• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.91-103
• /
• 2009

Slope failure depends upon the climatic features related to related rainfall, structural geology and geomorphological features as well as the variation of the mechanical behaviors of soil constituting a slope. In this paper, among many variables, effects of soil layer thickness on the slope failure process, and variations of matric suction and volumetric water content were observed. When the soil layer is relatively thick, the descending wetting front decreases matric suction and the observed matric suction reaches to "0" value. When the wetting front reaches to the impermeable boundary, the bottom surface of steel soil box, ascending wetting front was observed. This observation can be postulated to be the effects of various sizes of pores. When macro size pores exist, the capillary effects can be reduced and infilling of pore will be limited. The partially filled pores would be filled with water during the ascending of the wetting front, which bounces from the impermeable boundary. This assumption has been assured from the observation of variation of the volumetric water contents at different depth. When the soil layer is thick (thickness = 20 cm), for granular material, erosion is a cause triggering the slope failure. It has been found that the initiation of erosion occurs when the top soil is fully saturated. Meanwhile, when the soil layer is shallow (thickness = 10 cm), slope slides as en mass. The slope failure for this condition occurs when the wetting front reaches to the interface between the soil layer and steel soil box. As the wetting front approaches to the bottom of soil layer, reduction of shear resistance along the boundary and increase of the unit weight due to the infiltration occur and these produce complex effects on the slope failure processes.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.101-114
• /
• 2008

Pressurized grouting is a common technique in geotechnical engineering applications to increase the stiffness and strength of the ground mass and to fill boreholes or void space in a tunnel lining and so on. Recently, the pressurized grouting has been applied to a soil-nailing system which is widely used to improve slope stability. Because interaction between pressurized grouting paste and adjacent ground mass is complicated and difficult to analyze, the soil-nailing design has been empirically performed in most geotechnical applications. The purpose of this study is to analyze the ground behavior induced by pressurized grouting paste with the aid of laboratory model tests. The laboratory tests are carried out for four kinds of granitic residual soils. When injecting pressure is applied to grout, the pressure measured in the adjacent ground initially increases for a while, which behaves in the way of the membrane model. With the lapse of time, the pressure in the adjacent ground decreases down to a value of residual stress because a portion of water in the grouting paste seeps into the adjacent ground. The seepage can be indicated by the fact that the ratio of water/cement in the grouting paste has decreased from a initial value of 50% to around 30% during the test. The reduction of the W/C ratio should cause to harden the grouting paste and increase the stiffness of it, which restricts the rebound of out-moved ground into the original position, and thus increase the in-situ stress by approximately 20% of the injecting pressures. The measured radial deformation of the ground under pressure is in good agreement with the expansion of a cylindrical cavity estimated by the cavity expansion theory. In-situ test revealed that the pullout resistance of a soil nailing with pressurized grouting is about 36% larger than that with regular grouting, caused by grout radius increase, residual stress effect, and/or roughness increase.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.30 no.3A
• /
• pp.297-307
• /
• 2010

Recently, maintenance engineering and technology for civil and building structures have begun to draw big attention and actually the number of structures that need to be evaluate on structural safety due to deterioration and performance degradation of structures are rapidly increasing. When stiffness is decreased because of deterioration of structures and member cracks, dynamic characteristics of structures would be changed. And it is important that the damaged areas and extent of the damage are correctly evaluated by analyzing dynamic characteristics from the actual behavior of a structure. In general, typical measurement instruments used for structure monitoring are dynamic instruments. Existing dynamic instruments are not easy to obtain reliable data when the cable connecting measurement sensors and device is long, and have uneconomical for 1 to 1 connection process between each sensor and instrument. Therefore, a method without attaching sensors to measure vibration at a long range is required. The representative applicable non-contact methods to measure the vibration of structures are laser doppler effect, a method using GPS, and image processing technique. The method using laser doppler effect shows relatively high accuracy but uneconomical while the method using GPS requires expensive equipment, and has its signal's own error and limited speed of sampling rate. But the method using image signal is simple and economical, and is proper to get vibration of inaccessible structures and dynamic characteristics. Image signals of camera instead of sensors had been recently used by many researchers. But the existing method, which records a point of a target attached on a structure and then measures vibration using image processing technique, could have relatively the limited objects of measurement. Therefore, this study conducted shaking table test and field load test to verify the validity of the method that can measure multi-point displacement responses of structures using image processing technique.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.363-371
• /
• 2023

To construct a ship, blocks of various sizes must be moved and erected . In this process, lugs are used such that they match the block fastening method and various functions suitable for the characteristics of each shipyard facility. The sizes and shapes of the lugs vary depending on the weight and shape of the block structures. The structure is reinforced by welding the doubling pads to compensate for insufficient rigidity around the holes where the shackle is fastened. As for the method of designing lugs according to lifting loading conditions, a simple calculation based on the beam theory and structural analysis using numerical modeling are performed. In the case of the analytical method, a standardized evaluation method must be established because results may differ depending on the type of element and modeling method. The application of this ambiguous methodology may cause serious safety problems during the process of moving and turning-over blocks. In this study , the effects of various parameters are compared and analyzed through numerical structural analysis to determine the modeling conditions and evaluation method that can evaluate the actual structural response of the lug. The modeling technique that represents the plate part and weld bead around the lug hole provides the most realistic behavior results. The modeling results with the same conditions as those of the actual lug where only the weld bead is connected to the main body of the lug, showed a lower ulimated strength compared with the results obtained by applying the MPC load. The two-dimensional shell element is applied to reduce the modeling and analysis time, and a safety working load was verified to be predicted by reducing the thickness of the doubling pad by 85%. The results of the effects of various parameters reviewed in the study are expected to be used as good reference data for the lug design and safe working load prediction.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.289-302
• /
• 2023

The study area was Gangnim-myeon, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do, composed of the Chiaksan gneiss complex, and it was revealed that the concentrations of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) within the groundwater of the study area exceeded their water quality standards. Hence, artificial weathering experiments were conducted to elucidate mineralogically the mechanisms of their leaching using drilling cores obtained from the corresponding groundwater aquifers. First of all, the mineralogical compositions of core samples were observed, and the results indicated that the content of clinochlore, a member of the chlorite group of minerals that can form through low- and intermediate-temperature metamorphisms, was relatively higher. In addition, the Th concentration was measured ten times higher than that of U. The results of artificial weathering experiments suggested that the Th concentrations gradually increased through the dissolution of radioactive-element-bearing minerals up to the first day, and then they tended to decrease. It could be attributed to the fact that Th was leached with the dissolution of thorite, which might be a secondary mineral, and then dissolved Th was re-precipitated as the various forms of salt, such as sulfate. Even though the U content was lower than that of Th in the core samples, the U concentration was one hundred times higher than that of Th after the weathering experiments. It is likely caused by the gradual dissolution and desorption of U included in intensively weathered thorite or adsorbed as a form of UO₂²⁺ on the mineral surface. In addition, the leaching tendency of U and Th was positively correlated with the bicarbonate concentration. However, the concentrations between U and Th in groundwater exhibited a relatively lower correlation, which might result from the fact that they occurred from different sources, as aforementioned. Among various kinetic models, the parabolic diffusion and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were confirmed to best fit the dissolution kinetics of both elements. The period that would be taken for the U concentration to exceed its drinking-water standard was inferred using the regressed parameters of the best-fitted models, and the duration of 29.4 years was predicted in the neutral-pH aquifers with relatively higher concentrations of HCO₃, indicating that U could be relatively quickly leached out into groundwater.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.41-49
• /
• 1992

An attempt was made to prepare two series of tetrakis eight-coordinate tungsten(IV) and cerium(IV) complexes containing the 5,7-dichloro-8-quinolinol(N:${\pi}$-acceptor atom, O:${\pi}$-donor atom) ligand. Tetrakis eight-coordinate tungsten(IV) complex of 2-mercaptopyrimidine(N:${\pi}$-acceptor atom, S:${\pi}$-donor atom) ligand have also been prepared. And the new series of mixed-ligand eight-coordinate tungsten(IV) complexes containing bidentate ligands 5,7-dichloro-8-quinolinol and 2-mercaptopyrimidine have been prepared, isolated by TLC and characterized. $W(dcq)_4$, $W(dcq)_3(mpd)_1$, $W(dcq)_2(mpd)_2$, $W(dcq)_1W(dcq)_3$ and $W(mpd)_4$ complexes of MLCT absorption band appeared to 710nm, 680nm, 625nm, 581nm, and 571nm(${\varepsilon}\;max={\sim}>{\times}10^4$) on low-energy respectively. The specific absorption wave length of $Ce(dcq)_4$ is appeared 520nm(${\varepsilon}\;max={\sim}>{\times}10^4$). The Chemical shift values by proton of coordinated position appeared to $W(dcq)_4$ [$H_2:8.9ppm$]; $W(dcq)_3(mpd)_1$ [$H_2:9.3$,$H_6:9.2ppm$]; $W(dcq)_2(mpd)_2$ [$H_2:9.7$,$H_6:8.95ppm$]; $W(dcq)_1(mpd)_3$ [$H_2:9.8$,$H_6:9.4ppm$]; $W(mpd)_4$ [$H_6:8.8ppm$]; $Ce(dcq)_4$ [$H_2:9.3ppm$] with $^1H$-NMR. The inertness of mixed-ligand eight coordinate tungsten(IV) complexes have been investigated by UV-Vis. spectroscopic method in dimethylsulfoxide at $90^{\circ}C$. The inertness of $W(dcq)_n(mpd)_{4-n}$ complexes showed the following order, $W(dcq)_3(mpd)_1;k_{obs.}=3.8{\times}10^{-6}$ > $W(mpd)_4;k_{obs.}=6.0{\times}10^{-6}$ > $W(dcq)_4;k_{obs.}=6.4{\times}10^{-6}$ > $W(dcq)_2(mpd)_2;k_{obs.}=7.0{\times}10^{-6}$ > $W(dcq)_1(mpd)_3;k_{obs.}=1.7{\times}10^{-5}$, which showed the inertness until 16days, 10days, 9days, 8days, and 4days. The $W(mpd)_4$ is very inert as $k_{obs.}=3.6{\times}10^{-6}$(16days) in xylene at $90^{\circ}C$ and $k_{obs.}=6.0{\times}10^{-6}$(10days) in DMSO at $90^{\circ}C$.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.217-246
• /
• 2018

During the selection and characterization of target formations in the Small-scale Offshore $CO_2$ Storage Demonstration Project in the Pohang Basin, we have carefully investigated the possibility of induced earthquakes and leakage of $CO_2$ during the injection, and have designed the storage processes to minimize these effects. However, people in Pohang city have a great concern on $CO_2$-injection-intrigued seismicity, since they have greatly suffered from the 5.4 magnitude earthquake on Nov. 15, 2017. The research team of the project performed an extensive self-investigation on the safety issues, especially on the possible $CO_2$ leakage from the target formation and induced earthquakes. The target formation is 10 km apart from the epicenter of the Pohang earthquake and the depth is also quite shallow, only 750 to 800 m from the sea bottom. The project performed a pilot injection in the target formation from Jan. 12 to Mar. 12, 2017, which implies that there are no direct correlation of the Pohang earthquake on Nov. 15, 2017. In addition, the $CO_2$ injection of the storage project does not fracture rock formations, instead, the supercritical $CO_2$ fluid replaces formation water in the pore space gradually. The self-investigation results show that there is almost no chance for the injection to induce significant earthquakes unless injection lasts for a very long time to build a very high pore pressure, which can be easily monitored. The amount of injected $CO_2$ in the project was around 100 metric-tonne that is irrelevant to the Pohang earthquake. The investigation result on long-term safety also shows that the induced earthquakes or the reactivation of existing faults can be prevented successfully when the injection pressure is controlled not to demage cap-rock formation nor exceed Coulomb stresses of existing faults. The project has been performing extensive studies on critical stress for fracturing neighboring formations, reactivation stress of existing faults, well-completion processes to minimize possible leakage, transport/leakage monitoring of injected $CO_2$, and operation procedures for ensuring the storage safety. These extensive studies showed that there will be little chance in $CO_2$ leakage that affects human life. In conclusion, the Small-scale Offshore $CO_2$ Storage Demonstration Project in the Pohang Basin would not cause any induced earthquakes nor signifiant $CO_2$ leakage that people can sense. The research team will give every effort to secure the safety of the storage site.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.56 no.5
• /
• pp.603-618
• /
• 2023

This study focused on evaluating the suitability of the WRK (waste repository Korea) bentonite as a buffer material in the SNF (spent nuclear fuel) repository. The U (uranium) adsorption/desorption characteristics and the adsorption mechanisms of the WRK bentonite were presented through various analyses, adsorption/desorption experiments, and kinetic adsorption modeling at various pH conditions. Mineralogical and structural analyses supported that the major mineral of the WRK bentonite is the Ca-montmorillonite having the great possibility for the U adsorption. From results of the U adsorption/desorption experiments (intial U concentration: 1 mg/L) for the WRK bentonite, despite the low ratio of the WRK bentonite/U (2 g/L), high U adsorption efficiency (>74%) and low U desorption rate (<14%) were acquired at pH 5, 6, 10, and 11 in solution, supporting that the WRK bentonite can be used as the buffer material preventing the U migration in the SNF repository. Relatively low U adsorption efficiency (<45%) for the WRK bentonite was acquired at pH 3 and 7 because the U exists as various species in solution depending on pH and thus its U adsorption mechanisms are different due to the U speciation. Based on experimental results and previous studies, the main U adsorption mechanisms of the WRK bentonite were understood in viewpoint of the chemical adsorption. At the acid conditions (＜pH 3), the U is apt to adsorb as forms of UO₂²⁺, mainly due to the ionic bond with Si-O or Al-O(OH) present on the WRK bentonite rather than the ion exchange with Ca²⁺ among layers of the WRK bentonite, showing the relatively low U adsorption efficiency. At the alkaline conditions (>pH 7), the U could be adsorbed in the form of anionic U-hydroxy complexes (UO₂(OH)₃^-, UO₂(OH)₄^2-, (UO₂)₃(OH)₇^-, etc.), mainly by bonding with oxygen (O^-) from Si-O or Al-O(OH) on the WRK bentonite or by co-precipitation in the form of hydroxide, showing the high U adsorption. At pH 7, the relatively low U adsorption efficiency (42%) was acquired in this study and it was due to the existence of the U-carbonates in solution, having relatively high solubility than other U species. The U adsorption efficiency of the WRK bentonite can be increased by maintaining a neutral or highly alkaline condition because of the formation of U-hydroxyl complexes rather than the uranyl ion (UO₂²⁺) in solution,and by restraining the formation of U-carbonate complexes in solution.