Dvelopment and application of similar material for physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit in round gravel strata

Abstract The raw-material mix ratio and preparation of similar materials are crucial for the success of physical model tests and for accurately reflecting prototype properties. In this study, an optimum similar material for plateau alluvial and lacustrine (PAL) round gravel was developed based on si...

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Main Authors: Yanhui Guo, Xipeng Ren, Shaoqian Liu, Xiaobing Fu, Guo Yuan, Guoyang Zhang, Yi Yang, Zhiquan Yang, Xiangyu Wang, Ming Ni
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-99344-7
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author Yanhui Guo
Xipeng Ren
Shaoqian Liu
Xiaobing Fu
Guo Yuan
Guoyang Zhang
Yi Yang
Zhiquan Yang
Xiangyu Wang
Ming Ni
author_facet Yanhui Guo
Xipeng Ren
Shaoqian Liu
Xiaobing Fu
Guo Yuan
Guoyang Zhang
Yi Yang
Zhiquan Yang
Xiangyu Wang
Ming Ni
author_sort Yanhui Guo
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The raw-material mix ratio and preparation of similar materials are crucial for the success of physical model tests and for accurately reflecting prototype properties. In this study, an optimum similar material for plateau alluvial and lacustrine (PAL) round gravel was developed based on similarity theory. The similar materials were subjected to sensitivity factor analysis and microscopic analysis. Subsequently, the optimum similar material was applied to a three-dimensional (3D) physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit (FP). The findings show that the similar material prepared with gypsum, LD, bentonite, water, barite powder, and DS at a ratio of 1:1:1.4:3.5:8.8:13.2 was the best for a 3D physical model test of the ultradeep FP in PAL round gravel strata. The sensitivity-factor analysis revealed that barite powder had the greatest impact on γ, that c and φ were primarily affected by bentonite, and that the LD–gypsum ratio controlled E. A nonuniform particle-size distribution as well as the presence of “edge-to-face” contacts and small pores between particles constituted the microphysical factors affecting the mechanical properties of the optimum similar material. Using dolomite with a Mohs hardness of 3.5–4 instead of traditional quartz sand with a Mohs hardness of 7 as the raw material can produce a similar material for the target soil with mechanical parameters closer to those of the ideal similar material. The application of the optimum similar material in physical model tests has revealed the stress field response law of ultra deep foundation pit excavation. This study could provide reference and inspiration for the development of similar materials in gravel formations with weaker mechanical properties.
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spelling doaj-art-2d2f86e866674ed2a280ec47c548f64f2025-08-20T03:48:06ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111910.1038/s41598-025-99344-7Dvelopment and application of similar material for physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit in round gravel strataYanhui Guo0Xipeng Ren1Shaoqian Liu2Xiaobing Fu3Guo Yuan4Guoyang Zhang5Yi Yang6Zhiquan Yang7Xiangyu Wang8Ming Ni9Faculty of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyFaculty of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyFaculty of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyYunnan Construction Investment No. 6 Construction Co, Ltd.Yunnan Construction Investment No. 6 Construction Co, Ltd.Yunnan Construction Investment No. 6 Construction Co, Ltd.Faculty of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyFaculty of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyYunnan Construction Investment No. 6 Construction Co, Ltd.Yunnan Construction Investment No. 6 Construction Co, Ltd.Abstract The raw-material mix ratio and preparation of similar materials are crucial for the success of physical model tests and for accurately reflecting prototype properties. In this study, an optimum similar material for plateau alluvial and lacustrine (PAL) round gravel was developed based on similarity theory. The similar materials were subjected to sensitivity factor analysis and microscopic analysis. Subsequently, the optimum similar material was applied to a three-dimensional (3D) physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit (FP). The findings show that the similar material prepared with gypsum, LD, bentonite, water, barite powder, and DS at a ratio of 1:1:1.4:3.5:8.8:13.2 was the best for a 3D physical model test of the ultradeep FP in PAL round gravel strata. The sensitivity-factor analysis revealed that barite powder had the greatest impact on γ, that c and φ were primarily affected by bentonite, and that the LD–gypsum ratio controlled E. A nonuniform particle-size distribution as well as the presence of “edge-to-face” contacts and small pores between particles constituted the microphysical factors affecting the mechanical properties of the optimum similar material. Using dolomite with a Mohs hardness of 3.5–4 instead of traditional quartz sand with a Mohs hardness of 7 as the raw material can produce a similar material for the target soil with mechanical parameters closer to those of the ideal similar material. The application of the optimum similar material in physical model tests has revealed the stress field response law of ultra deep foundation pit excavation. This study could provide reference and inspiration for the development of similar materials in gravel formations with weaker mechanical properties.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-99344-7Plateau alluvial and lacustrine round gravelSimilar materialSensitivity-factor analysisMicroscopic analysisThree-dimensional physical model testUltradeep foundation pit
spellingShingle Yanhui Guo
Xipeng Ren
Shaoqian Liu
Xiaobing Fu
Guo Yuan
Guoyang Zhang
Yi Yang
Zhiquan Yang
Xiangyu Wang
Ming Ni
Dvelopment and application of similar material for physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit in round gravel strata
Scientific Reports
Plateau alluvial and lacustrine round gravel
Similar material
Sensitivity-factor analysis
Microscopic analysis
Three-dimensional physical model test
Ultradeep foundation pit
title Dvelopment and application of similar material for physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit in round gravel strata
title_full Dvelopment and application of similar material for physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit in round gravel strata
title_fullStr Dvelopment and application of similar material for physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit in round gravel strata
title_full_unstemmed Dvelopment and application of similar material for physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit in round gravel strata
title_short Dvelopment and application of similar material for physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit in round gravel strata
title_sort dvelopment and application of similar material for physical model test of an ultradeep foundation pit in round gravel strata
topic Plateau alluvial and lacustrine round gravel
Similar material
Sensitivity-factor analysis
Microscopic analysis
Three-dimensional physical model test
Ultradeep foundation pit
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-99344-7
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