Numerical analysis of the transport of brine in the Odra River downstream of a mine's discharge

The mining of underground deposits causes the inflow of water to workings and the necessity of pumping them to the surface. The mining plant of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. extracts copper ore in plant branches with different hydrogeological conditions. The inflowing water into the workings is characterised by variable mineralisation, which depends on the location of the branch. In the south-western part of the deposit, a low-mineralised stream with a relatively high flow rate can be observed, while the outflow of highly saline waters occurs in the north-eastern branch. Despite the activities undertaken that aim at using the pumped-off mine waters industrially, it is necessary to deposit them into the Odra River. Reducing the environmental impact on the Odra River is one of KGHM's goals, which is being implemented by stabilising its salt concentration at a safe level. The paper presents the results of a 3D simulation of brine plume propagation based on a numerical model of advection–diffusion and turbulent flow. Bathymetric data from a section of the river approximately 500 m long and point data from an Odra water quality test were used to develop and validate the model. The paper discusses the types of factors that minimise the impact of brine discharge. The developed model will be used in the future to propose solutions that accelerate the mixing of mine waters with the waters of the Odra River.

Early-Age Thermal-Shrinkage Cracking in Deep Foundations

With the growing rate of urbanisation, deep foundations are playing an ever-larger role in the development of cities, reaching deeper than before to fulfil the requirements of new constructions. While current European standards include design procedures for structural and geotechnical design, they lack provisions for massive deep foundations with regard to early-age thermal effects. This paper presents aspects of the phenomenon especially important for deep foundations and discusses normative requirements that influence their thermal behaviour. Further, the paper describes the methods and results of the research carried out in the United Kingdom on 1.50-m-thick diaphragm walls of a deep circular shaft. Shaft features are described, as well as the materials used. The measurements were carried out using vibrating wire strain gauges coupled with temperature readings. The results presented refer to one of the test panels concreted in January 2020. The temperature results are analysed together with the influence of work scheduling on the readings. Strain results that indicate contractive behaviour of the test panel are investigated together with the possible causes leading to such readings. Plans and directions for future research are discussed.

Bearing capacity of eccentrically loaded strip footing on spatially variable cohesive soil

The study considers the bearing capacity of eccentrically loaded strip footing on spatially variable, purely cohesive soil. The problem is solved using the random finite element method. The anisotropic random field of cohesion is generated using the Fourier series method, and individual problems within performed Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) are solved using the Abaqus finite element code. The analysis includes eight different variants of the fluctuation scales and six values of load eccentricity. For each of these 48 cases, 1000 MCSs are performed and the probabilistic characteristics of the obtained values are calculated. The results of the analysis indicate that the mean value of the bearing capacity decreases linearly with eccentricity, which is consistent with Meyerhof's theory. However, the decrease in standard deviation and increase in the coefficient of variation of the bearing capacity observed are non-linear, which is particularly evident for small eccentricities. For one chosen variant of fluctuation scales, a reliability analysis investigating the influence of eccentricity on reliability index is performed. The results of the analysis conducted show that the value of the reliability index can be significantly influenced even by small eccentricities. This indicates the need to consider at least random eccentricities in future studies regarding probabilistic modelling of foundation bearing capacity.

Identification of residual force in static load tests on instrumented screw displacement piles

Occurrence of the so-called residual force of an unknown value significantly disturbs interpretation of static load tests performed on piles equipped with additional measuring instruments. Screw displacement piles are the piling technology in which the residual force phenomenon is very common. Its formation mechanism is closely related to the installation method of this type of piles, which initiates generation of negative pile skin friction without any additional external factors. Knowledge of the value and distribution of a residual force (trapped in a pile shaft before starting the load test) is a necessary condition for the proper interpretation of instrumented pile test results. In this article, a clear and easy-to-use method of residual force identification, based on the analysis of shaft deformations recorded during pile unloading is presented. The method was successfully verified on two pile examples and proved to be effective and practical.

Forecasting the impact of buildings with multi-storey underground parts on the displacement of subsoil using modern numerical tools

The paper will analyse and review the experience to date in determining the impact range of implementation of deeply founded structures on the displacement of the subsoil in the vicinity. With the background of these experiences, primarily empirical, the present possibilities of using numerical modelling to forecast the displacements of the terrain surface in various stages of works, that is, execution of deep excavation support systems, excavation-deepening phases with successive adding of struts, construction of underground levels and erection of the above-ground part of the building, will be presented. Based on the results of own research, conclusions on the use of 3D numerical models in spatial shaping and designing the structure of underground parts of new buildings erected in dense urban development will be presented. The characterised 3D numerical models were verified, taking into account the actual results of geodetic measurements of the completed buildings. Determining the range and forecasting the displacements of the subsoil are necessary for the design and implementation of investments due to the need to ensure the safety of erection and use of a new building and the buildings located within the area of influence.

Optimisation of absorber parameters in the case of stochastic vibrations in a bridge with a deck platform for servicing pipelines

The paper focuses on the problem of optimising the cooperation between a dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) and a structure. The authors analyse a road beam bridge equipped with a working platform (deck) used to service pipelines installed on the structure. The paper studies the problem of choosing the optimal parameters for damping absorbers that reduce the random vibration of a beam subjected to a random sequence of moving forces with a constant velocity. The stochastic properties of the load are modelled by means of a filtering Poisson process. A single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) absorber model with a multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) primary structure model are is considered.

Modern concrete pipes: a review of reinforcement and new technologies

The paper discusses existing reinforcement, future reinforcement and new technologies for concrete pipes used in the sewage systems. Concrete pipes currently in use and under investigation are reviewed. Structural fibres, as the main reinforcement of concrete pipes, are known as an attractive alternative to the traditional steel bars. Steel, synthetic and basalt fibres have been considered. The latest research and mechanical properties of individual fibres are presented. Advances in fibre-reinforced concrete provide a new basis for the design of more efficient concrete pipes, especially those resistant to biological corrosion and with a longer service life. In the article, future non-corrosive reinforcement due to the reduction of steel reinforcement and corrosion protection linings has been proposed.

Analysis of the temperature effect on the stresses and deformations of GRP panels during the grouting process when using relining technology

The paper presents a numerical analysis of the behaviour of egg-shaped glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) panels during the grouting process when using short relining technology. The analysis was carried out for panels subjected to temperature changes. The temperature increase was caused by the heat of hydration of the grout. It was shown that temperature had a significant effect on the stresses occurring in the panels’ walls and also on their deformations. The analysis involved grout being added in a single stage and then in two stages for comparison. The distribution of stresses and deformations were examined for panels with different wall thicknesses that ranged from 12 to 20 mm. Extensive knowledge about the grouting process and the effect of temperature on the behaviour of GRP panels during the assembly stage when using short relining technology could make this non-disruptive technology more competitive with regards to the time of its implementation and its costs when compared to traditional methods.

Analysis of the structure of liners used for the modernisation of brick collectors

Brick sewers were designed as egg-shaped, pear-shaped, bell-shaped, vaulted, and even rectangular (sometimes with granite ceilings and floor slabs). In exceptional cases, circular sections were also made of brick. Efforts were made in order to ensure optimal flow conditions, and also that the cross-section was adapted to the shape of the rock mass pressure line. This is due to the fact that the most advantageous shapes for masonry collectors are shapes in which no tensile stresses will occur in any part of the cross-section under the influence of external loads. Nevertheless, sewage conduits degrade over time. The boundary conditions of their use also change, which affects the magnitude of mechanical and hydraulic loads. Further use of a sewer in such a case requires its renewal, and less frequently, modernization that results from the necessity to change its function. This is usually done by introducing a new conduit into the interior of the renovated or modernized sewer, which in literature is called a liner. The aim of the analysis was to determine the thickness of the liners that strengthen the structures of brick channels with an inverted egg cross-section and with dimensions of 1050 × 700 mm, which are intended for gravitational sewage systems. The analysis included the performance of variant static and strength calculations for the assumption that the conduit after its modernization will be replaced with a conduit operating in the pressure system, which is a very rare requirement. It was assumed that the best solution would be to use a CIPP (Cured In Place Pipe) liner.

An innovative rainwater system as an effective alternative for cubature retention facilities

The paper focuses on the possibilities of rainwater flow control in an innovative rainwater system which is equipped with a retention canals system. Sewage retention canal is a modern solution that provides effective retention of excess rainwater by using a capacity of sewer pipes and manholes. The retention is possible by using special damming partitions which have flow openings. The hydraulic working of the traditional rainwater system and the innovative rainwater system were compared with each other. The analysis was based on the results obtained from simulations using hydrodynamic modeling. Maximum possible values of rainwater outflow intensity from outlet nodes for the traditional rainwater system and the innovative rainwater system were discussed. On the basis of the analysis it was shown that the innovative rainwater system outweighs the classic rainwater one. It discharges two functions: transports and simultaneously retains excess rainwater in canals.