependency on empirical approaches and enhancing the reliability of structural performance predictions.

This study investigates the influence of built-in studs on the bond behavior in recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube (RACFST) composite structures through push-out experiments. The effects of stud number, position, and rows on RACFST bond strength and steel tube surface strain are systematically analyzed. Furthermore, the bond-slip behavior evolution mechanism is examined, and a constitutive equation is established. A novel interfacial modeling approach is developed via secondary development of ABAQUS software to comprehensively simulate RACFST interfacial bond-slip behavior. The results demonstrate that insufficient stud quantity compromises interface integrity, reducing bond strength, while increased stud count enhances composite stiffness and bond performance. Studs positioned nearer the free end extend the natural bond length participating in shear resistance, thereby improving bond strength. Internal studs promote stress redistribution within the composite structure, significantly improving collaborative performance. The proposed constitutive equation shows good agreement with experimental results, and the developed interface program accurately captures bond-slip curve trends. These findings facilitate RACFST applications and provide guidance for shear stud arrangement in RACFST structures.

As a new type of retaining structure, lattice beams with tie-back anchor cables have been increasingly used in slope reinforcement and have achieved improved prevention effects. However, the simplified load distribution method (SLDM) at the node, which is the theoretical basis of internal force analysis for lattice beams, is not perfect at present. An alternative new load distribution method (NLDM) at the node based on the force method for the lattice beam was therefore introduced in this paper. Taking into account the loads acting on other nodes of the beams in both directions and according to the static equilibrium condition and deformation compatibility condition at the nodes, NLDM assigns the loads acting on the nodes to the cross beams and vertical beams, respectively, by constructing and solving a system of linear equations. In order to verify the superiority of NLDM, a case of slope reinforced by a lattice beam was introduced in this paper, and the load distribution of the nodes under the design condition was carried out based on both methods. Then, the deflections at the nodes of the lattice beam resting on the Winkler foundation, loaded with the known loads, were analyzed by the superposition method. The results of the deformation analysis showed that the deflections at the same nodes of the beams in both directions based on NLDM were almost equal, thus demonstrating the superiority of NLDM in terms of deformation compatibility. In addition, a comparative analysis of the theoretical bending moments of the lattice beam under the design and the actual working conditions based on both methods was also carried out. The results of the bending moment analysis showed that the bending moments of the cross beam differed significantly in the middle third of the beam length, while the bending moments of the vertical beams differed significantly at the beam sections where the maximum bending moments are located, and the theoretical bending moments under the actual working condition were in relatively good agreement with the measured values. Consequently, NLDM for the lattice beam was self-consistent in terms of the deformation compatibility at the node, and therefore the introduction of this new method provides an important theoretical basis for the accurate internal force analysis of lattice beams.

In order to study the deformation and failure characteristics of rocks under different cyclic loading and unloading paths, three stress path tests were conducted, and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring was conducted simultaneously. The mechanical characteristics and AE characteristics under different stress paths were analyzed, and the influences of the different stress paths on the energy dissipation and deformation damage were investigated. The law of energy evolution considering viscoelasticity under different stress paths was obtained. The concept of ultimate damage energy and its calculation method was proposed. The results show that the “hardening effect” of sandstone and granite under the constant lower limit (CLLCL) is the most significant in maximizing the mechanical property. The CLLCL imparts a stronger elastic property to rocks than the variable lower limit (VLLCL) does, while the VLLCL causes more damage to rocks than the CLLCL. A significant linear relationship between the proportion of damage energy and the proportion of elastic energy was discovered. Based on this linear relationship, the ultimate damage energy can be calculated for sandstone and granite. The evolution of the damage variable based on damage energy was compatible with the real damage condition, which validates the ultimate damage energy calculation method. The research results lay a theoretical foundation for the design and construction of geotechnical engineering.

Rock masses in underground engineering are usually damaged, which are caused by rock genesis and environmental stress. Studying the constitutive relationship between rock strength and deformation under loading is crucial for the design and evaluation of such scenarios. The new damage constitutive model considering the dynamic change of joint damage was developed to describe the behavior of rocks under loading in this work. First, considering the influence of jointed rock mass structural features in their entirety, the Drucker–Prager criterion and the Hoek–Brown criterion were combined. Second, based on the idea of macro–micro coupling, the calculation formulae of damage variables were derived. Finally, the damage constitutive model of the jointed rock mass was established, and the proposed model was fitted and compared with the test data. Results show that the variation rules for damage value and peak strength are opposite, and the stress–strain is highly sensitive to changes in the parameter s of the model. Moreover, the proposed model can accurately describe the effect of joint deterioration on the entire process of rock mass compression failure, which shows that the damage constitutive models are useful for evaluating the strength characteristics of jointed rock mass in engineering practice.

In consideration of the temporary stability of the cutting slope during construction and its permanent stability under long-term service, a new technique of lattice beam construction with anchors pre-set in the slope from the original ground surface before cutting was proposed, and its construction process was briefly introduced. Compared with the model without pre-set anchors, the effectiveness of pre-setting anchors to strengthen the cutting slope during multi-excavation was verified in the numerical software FLAC^3D. Various factors such as the factor of safety (FOS) and the maximum shear strain increment (MSSI) as well as the displacement for different stages were discussed. The results show that the anchors pre-set in the slope provide reinforcement step-by-step with excavations which changes the mechanical responses of the cutting slope and increases the factor of safety with a variation of 15.9–44.1% compared to the case without setting anchors. In addition, with excavations, the axial forces of the anchors pre-set in the stratum increase gradually, and the positions of the maximum axial forces gradually transfer from the vicinity of the cutting surface to the depth of the design slope. Numerical simulations prove that this new technique is beneficial for ensuring the temporary stability of the slope during excavations and is especially suitable for the advance anchorage of the cutting slope, in which the inclined original ground surface is cut at an angle steeper than it can stand safely and is close to the design slope surface after cutting. After the completion of slope excavation, the cast-in-place concrete lattice beam is immediately set on the design slope surface and connected with the anchor heads exposed on the cut slope surface to ensure the permanent stability of the slope. Therefore, this new technology has important guiding significance for both the temporary stability of slopes during construction and the permanent stability of slopes in service.

The effect law of deformation and failure of a jointed rock mass is essential for underground engineering safety and stability evaluation. In order to study the evolution mechanism and precursory characteristics of instability and failure of jointed rock masses, uniaxial compression and acoustic emission (AE) tests are conducted on sandstones with different joint dip angles. To simulate the mechanical behavior of the rock, a jointed rock mass damage constitutive model with AE characteristic parameters is created based on damage mechanics theory and taking into account the effect of rock mass structure and load coupling. To quantify the mechanism of rock instability, a cusp catastrophe model with AE characteristic parameters is created based on catastrophe theory. The results indicate that when the joint dip angle increases from 0° to 90°, the failure mechanism of sandstone shifts from tensile to shear, with 45° being the critical failure mode. Sandstone's compressive strength reduces initially and subsequently increases, resulting in a U-shaped distribution. The developed damage constitutive model's theoretical curve closely matches the test curve, indicating that the model can reasonably describe the damage evolution of sandstone. The cusp catastrophe model has a high forecast accuracy, and when combined with the damage constitutive model, the prediction accuracy can be increased further. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for the safety and stability evaluation of underground engineering.