Deriving probabilistic soil distribution coefficients (Kd). Part 3: Reducing variability of americium Kd best estimates using soil properties and chemical and geological material analogues

The seabed is usually non-homogeneous in the real marine environment, and its response to the dynamic wave loading is of great concern to coastal engineers. Previous studies on the simulation of a non-homogeneous seabed response have mostly adopted a vertically layered seabed, in which homogeneous soil properties are assumed in the governing equations for one specified layer. This neglects the distribution gradient terms of soil property, thus leading to an inaccurate evaluation of the dynamic response of a non-homogeneous seabed. In this study, a numerical model for a wave-induced 3D non-homogeneous seabed response is developed, and the effects of the soil property distribution gradient on the wave-induced response of a non-homogeneous seabed are numerically investigated. The numerical model is validated, and the results of the present simulation agree well with those of previous studies. The validated model is applied to simulate an ideal two-dimensional (2D) vertical non-homogeneous seabed. The model is further applied to model the practical wave-induced dynamic response of a three-dimensional (3D) non-homogeneous seabed around a mono-pile. The difference in pore pressure and soil effective stresses due to the soil distribution gradient is investigated. The effects of the soil distribution gradient on liquefaction are also examined. Results of this numerical study indicate that (1) pore pressure decreases while soil effective stresses increase (the maximum difference of the effective stresses can reach 68.9 % p 0 ) with a non-homogeneous seabed if the distribution gradient terms of soil properties are neglected; (2) the effect of the soil property distribution gradient terms on the pore pressure becomes more significant at the upper seabed, while this effect on the soil effective stresses is enhanced at the lower seabed; (3) the effect of the soil distribution gradient on the seabed response is greatly affected by the wave reflection and diffraction around the pile foundation; and (4) the soil distribution gradient terms can be neglected in the evaluation of seabed liquefaction depth in engineering practice.

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Long-term solute redistribution in relation to landscape m orphology and soil distribution in a variable glacial till landscape

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/s06-008 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 86 (5) ◽

pp. 827-840 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

D A Whetter ◽

P R Bullock ◽

R G Eilers

Keyword(s):

Soil Properties ◽

Root Zone ◽

A Priori ◽

Glacial Till ◽

Unexpected Result ◽

Solute Redistribution ◽

Rooting Zone ◽

Growing Seasons ◽

Soil Distribution

Landscape delineation based on soilslope associations with similar patterns of solute redistribution would allow for better agro-environmental land management. Long-term redistribution of solutes was examined in relation to topographic variables and static soil properties in a glacial till landscape near Miniota, Manitoba. Static soil properties that were the best predictors of solute redistribution included CO3, Ahor, Solum and OrgC. Temporal variability overshadowed the influence of topographic variables and static soil properties on dynamic solute redistribution within the crop rooting zone (i.e., 120 cm). Topographic variables (relative elevation, topographic index, contributing area) and static soil properties (A horizon depth, solum depth, A horizon organic carbon) were correlated to SO42- and NO3− redistribution. An unexpected result was that more statistically significant relationships were found between these parameters and solute redistribution below 120cm rather than within the root zone. Very low NO3− concentrations were found in the rooting zone at most sample positions, indicating that crop demand during recent growing seasons matched or exceeded supply. Accumulations of NO3− below the rooting zone indicated that deep percolation of NO3− has been an important process over the longer term throughout the upper and mid slope positions of this landscape. A lack of NO3− accumulation in one lower-toe position and the depression indicated that excess NO3− in these profiles may have been leached into the groundwater and/or removed via denitrification or simply may not have accumulated. There appears to be utility in using static soil properties and topographic variables as indicators of dynamic processes of solute redistribution, however, a priori knowledge of soil-landscape relationships and an understanding of associated pedogenic processes and hydrologic regimes are required to achieve sensible results. Key words: solute redistribution; soil properties; topography; landscape; nitrate, sulfate; chloride

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