A two dimensional continuous numerical model based on Discrete Element Method is used to investigate the behaviour of accretionary wedges with different basal frictions. The models are based on elastic-plastic, brittle material and computational granular dynamics, and several characteristics of the influence of the basal friction are analysed. The model results illustrate that the wedge’s deformation and geometry, for example, fracture geometry, the compression force, area loss, displacement, height and length of the accretionary wedge etc., are strongly influenced by the basal friction. In general, the resulting wedge grows steeper, shorter  and higher, and the compression force is larger when shortened  above a larger friction basement.  Especially, when there is no basal friction, several symmetrical wedges will distribute symmetrically in the domain. The distribution of the internal stress when a new accretionary prime is forming is also studied. The results illustrate that when the stress in a certain zone is larger than a critical number, a new thrust will form there.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate and implement a repair design for corrosion damaged bridge bents in order to resist lateral loading, such as wind loads or ship impact. Using the results from a one-third scale bridge bent constructed and tested for a previous study, non-linear modeling was used to simulate the same corrosion damage and load response. The principle variable considered was damage, represented as a percent of effective area loss of prestressing steel within a designated damage zone along the length of piles. Other influencing variables included: prestress transfer length, localized loss in prestress due to corrosion damage, prestress force, and concrete modulus of elasticity. Upon successful convergence of measured and modeled results, carbon fiber repair schemes were then modeled to restore bents to their full capacity. Suitable repairs were judged on the basis of restoration of capacity of the entire pile bent and the interaction diagrams of the individual piles. Results of the modeled repairs suggested that a single layer of a commercially available unidirectional carbon fiber would be sufficient when aligned longitudinally. No benefit from accompanying transverse fibers were considered although such a repair was suggested by the study findings. Analysis indicated that longitudinally bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) to bridge piles increases a bent’s ability to resist bending moment due to lateral loading at the cap. However, additional capacity to plastic region of the response curve indicated larger capacity gains than by gains to elastic regions.