Bayesian two-sample tests

In this paper, we present two classes of Bayesian approaches to the two-sample problem. Our first class of methods extends the Bayesian t-test to include all parametric models in the exponential family and their conjugate priors. Our second class of methods uses Dirichlet process mixtures (DPM) of such conjugate-exponential distributions as flexible nonparametric priors over the unknown distributions.

Experimental and theoretical comparison between static and dynamic torsional soil tests

The dynamic properties of dry Leighton Buzzard sand have been investigated using a resonant column test apparatus. These data are compared with very low frequency cyclic tests on identical specimens of sand. The comparison indicates that the properties of dry sand are independent of frequency. A simple one-dimensional model of kinematic hardening plasticity is used to predict the dynamic behaviour of the sand. The input parameters for this model are based on the results of static tests. These may be conducted on standard laboratory equipment with only minor modifications. The predictions are in good agreement with the measured data.

Centrifuge tests investigating inclined grout micro-piles as a method of liquefaction remediation for existing buildings

This paper presents a series of centrifuge tests carried out to investigate the performance of non-structural inclined micro-piles as a potential liquefaction remediation method for existing buildings. Both a single-degree-of-freedom frame structure and a two-storey, two-degree-of-freedom frame structure were used as model buildings in these tests. Centrifuge tests were carried out with and without micro-piles in the foundation soil for each structure. Results primarily from the tests with the SDOF structure are presented in this paper. It is found that the micro-piles have some beneficial effect by increasing shear strains in the soil in their vicinity and hence causing dilation in these zones. However, they also increase structural accelerations by transmitting accelerations from deep in the soil and the beneficial effects from increased dilation are outweighed by the detrimental migration of pore pressures.

Alternative uses of partitioning interwell tracer tests for DNAPL source zone characterisation

The heterogeneous nature of the subsurface and associated DNAPL morphologies often poses the greatest limitation to source zone clean-up strategies. Hence, detailed site characterisation techniques are required. The data presented in this paper has been collected from a series of laboratory 2-D tank experiments and numerical simulations of Partitioning Interwell Tracer Tests (PITT) in a wide range of aquifer conditions and DNAPL morphologies. Alternative uses of tracer breakthrough data have been developed In order to characterise the mass flux generated from the DNAPL source. By combining the laboratory and numerical data, a relationship between normalised mass flux and tracer-based average source zone DNAPL saturation has been established. Knowledge of such a relationship allows remediation targets to be identified, clean-up efficiencies to be evaluated, and increases the accuracy of any risk assessment.

Cementation liquefaction remediation for existing buildings

Many typical liquefaction remediation techniques are not appropriate for application under existing buildings and more novel techniques are required. This paper describes centrifuge tests investigating the performance of cementation as a liquefaction remediation method. Two soil profiles with the same superstructure were tested under earthquake shaking. The first profile consisted of a deep layer of loose, liquefiable sand. The second comprised a shallow layer of loose sand overlying dense sand. Centrifuge tests were carried out with a cemented zone underneath the structure, through the full depth of the liquefiable layers and also partial depth. The superstructure was modelled as a single-degree-offreedom system. It is found that a cemented zone through the full depth of a liquefiable layer results in considerable reduction of structural settlements. Increased magnitude and higher frequency accelerations are transmitted to the structure but, depending on the building characteristics, it is likely that improved overall seismic performance can be achieved. Improvements in structural settlements can also be obtained with partialdepth remediation, if the depth of the cemented zone is greater than the depth of liquefaction. This type of remediation seems to have little effect on the accelerations transmitted to the structure.

Measurement of coefficient of consolidation during reconsolidation of liquefied sand

Saturated sands particularly at low relative density commonly exhibit rises in excess pore pressure when subjected to earthquake loading. The excess pore pressure can approach a maximum value, limited by the initial vertical effective stress. After the completion of earthquake shaking, these excess pore pressures dissipate according to the consolidation equation, which can be solved to produce a Fourier series solution. It will be shown by manipulation of this Fourier series that excess pore pressure traces provide a method for back-calculation of coefficient of consolidation Cv. This method is validated against dissipation curves generated using known values of C v and seen to be more accurate in the middle of the layer. The method is then applied to data recorded in centrifuge tests to evaluate Cv throughout the reconsolidation process following liquefaction conditions. C v is seen to fit better as a function of excess pore pressure ratio than effective stress for the stress levels considered. For the soil investigated, Cv is about three times smaller at excess pore pressure ratio of 0.9 compared to excess pore pressure ratio of 0. Copyright © 1996-2011 ASTM.

Estimating material elasticity by spherical indentation load-relaxation tests on viscoelastic samples of finite thickness

A two-step viscoelastic spherical indentation method is proposed to compensate for 1) material relaxation and 2) sample thickness. In the first step, the indenter is moved at a constant speed and the reaction force is measured. In the second step, the indenter is held at a constant position and the relaxation response of the material is measured. Then the relaxation response is fit with a multi-exponential function which corresponds to a three-branch general Maxwell model. The relaxation modulus is derived by correcting the finite ramp time introduced in the first step. The proposed model takes into account the sample thickness, which is important for applications in which the sample thickness is less than ten times the indenter radius. The model is validated numerically by finite element simulations. Experiments are carried out on a 10% gelatin phantom and a chicken breast sample with the proposed method. The results for both the gelatin phantom and the chicken breast sample agree with the results obtained from a surface wave method. Both the finite element simulations and experimental results show improved elasticity estimations by incorporating the sample thickness into the model. The measured shear elasticities of the 10% gelatin sample are 6.79 and 6.93 kPa by the proposed finite indentation method at sample thickness of 40 and 20 mm, respectively. The elasticity of the same sample is estimated to be 6.53 kPa by the surface wave method. For the chicken breast sample, the shear elasticity is measured to be 4.51 and 5.17 kPa by the proposed indentation method at sample thickness of 40 and 20 mm, respectively. Its elasticity is measured by the surface wave method to be 4.14 kPa. © 2011 IEEE.