With the rapid expansion of high-speed railway (HSR) infrastructure, ensuring the long-term stability of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) walls under repeated traffic loading is critical. This study investigates the dynamic mechanical behaviour of HSR GRS walls using a combination of physical model tests and three-dimensional dynamic numerical simulations. A moving vehicle loading device developed by the authors was employed to realistically simulate the driving effects of high-speed trains, addressing the limitations of traditional sinusoidal loading systems. Results indicate that wall crest settlement increases rapidly during the initial 500 cycles (contributing ∼50% of total settlement) before exhibiting a continued, albeit reduced, increasing trend. A characteristic ‘bulging’ deformation pattern was observed, with peak horizontal displacements occurring at approximately two-thirds of the wall height. Furthermore, vertical earth pressure exhibited a clear diffusion pattern, attenuating downward from the loading plate. The computed potential failure surface aligns closely with the 0.3H surface (where H is the wall height) specified in current design codes, providing a robust theoretical basis for the seismic and dynamic design of railway retaining structures.
Yalin Zhu, Tao Wei, Zijian Zhan et al.· Proceedings of the Instituti...· 0 citations
Prefabricated vertical drains are critical for accelerating pore-water pressure dissipation and consolidating water-saturated soft soils in coastal and riverine environments. Straw drainage boards, composed of agricultural straw and polylactic acid (PLA), offer an alternative to traditional plastic drains, mitigating potential water pollution and microplastic accumulation in sensitive aquatic ecosystems. However, their slow natural biodegradability can impact long-term hydraulic performance and post-construction settlement. This study investigates the enzymatic degradation characteristics of straw–PLA drainage boards to optimize their hydraulic behavior and degradation in simulated water-saturated soft soils. We explored the effects of various bio-enzymes, specifically cellulase and alkaline protease, on the structural integrity and hydraulic properties of the drainage boards. Our results demonstrate that both enzymes significantly alter the water flow capacity of the boards, indicating accelerated degradation. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed when cellulase and alkaline protease were applied concurrently, leading to more pronounced degradation. The findings suggest that enzyme-enhanced degradation offers a promising strategy to optimize the hydraulic performance of drainage boards, facilitating more effective pore-water pressure dissipation and rapid soil consolidation in offshore and coastal engineering projects.
Feng Liu, Jiancai Zhu, Yan Wang et al.· Water· 0 citations
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