• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.11-22
• /
• 2019

This study was conducted to identify the causes of the unusually high number of rock slope failures during an expressway construction in Yangsan fault system. The shear strength (cohesion and internal friction angle) of 128 slopes of discontinuities including bedding, joint, and fault planes were re-evaluated through the examination of face mapping and back analysis. The re-evaluated values were analyzed and then compared with the existing data and values used in the design. As a result, the re-evaluated cohesion and friction angles were very low compared to the existing data and the values applied in the design. This incongruity was pointed as the primary reason for the rock slopes failures during the construction. This may be related to the inherent features of clastic sedimentary rocks in the study area, and the discontinuities in the sedimentary rocks in this region played a significant role. Especially, bedding discontinuity showed a big difference compared to the existing data. The shear strength depended on the type of discontinuity in case of clay filled in discontinuity. However, shear strength was independent on the type of discontinuity in case of shattered materials filled in discontinuity.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.351-361
• /
• 2022

Numerical analysis performed to predict the behavior of Ipseok-dae columnar joints in Mudeungsan National Park to understand their stability and movement. The numerical analysis technique, 3DEC, is based on the discrete element method that can analysis discontinuities. The analysis used data for material properties derived from laboratory tests, which found that average density was 2.68 kN/m³, average normal stiffness was 3.15 GPa/m, average shear stiffness was 1.00 GPa/m, average cohesion was 0.51 MPa, and the average friction angle was 33°. The Ipseok-dae columnar joints were modeled on the basis of the field survey data for 15 joints located between the observation platform and the hiking trail. The numerical analysis assessed the behavior of each columnar joint by interpreting the displacement of the edges of its upper and lower surfaces. The greatest maximum displacement was found in columnar joint No. 6, and the greatest minimum displacement was found in joint No. 11. Analyzing the movements of five discontinuities in joint No. 11 indicated that the maximum displacement occurred at the 2nd level. The other levels were ordered 5th, 4th, 1st, and 3rd in terms of subsequent greatest displacements. Considering the total displacement in the 15 studied joints, the Ipseok-dae columnar joints are judged to be stable. However, considering the cultural and historical value of Mudeungsan National Park, it is regarded that the currents slope stability should be maintained by monitoring the individual rock blocks of the joints.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.24 no.5
• /
• pp.65-78
• /
• 2008

In case of cut-slopes or shallow-depth tunnels, sliding along with discontinuities or rotation could play a critical role in judging stability. Although numerical analysis is widely used to check the stability of these cut-slopes and shallow-depth tunnels in early design process, common analysis programs are based on continuum model. Performing continuum model analysis regarding discontinuities is possible by reducing overall strength of jointed rock mass. It is also possible by applying ubiquitous joint model to Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria. In numerical analysis of cut-slope, main geotechnical properties such as cohesion, friction angle and elastic modulus can be evaluated by empirical equations. This study tried to compare two main systems, RMR and GSI system by applying them to in-situ hazardous cut-slopes. In addition, this study applied ubiquitous joint model to simulation model with inputs derived by RMR and GSI system to compare with displacements obtained by in-situ monitoring. To sum up, numerical analysis mixed with GSI inputs and ubiquitous joint model proved to provide most reliable results which were similar to actual displacements and their patterns.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.25 no.5
• /
• pp.598-605
• /
• 2015

The cohesin complex holds sister chromatids together and prevents premature chromosome segregation until the onset of anaphase. Mcd1 (also known as Scc1), the α-kleisin subunit of cohesin, is a key regulatory subunit of the mitotic cohesin complex and is required for maintaining sister chromatid cohesion, chromosome organization, and DNA repair. We investigated the function of Mcd1 in meiosis by ectopically expressing Mcd1 during early meiotic prophase I in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mcd1 partially regulated the progression of meiotic recombination, sister chromatid separation, and nuclear division. DNA physical analysis during meiotic recombination showed that Mcd1 induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) but negatively regulated homologous recombination during DSB repair; Mcd1 expression delayed post-DSB stages, leading to inefficiencies in the DSB-to-joint molecule (JM) transition and subsequent crossover formation. These findings indicate that meiotic cells undergo Mcd1-mediated DSB formation during prophase I, and that residual Mcd1 could regulate the progression of JM formation during meiotic recombination.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.95-106
• /
• 2009

Numerical analysis of the progressive failure of a rock slope was conducted using a 3-D rock joint element considering fracture mechanics and subcritical crack growth of asperities in the rock joints. Even though the stress state in the rock slope is not changing, the elapse of time causes subcritical crack growth to break asperities in the joints. The increase of broken asperities causes failure of joints in the rock slope and the increase of failed joints results in failure of a jointed rock slope. As a result, the progressive failure of a jointed rock slope due to the gradual breaking of small asperities along joints generated by subcritical crack growth occurs at a lower stress than if rock failure occurred by exceeding the static strength or fracture toughness.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.23 no.6
• /
• pp.97-102
• /
• 2007

Though the stability analysis of soil slopes widely employs the limit equilibrium method, the study on the jointed rock slopes must consider the direction of joint and the characteristics of Joint at the same time. This study analyzes the result of the change in the factors which show the characteristics of discontinuity and the shape factor of rock slopes, and so on, in an attempt to validate the propriety as to the interpretation of jointed rock slope stability which uses the general finite element program. First, the difference depending on the flow rules was compared, and the factor effect study was conducted. The selected independent variables included the direction of joint which displays the mechanical characteristics of discontinuity, adhesive cohesion, friction angle, the inclination and height of rock slope which reveal the shape of slope and surcharge load. And the horizontal displacement was numerically interpreted at the 1/3 point below the slope, a dependent variable, to compare the relative degree of factor effects. The findings of study on factor effects led to the validation that the result of horizontal displacement for each factor satisfied various engineering characteristics, making it possible to be applied to stability interpretation of jointed rock slope. A modelling is possible, which considers the application of the result of real geotechnical surveys & laboratory studies and the non-linear characteristics when designing the rock slope. In addition, the stress change which may result from the natural disaster, such as precipitation, and the construction, can be expressed. Furthermore, as the complicated rock condition and the ground supporting effect can be considered through FEM, it is considered to be very useful in making an engineering decision on the cut-slope, reinforcement and so on.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.89-97
• /
• 2012

The purpose of this study is to develop the guideline of the physicochemical and mechanical properties evaluation for silicone gel filled breast implants. First of all, the use and development status for silicone gel filled breast implants were investigated, and then, standard and criteria about performance evaluation established by the international organizations such as ASTM, FDA guidance and ISO were examined. To evaluate the mechanical properties, data research and testing for breaking strength, elongation, tensile set, joint intensity, silicone gel cohesion, weight loss from heating, static rupture resistance, impact resistance test, fatigue test, and gel bleed were performed. On the other hand, to evaluate the physicochemical properties, volatile matter, extent of cross linking, heavy metals, and extractable were analyzed. In this study, results for general function, mechanical properties and physicochemical properties were examined and reviewed for the accordance with international standard, and objective and standardized guideline was provided.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
• /
• v.5 no.4
• /
• pp.349-360
• /
• 2003

A practical modeling approach has been proposed in this study to better understand the behavior of penetration grouting which is normally applied to the jointed rock masses to increase the bearing capacity and to reduce the ground water flow into the tunnel. Based on Bingham model together with a steady-state flow of the grout, penetration model is simulated in the commercial package called UDEC and, injection pressure as well as joint thickness are found to be the main parameters to determine the range of grout spread. Another numerical model on fracturing grouting is also suggested and, in this case, the tensile strength as well as cohesion of the rock masses are proven to be the major factors to decide the fracturing mechanism of the rock masses. The reinforcement effect of the grout-reinforced rock masses is calculated from the suggested algorithm on orthotropic material model and it is found that the directional stiffness of reinforced rock masses is increased up to 3 to 4 times compared with original jointed rock masses. Future work will be concentrated on the water control around the tunnel by the grout injection and a model test will also be performed to verify the suggested methods developed in this study.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.497-509
• /
• 2021

A large deformation FEM (Finite Element Method) based numerical analysis has been performed to study the behaviour of the bell-shaped anchor embedded in undrained saturated (cohesive) soil with the help of finite element based software ABAQUS. A typical model anchor with bell-diameter of 0.125 m, embedded in undrained saturated soil with varying cohesive strength (from 5 kN/m² to 200 kN/m²) has been chosen for studying the characteristic behaviour of the bell-shaped anchor installed in cohesive soil. Breakout factors have been evaluated for each case and verified with the results of experimental model tests for three different types of soil samples. The maximum value of breakout factor was found as about 8.5 within a range of critical embedment ratio of 2.5 to 3. An explicit model has been developed to estimate the breakout factor (F_c) for uplift capacity of bell-shaped anchor within clay mass in terms of H/D ratio (embedment ratio). It was also found that, the ultimate uplift capacity of the anchor increases with the increase of the value of cohesive strength of the soil and H/D ratio. The empirical equation developed in the present investigation is usable within the range of cohesion value and H/D ratio from 5 kN/m² to 200 kN /m² and 0.5 to 3.0 respectively. The proposed model has been validated against data obtained from a series of model tests carried out in the present investigation. From the stress-profile analysis of the soil mass surrounding the anchor, occurrence of stress concentration is found to be generated at the joint of anchor shaft and bell. It was also found that the vertical and horizontal stresses surrounding the anchor diminish at about a distance of 0.3 m and 0.15 m respectively.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.357-366
• /
• 2009

Since weathering weakens the rock fabric and exaggerates any structural weakness, it affects mechanical properties as well as physical and chemical properties of rock. Weathering leads to a decrease in density, strength, friction angle and cohesion, and subsequently it affects negatively on the stability of rock slope. The purpose of the study is to investigate the changes of the rock slope stability caused by discontinuities which have different weathering grades. For that, the discontinuity samples which are divided into two different weathering grades are obtained from the field and tested their mechanical properties such as JCS, JRC and residual friction angle. In order to evaluate the effects on the stability of slope due to weathering, the deterministic analysis is carried out. That is, the factors of safety for planar failure are calculated for rock masses which have two different weathering grades, such as fresh and weathered rock mass. However, since the JRC and friction angle values are widely scattered and the deterministic analysis cannot consider the variation, the factors of safety cannot represent properly the stability of the rock slope. Therefore, the probabilistic analysis has been used to consider the scattered values. In the deterministic analysis, the factors of safety for the fresh discontinuity and weathered discontinuity are 1.25 and 1.0, respectively. The results indicate the fresh discontinuities are stable for planar failure and the weathered discontinuities are marginally stable. However, the probabilities of failure for the fresh discontinuity and weathered discontinuity are 25.6% and 45.9%, respectively. This shows that both discontinuities are analyzed as unstable in the probabilistic analysis.