This dissertation describes the development and verification of a general purpose computer program, CONSOL97, for analysis of one dimensional consolidation of multi-layered soil profiles. The program uses an elasto-visco-plastic model that can simulate both consolidation and creep in a single consistent analysis. The finite element program uses standard oedometer test data to model stress-strain-time relationships, and the effect of strain rate on preconsolidation stress observed in the laboratory and in the field. Validation of the computer program by simulating standard oedometer tests is described and the applicability of the program in predicting field behavior is examined. The oedometer test simulations indicate good agreement with stress-strain and strain-log time test results during loading. Unloading behavior produces excessive rebound. Well-instrumented field tests at Väsby, Sweden, Skå-Edeby, Sweden and Berthierville, Canada indicate that elasto-visco-plastic CONSOL97 analyses produce better predictions of field behavior than conventional elasto-plastic models. CONSOL97 results were in good agreement for the Väsby and Berthierville test fills but underestimated displacements and pore pressures near the center of the normally consolidated clay layer beneath the Skå-Edeby test fill. / Ph. D.

No / This paper considers both the linear elastic and creep buckling of polymeric pipe linings used for the rehabilitation of gravity pipes, for which external groundwater pressure has been identified as the prime source of loading. Theoretically perfect and imperfect conditions are considered, with the imperfections taken to be in the form of a concentric or eccentric annulus between the rigid host pipe (cylindrical constraint) and polymeric lining. Under these conditions two recently obtained mathematical procedures for the prediction of linearly and non-linearly elastic buckling are compared with the results of complementary laboratory testing. Linear elastic conditions are shown to be well approximated by undertaking short-term (¿30 min) testing under increasing pressure to failure. Controlled imperfections are introduced into the laboratory tests and excellent correlation with the theoretical predictions is obtained. In particular, the dominant geometrical imperfections are shown to be major influences on the obtained buckling pressure. The mathematical models are then adapted to simulate the creep buckling process under long-term constant pressure. The results obtained are again compared with those provided by complementary physical testing, and appropriate conclusions are made.

This thesis presents a method to correct for non-positive-definiteness in linear viscoelastic material functions. Viscoelastic material functions for anisotropic materials need to be interconverted in a matrix coefficient prony series form, with a requirement of positive definiteness. Fitting is usually done as a uniaxial prony series, resulting in scalar coefficients. When these uniaxial coefficients are placed in a coefficient matrix, the required positive definiteness cannot be guaranteed. For those matrices that do not meet this requirement, finding the nearest symmetric semi-positive definite form of the matrix results in a viable prony series matrix coefficient with the required positive definiteness. These corrected prony series coefficients allow for material functions to be interconverted with minimal changes to experimental data.

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