Search

In view of the failure characteristics of rainfall erosion and imbricate layered sliding of silt subgrade slopes, this paper proposes a slope surface protection technology that is a composite protection layer that combines basalt fibre for reinforcing soil and polyacrylamide for solidifying soil. The anti-infiltration and anti-erosion performances of these proposed composite layers were systematically investigated through the finite element and discrete element numerical simulation methods. Based on the optimum proportions of polyacrylamide and basalt fibre found in a series of mechanical experiments, Geo-studio software was used to simulate numerical tests of rainfall infiltration of the silt subgrade slope, and the variation laws of volumetric water content and pore water pressure at the characteristic points and the selected sections of the slope were discussed. In addition, the PFC2D particle flow program was used to develop numerical tests on the slope erosion process of the composite layers and to analyze the degree of soil erosion during the process. The influences of layer thickness on infiltration and erosion were considered. In conclusion, the results indicate that the composite layers can effectively improve the anti-infiltration and anti-erosion performances of the silt subgrade slope. This highlights that the thickness of composite layers mixed with basalt fibre can satisfy the design parameter requirements for anti-erosion performance.

The idea of preparing a technical document for the repairs and interventions upon concrete structures goes back to the former fib COM 5: Structural Service Life Aspects, being the goal of the then TG 5.9. After a long period of reduced activity, and taking into account the reorganization of fib commissions that meanwhile took place, on June 2017 a different approach was proposed to push forward the task of TG 8.1 (formerly TG 5.9).The (new) goal of TG 8.1 was to deliver a ‘how-to-do’ guide, gathering together protection, repair, and strengthening techniques for concrete structures. Chapters are intended to provide both guidelines and case-studies, serving as support to the application of fib MC 2020 pre-normative specifications.Each chapter was written by an editorial team comprising desirably at least a researcher, a designer and a contractor. Templates have been prepared in order to harmonize the contents and the presentation of the different methods. Following the writing process, chapters were reviewed by experts and, after amendments by the authors, they underwent a second review process by COM 8 and TG 3.4 members, as well as by different practitioners.For each protection, repair and strengthening method addressed in this guide, readers have a description of when to adopt it, which materials and systems are required, which techniques are available, and what kind of equipment is needed. It then presents a summary of stakeholders’ roles and qualifications, design guidelines referring to most relevant codes and references, the intervention procedure, quality control measures and monitoring and maintenance activities. Due to the extent of the guide, it was decided to publish it as bulletin 102, addressing protection and repair methods, and bulletin 103, addressing strengthening methods.We would like to thank the authors, reviewers and members of COM 8 and TG 3.4 for their work in developing this fib Bulletin, which we hope will be useful for professionals working in the field of existing concrete structures, especially those concerned with life-cycle management and conservation activities.As noted above, this Bulletin is also intended to act as a background and supporting document to the next edition of the fib Model Code for Concrete Structures, which is currently under development under the auspices of TG10.1 with the working title of ‘fib Model Code 2020’.Eduardo Júlio and Eduardo Cavaco