Recent Advances in MercuryDPM

In this paper we introduce the open-source code MercuryDPM: a code for simulating discrete particles. The paper discusses software and management issues that may be interesting for the developers of other open-source codes. Then we review the new features that have been added since the last publication: an improved Hertz-Mindlin model; a new...

Residual stresses in thermite welded rails: significance of additional forging

The aluminothermic welding (ATW) process is the most commonly used welding process for welding rails (track) in the field. The large amount of weld metal added in the ATW process may result in a wide uneven surface zone on the rail head, which may, in rare cases, lead to irregularities in wear and plastic deformation due to high dynamic wheel...

Experimental investigation into the reduction of erosion of sand at high flow velocities

Significant reduction of the rate of erosion of a sand bed is obtained when sand is mixed with a small amount of bentonite. In previous experiments this behaviour has already been shown for relatively low flow velocities. In this case, the erosion process is dominated by grain-by-grain erosion, which is characterised by low ratios of the...

Retarding the breaching process of dikes

Dikes constructed from sand generally have a sand core and clay layers on the slopes and the crest to protect the core against erosion. In extreme hydraulic conditions, several failure mechanisms can lead to destruction of the clay layers, exposing the sand core to water. When water overtops the dike and the protective cover of the land-side...

Drying Shrinkage Microcracking in Cement-based Materials

In this paper the nature of drying shrinkage microcracking in a variety of model cementbased materials, as well as in more practical types of concrete is described. The model mixtures were studied to elucidate the mechanisms of drying shrinkage microcracking and the factors that influence these mechanisms. This fundamental knowledge is important...

Quantification of shrinkage microcracking in young mortar with fluorescence light microscopy and ESEM

In this paper a method is described to quantify shrinkage microcracking in young mortar by means of crack mapping. Visualisation of the microcracks is realised with two techniques: Fluorescence Light Microscopy (FLM) and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM). The preliminary results obtained with the microcrack mapping method showed...