In this paper, a modified viscoelastic–plastic constitutive model has been proposed on the framework of Anand's work to describe the uniaxial ratcheting behavior of polycarbonate (PC) under tension–tension cyclic loading. The experimental observation illustrates that the previously accumulated deformation has an assignable influence on the subsequent material response during the ratcheting process of PC. Thus, the deformation resistance in the viscoelastic micromechanism is assumed to be evolving with the local accumulated inelastic strain rather than keeping unchanged in the original Anand's model. The proposed model is validated firstly by the monotonic tension and creep experiment results of PC. Then, its capability to describe the uniaxial ratcheting behaviors is compared with Anand model. Finally, the modified model is adopted to study the effect of mean stress, stress amplitude, loading rate, and peak holding time on the ratcheting behaviors of PC. It is shown that the proposed model can predict reasonably the uniaxial tension–tension ratcheting behavior of polymer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2559–2565, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

The temperature distribution is one of the most vital parameters which should be fully considered in high geothermal tunnel design. For the purpose of studying the impact of temperature disturbance caused by construction on temperature distribution of surrounding rock and lining structure in a high geothermal tunnel, a new finite difference model for temperature prediction was proposed. Based on the abundant field test results, forecast analysis for the research of a high geothermal tunnel in this paper is made. The results indicate that the temperature of the surrounding rock near the tunnel sidewall decreases obviously in the first 14 days while that of the surrounding rock far away is stable after tunnel excavation, and the rock temperature showed three ways of change: undulate type (<2 m), decline type (2–5 m) and stable type (>5 m). There is a linear relationship between the initial rock temperature and the released heat of the surrounding rock. The radius of the heat-adjusting layer and the initial rock temperature presents a quadratic function relation. The lining concrete actually cures under the variable high-temperature environment and the real curing temperature decreases with time and becomes stable seven days later. The results would contribute to providing support for high geothermal tunnel research and design.

The cement-based grouting materials used for practical purposes in high-geothermal tunnels are inevitably affected by humidity and high temperature, leading to the deterioration of mechanical properties. Based on the characteristics of changing high temperatures and two typical conditions of hot-humid and hot-dry environments in high-geothermal tunnels, many mechanical strength tests were carried out on the grouting material cured under different environmental conditions. The study results indicated that high temperature and low relative humidity were unfavorable to the development of mechanical characteristics of grouting material, but the coupling effect of two factors could improve the strength at early ages and reduce the degradation of long-term strength. As the curing temperature exceeded 56.3 °C, the humidity effect on strength played a more important role in recovering the strength of grouting material damaged by high temperature. Temperature had more significant impact on the relative peak stress while the relative humidity had greater influence on the relative peak strain. A calculation compressive constitutive model was prospered, which considering both temperature and relative humidity. The study results may provide much valuable experimental data and theoretical supporting for the design of compression constitutive of cement-based grouting material in high-geothermal tunnel.

No abstract

A new accelerated characterization model for creep performances was briefly introduced first, which considers both the effects of temperature and stress level, named time-temperature- stress superposition principle (TTSSP). TTSSP assumes that the influence of stress level on the intrinsic time is similar to that of temperature for the creep behavior, as well as damage and physical aging. The creep curves at different state can be shifted into a master curve at reference state using TTSSP. Then the long-term creep behavior of viscoelastic materials at lower temperature and/or stress level can be predicted from the short-term ones. Finally, TTSSP was used to investigate the nonlinear creep behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It was shown that the long-term creep behavior of HDPE can be predicted successfully.