Completed Projects
2025
Experimental modeling of the effects of subsidence on the stability of submarine slopes
Abstract: Experimental modeling of the effects of subsidence on the stability of submarine slopes seeks to understand the mechanisms that can lead to the destabilization of these submerged terrains. Through controlled experiments, the redistribution of stresses, soil deformations, and potential triggers for submarine landslides are analyzed. The results assist in the calibration of numerical models, contributing to the safety of offshore infrastructure and the reduction of environmental and economic impacts.
2023
Rheological parameterization of submarine landslides
Abstract: Fluxo de detritos submarinos estão entre os principais geohazards conhecidos e precisam ser levados em conta nos projetos de estruturas submarinas de exploração e produção. Nesse contexto, a avaliação do alcance (run-out) desses escorregamentos é de grande importância, assim como sua correlação com os parâmetros rológicos de comportamento do solo em fluxo, tais como umidade e taxa de cisalhamento. Dessa forma, a validação de simulações numéricas permite a sua adoção na previsão desses eventos, aumentando o grau de confiabilidade da avaliação de risco de operação das plantas submarinas. Sendo assim, este projeto visa parametrizar uma corrida de detritos submarina a partir de ensaios reológicos realizados em reômetro de bancada e ensaios centrífugos que simulam esse fenômeno.
2022
Geotechnical experimental tests in a centrifuge on the load capacity of a cluster of two T-120 piles and one T-150 pile
Abstract: Torpedo piles are widely used as fixed anchor points in regions with predominantly clayey marine subsoil and low undrained strength. To analyze their behavior in the field, this project plans to use centrifugal models to evaluate the performance of a cluster composed of two T-120 torpedo piles in comparison with isolated piles, one T-120 and one T-150, both with their tops buried in low-strength, undrained clay soil. The analysis will be conducted with a prototype on a scale between 1:2 and 1:1, ensuring physical similarity in terms of load capacity. By investigating and validating these models in controlled environments, the study will identify best practices for maximizing the efficiency and reliability of torpedo piles under different operating conditions.
2021
Assessment of Fragile Layers in Submarine Slopes
Abstract: This project aims to investigate the potential effects of weaker clay layers on the seismic behavior of submarine slopes. The goal is to identify soil shear strength limits that can delimit and distinguish between minor and potentially significant effects of fragile clay layers on the seismic response of submarine slopes. The expected results are: - To deepen knowledge about the seismic behavior of weaker layers (weak layers) and their influence on the dynamic stability of submarine slopes; - To evaluate the general dynamic behavior of slopes during seismic excitation, as well as the mechanisms of amplification/deamplification of the dynamic response of slopes; - To evaluate the dynamic parameters that allow the response of weak layers to seismic stresses to be quantified; To obtain the seismic amplification factors at each position of the accelerometers installed on the slope, dividing the measured acceleration history by the output movement acceleration.
Seismic Stability Assessment of Gentle Slopes
Physical Simulation of Fault Propagation in Marine Clay Deposits - Fault Propagation
Abstract: This project aims to investigate the mechanisms of fault propagation in marine clay sediment packages, evaluating the influence of fault types and processes on the interaction with direct foundation structures, piles, and pipeline lines supported on the ground. The methodology to be employed can be divided into centrifuge physical modeling and numerical modeling. Centrifuge physical modeling aims to obtain, under similar conditions, the stress-strain behavior for various conditions of interest involving soils from the region under study. To this end, the COPPE/UFRJ geotechnical arm centrifuge will be used. The aim is to simulate the geological movement of a clay massif on a reduced scale using an actuation system that allows normal and reverse faults to be replicated. Numerical modeling aims to better understand the mechanisms of fault propagation in sedimentary soils based on the validation of results from physical tests. The expected result is to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of fault propagation induced by geological movements, providing safer and more reliable geotechnical parameters to support projects involving direct foundations, piles, pipelines, and similar structures located in fault zones.