Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / A FORTRAN 77 computer code employing an adaptation of the finite differencing algorithm proposed by Brian was developed for the solution of transient heat conduction problems in cylindrical geometries. Validation of code was accomplished by comparison with an ana­lytic solution derived for a model with symmetric, linear boundary conditions. Accuracy of results for asymmetric and non-linear boundary conditions was determined by comparison with a similarly vali­dated code employing the explicit method. Code effectiveness was then demonstrated by conducting a transient temperature analysis for a simulated earth-orbiting satellite. Brian's method demonstrated unconditional stability with associated significant reductions in execu­tion time compared to the explicit method. The effects of discretization error on the accuracy of results require further investigation. / http://archive.org/details/applicationofbri00hein / Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy

Realistic predictions of service life of steel catenary risers (SCR) require an accurate characterization of seafloor stiffness in the zone where the riser contacts the seafloor, the so- called touchdown area (TDA). This paper describes the key features of a seafloor-riser interaction model based on the previous experimental model tests. The seafloor is represented in terms of non-linear load-deflection (P-y) relationships, which are also able to account for soil stiffness degradation due to vertical cyclic loading. The P-y approach has some limitations, but simulations show good agreement with experimental data. Hence, stiffness degradation and rate effects during penetration and uplift motion (suction force increase) of the riser are well captured through comparison with previous experimental tests carried out at the Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems (COFS) and Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI). The analytical framework considers the riser-seafloor interaction problem in terms of a pipe resting on a bed of springs, and requires the iterative solution of a fourth-order ordinary differential equation. A series of simulations is used to illustrate the capabilities of the model. Due to the non-linear soil springs with stiffness degradation it is possible to simulate the trench formation process and estimate deflections and moments along the riser length. The seabed model is used to perform parametric studies to assess the effects of stiffness, soil strength, amplitude of pipe displacements, and riser tension on pipe deflections and bending stresses. The input parameters include the material properties (usually pipe and soil), model parameters, and loading conditions such as the amplitude of imposed dis- placements, tension, and moment. Primary outputs from this model include the deflected shape of the riser pipe and bending moments along riser length. The code also provides the location of maximum trench depth and the position where the maximum bending moment occurs and any point where user is interested in.

Increasing interest, from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and other agencies, in using deep-mixing methods (DMM) to improve the stability of levees constructed on soft ground is driven by the need to reduce levee footprints and environmental impacts and to allow for more rapid construction. Suitable methods for analysis and design of these systems are needed to ensure that the DMM technology is properly applied. DMM shear walls oriented perpendicular to the levee alignment are an effective arrangement for supporting unbalanced lateral loads. Shear walls constructed by overlapping individual DMM columns installed with single-axis or multiple axis equipment include vertical joints caused by the reduced width of the wall at the overlap between adjacent columns. These joints can be made weaker by misalignment during construction, which reduces the efficiency of the overlap. Depending on the prevalence and strength of these joints, complex failure mechanisms, such as racking due to slipping along vertical joints between adjacent installations in the shear walls, can occur. Ordinary limit equilibrium analyses only account for a composite shearing failure mode; whereas, numerical stress-strain analyses can account for other failure modes. Five case studies provided by the USACE were analyzed to evaluate the behavior of levee and floodwall systems founded on soft ground stabilized with DMM shear walls. These identified and illustrated potential failure mechanisms of these types of systems. Two-dimensional numerical stability and settlement analyses were performed for the case studies using the FLAC computer program. The key findings and conclusions for the individual case studies were assessed and integrated into general conclusions about design of deep-mixing support for levees and floodwalls. One of the significant findings from this research was to identify the potential for a partial depth racking failure, which can control design when the DMM shear walls are socketted into a relatively strong bearing layer. The potential for partial depth racking failure is not discussed in the literature and represents a new failure mode identified by this research. This discovery also highlights the importance of adapting suitable methods for analysis and design of these systems to address all potential failure modes. / Ph. D.

Slope stability is an important aspect of geotechnical engineering. Input parameters for the analysis are the governing factors and they must be determined accurately and precisely. Field investigations, laboratory testing and back analyses are vital instruments for the input parameters. This study presents the results of slope stability analysis for the soil slopes at Elbistan-&Ccedil / &ouml / llolar lignite mine. After executing the drilling programme, samples taken from the drilling work, delivered to soil mechanics laboratory for testing. The basic input parameters, namely cohesion and friction angle determined at soil mechanics laboratory were compared to the parameters obtained from back analysis of a large scale slope failure. Input parameters for the analysis are determined by this way. After determining the input parameters, slope stability analyses were carried out both for the permanent and temporary slopes in AfSin-Elbistan lignite basin, &Ccedil / &ouml / llolar sector. The effect of ground water on the stability of slopes was investigated in detail and maximum safe slope angles were determined for different water levels. For limit equilibrium analysis, Rocscience SLIDE software, for finite difference analysis in 3-D, Itasca FLAC3D was used. In the limit equilibrium analyses both circular and composite failures were considered. Shear strength reduction method is used for the finite difference method. The results between limit equilibrium and 3-D finite difference methods were compared. When the failure surfaces obtained from the finite difference analyses were imposed to limit equilibrium analysis, computations are resulted in lower factor of safety values for limit equilibrium analysis.