2013 Session: 243

• Reliability-Based Design for Slope Stabilization Using Drilled Shafts
  Abstract: In this paper, a reliability-based computational algorithm was developed and coded into a computer program, P- UASLOPE, for design of a row of equally spaced drilled shafts to achieve target reliability index for the drilled shafts reinforced slope system. The Monte Carlo simulation technique was used in the previously developed deterministic computational program, in which the limiting equilibrium method of slices was modified to incorporate the arching effects of the drilled shafts in a slope. Uncertainties of soil parameters for each soil layer in the slope were considered by statistical descriptors, including mean, COV, and distribution function. Model errors involving the semi-empirical predictive equation for the load transfer factor for characterizing the soil arching effects were considered by statistics of bias. A total of 41 cases of 3-D finite element simulation results were used to determine the statistics of bias. A design example was given to demonstrate the use of P-UASLOPE program for optimized design of a drilled shafts reinforced slope system for achieving the most economic combination of design variables (i.e., location, spacing, diameter, and length of drilled shafts) while satisfying the design requirements in terms of target reliability index of the drilled shafts/slope system and the structural performance of the drilled shafts. Sensitivity analysis of the influence of bias of model errors on the computed probability of failure for the design example indicates the need for more cases of 3-D finite element simulation results for obtaining a more accurate semi-empirical predictive equation for the load transfer factor.
  Authors: Li, Lin; Liang, Robert
  Authors: Li, Lin; Liang, Robert
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Geotechnology
  Session: 243
  Paper Number: 13-0762
• Design and Analysis of High-Energy-Absorbing Rockfall Barrier Fence System
  Abstract: The transportation corridors in the mountainous region are subject to a range of rock slope movements (rock falls, rock slides, and rock avalanches) that pose significant risks to road and rail traffic. This paper deals with the design concept and analysis of innovative high energy absorbing rockfall barrier fence (HEARBF) system. This work is a part of an undergoing project for developing a practical design guide for the HEARBF systems. The structural outlines and performance characteristics of the HEARBF under impact of falling rock is presented and discussed. A simple, yet efficient and accurate, numerical method for dynamic analysis of HEARBF under impact of rockfalls is proposed. The basic concept of the proposed method and algorithm of numerical analysis are briefly presented and discussed. A computer program is coded for the proposed method. It is used to carry out extensive numerical analyses of rock fences considering various material and structural parameters. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparing the results from this method with those of the other numerical methods as well as the full scale test results for various rock fences. It is shown that the proposed method provides an efficient tool for researchers and practical engineers in designing, analyzing and studying behavior of high energy absorbing rock fences under impact of rockfalls.
  Authors: Mamaghani, Iraj H. P.
  Authors: Mamaghani, Iraj H. P.
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Geotechnology
  Session: 243
  Paper Number: 13-1307
• Structural Pattern Effects on Engineering Behavior of Hexagonal Wire Mesh Gabion Panels
  Abstract: Three half-turn and four half-turn hexagonal wire mesh panels were built for tensile and punch tests with and without one center cut wire mesh panel. The study results indicated that the ultimate tensile strength or punch resistance for three half-turn and four half-turn hexagonal wire mesh panels without any cut within were similar. However, the four half-turn hexagonal wire panels showed better tensile and punch resistance after one wire broke at the panel center. This implied that the presence of broken wires within the four half-turn hexagonal wire mesh showed no significant influence on the panel¡¦s tensile strength and punch resistance. Four half-turn hexagonal wire mesh is a better structural pattern than that the three half-turn hexagonal wire mesh for slope stability and river bank protection applications.
  Authors: Hsieh, Chiwan Wayne; Chang, CheWei; Liu, In-Wei; Liu, Ren Sheng
  Authors: Hsieh, Chiwan Wayne; Chang, CheWei; Liu, In-Wei; Liu, Ren Sheng
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Geotechnology
  Session: 243
  Paper Number: 13-1982
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Structural Pattern Effects on Engineering Behavior of Hexagonal Wire Mesh Gabion Panels
  Authors: Chang, CheWei
  Authors: Chang, CheWei
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Geotechnology
  Session: 243
  Paper Number: 13-1982
• Reliability-Based Design for Slope Stabilization Using Drilled Shafts
  Authors: Li, Lin
  Authors: Li, Lin
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Geotechnology
  Session: 243
  Paper Number: 13-0762