Study on the Geo-Stress Loading and Excavation Unloading Devices of the Large-Scale Photoelastic Model Test for Deep-Buried Tunnels

At present, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and other methods cannot be used to properly solve the problems associated with the stability and bearing capacity of the surrounding rock and its supporting system, the interaction between the supporting structure and surrounding rock, and the sharing role of each supporting structure, all of which commonly occur in deep tunnels. The model test method represented by the photoelastic test is still an important approach to study this kind of problem. In view of the deficiency of the current loading system of the photoelastic model test, we developed a geo-stress loading system for the photoelastic model test, which can simulate the in situ geo-stress environment of unidirectional loading, bidirectional equal pressure, bidirectional unequal pressure, and tridirectional unequal pressure. The universal retaining force loading rod can realize the stability and effective compensation of loading, which is an original design. According to the principle of umbrella-shaped expansion and contraction mechanism, an excavation unloading device for the photoelastic model test is developed, which can realize the simulation of various degrees of displacement release in the excavation process of deep tunnels and other underground projects. The loading simulation test and excavation unloading simulation test show that the geo-stress loading system and excavation unloading device developed in this paper are flexible, exhibit good performance, and can fully achieve their respective test functions. The combination of two devices can compensate for the insufficiency of the current photoelastic model test and will promote the application of photoelastic model tests in underground engineering applications such as deep tunnel projects.

“FINITE WITH INFINITE POSSIBILITIES”- “A BOON TO IMPLANT DENTISTRY” - A BRIEF OVERVIEW ON FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Numerous techniques to determine stress distribution around the peri-implant bone, for instance photoelastic model, strain gauge analysis, and three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis have been extensively studied, however finite element analysis still remains the most widely utilized technique. This paper briefly reviews the fundamental concepts, applications pertaining to dental implants, various advantages as well as limitations of finite element analysis. The finite element method not only serves as a significant tool for biomechanical analysis, it also enables to reveal stress within complex structures and analyzing their mechanical properties. Keeping in mind the various limitations of the method further improvements might be made which would help to widen its range of applications in various domains of dental sciences.

Experimental Study on Distribution of Landslide Thrust in Pile-Anchor Structure based on Photoelastic Technique

This paper aimed to perform systematical study on the distribution of landslide thrust in pile-anchor support system, which has been a widely applicable treatment method in landslide control with safety, highly efficiency and adaptation. The advantage of photoelastic technique is visualization of strain and stress fields, therefore photoelastic model tests are conducted to show the distribution of landslide thrust in pile-anchor structure before failure in landslide. The effects of different materials and pile lengths are investigated by 6 photoelastic test cases under different loading conditions. It can be found from quantitative analysis of experimental results that load proportion of anchor would increase gradually with the decrease of pile embedded depth or the increase of landslide thrust force. Meanwhile, landslide thrust distribution in pile-anchor structure is directly affected by the stiffness of piles. The pile-anchor structure is significantly better at reducing bending moment value and optimizing bending moment distribution of pile. Finally, some theoretical analysis and design suggestions are proposed based on the experimental study.

Exploration of Mechanical Behaviors of Argillaceous Siltstone through Photoelastic Model Test and DEM Modelling

This paper aims at investigating mechanical behaviors of argillaceous siltstone through a photoelastic model test and DEM modelling. Both bonded and unbonded conditions were considered. The photoelastic model was fabricated in a controllable environment, and its scaled factor was 1 : 200 in length and 11.9 : 1 in Young’s modulus. The polariscope was designed to have an area-based LCD source and an automatic digital camera. A calibration test was carried out to obtain the relationship between the contact force and the average intensity gradient squared. A 2D DEM simulation is carried out for a 100 mm × 200 mm rectangular container filled with particles of 6 mm and 10 mm, in which the bonding effect is realized by adjusting the shear contact stiffness. The results show that both the photoelastic model and DEM modelling are able to capture the evolution of force chain network, effective contact number and stress concentration factor, and rheological behaviors when it is subjected to an increasing uniaxial load. The bonding effect plays an important role in the mechanical performance of argillaceous siltstone.

Comparative analysis of reflection photoelasticity in mandible’s segment with or without base

Introduction and Objective: To analyze if axial loads of 50 N and 100 N, applied on an implant of 3.75 X 10 mm (Conexão-Jaú, SP, Brazil) fixed on the central portion of a prototype of the mandible with and without support base, generate isochromatic fringes of different intensity and ways. Material and methods: The sample was a segment of the mandible with 115 mm in length, 30 mm height,and 12 mm in thickness, from a block of #7 rose wax. This matrix was adapted to a modified articulator in such way that its base could or not keep contact with the lower arm of the articulator, simply by modifying the support axis. An implant was put perpendicular to the segment of the mandible’s body and then the photoelastic model obtained. The healing abutment was screwed to the implant to receive loads from 50 N to 100 N, with the model with or withoutcontact of its base with the inferior arm of the articulator. Results: Alterations in the reflections of the colors was observed when the implants had been submitted to loads of 50 N and 100 N with or without supported base. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that during the photoelasticity analyses alterations in the color standards occurred depending on the support of the sample and the applied load.

Comparative analysis of reflection photoelasticity in mandible’s segment with or without base

To analyze if axial loads of 50 N and 100 N, applied on an implant of 3.75 X 10 mm (Conexão-Jaú, SP, Brazil) fixed on the central portion of a prototype of the mandible with and without support base, generate isochromatic fringes of different intensity and ways. Material and methods: The sample was a segment of the mandible with 115 mm in length, 30 mm height, and 12 mm in thickness, from a block of #7 rose wax. This matrix was adapted to a modified articulator in such way that its base could or not keep contact with the lower arm of the articulator, simply by modifying the support axis. An implant was put perpendicular to the segment of the mandible’s body and then the photoelastic model obtained. The healing abutment was screwed to the implant to receive loads from 50 N to 100 N, with the model with or without contact of its base with the inferior arm of the articulator. Results: Alterations in the reflections of the colors was observed when the implants had been submitted to loads of 50 N and 100 N with or without supported base. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that during the photoelasticity analyses alterations in the color standards occurred depending on the support of the sample and the applied load.

Stress Analysis on Single Cobalt/Chrome Prosthesis With a 15-mm Cantilever Placed Over 10/13/15-mm–length Implants: A Simulated Photoelastic Model Study

The aim of study was to assess the stress around 10/13/15-mm implants in the mandibular area with a 15-mm cantilevered acrylic-resin–coated prostheses following the application force, using the photoelasticity method. Three photoelastic mandibular models were created containing 10-, 13-, and 15-mm implants in length and 3.75 mm in diameter. The implants had bore internal hex connections and were placed parallel to the intermental region. Abutments with 1-mm high cuffs were placed over the implants, and a single cobalt/chrome metallic prosthesis with a 15-mm cantilever, coated with thermoplastic acrylic resin, was placed on top. Loads of 1.0 and 3.0 bars were applied, and the images were photographed and assessed by photoelasticity method. The greatest stress levels were observed for the 10-mm implants. The stress pattern was the same regardless of implant length; only the magnitude of the stress along the implant body revealed changes. Increased implant length played a role in reducing stress on the investigated area of the model, and the 15-mm implants exhibited the best performance in regard to stress distribution. The highest stress levels were found in the implants closest to the cantilever and the central implant. The longest implants were more favorable in regard to the stress distribution on the peri-implant support structures in the 15-mm cantilevered prosthesis under loads.

Photoelastic analysis of stress generated by wires when conventional and self-ligating brackets are used: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE: By means of a photoelastic model, this study analyzed the stress caused on conventional and self-ligating brackets with expanded arch wires. METHOD: Standard brackets were adhered to artificial teeth and a photoelastic model was prepared using the Interlandi 19/12 diagram as base. Successive activations were made with 0.014-in and 0.018-in rounded cross section Nickel-Titanium wires (NiTi) and 0.019 x 0.025-in rectangular stainless steel wires all of which made on 22/14 Interlandi diagram. The model was observed on a plane polariscope - in a dark field microscope configuration - and photographed at each exchange of wire. Then, they were replaced by self-ligating brackets and the process was repeated. Analysis was qualitative and observed stress location and pattern on both models analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Results identified greater stress on the region of the apex of premolars in both analyzed models. Upon comparing the stress between models, a greater amount of stress was found in the model with conventional brackets in all of its wires. Therefore, the present pilot study revealed that alignment of wires in self-ligating brackets produced lower stress in periodontal tissues in expansive mechanics.