In a significant stride for marine engineering, researchers have developed a novel approach to reinforce marine coral sand-clay mixtures (MCCM), a common fill material in ocean construction. The study, led by Danda Shi from the College of Ocean Science and Engineering at Shanghai Maritime University, explores how textured polymer layers, crafted using 3D printing technology, can bolster the strength of MCCM. The findings, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Marine Science’ (translated as ‘Frontiers in Ocean Science’), offer promising avenues for enhancing the durability and reliability of marine structures.
The research team conducted triaxial tests on MCCM samples, varying the asperity heights, spacings, and reinforcement layers of the polymer coatings. Their experiments revealed that increased reinforcement, higher asperities, and smaller spacings significantly improved the strength and internal friction angle of the mixtures, with minimal impact on cohesion. Notably, the study found that particle breakage increased with reinforcement, and fractal analysis showed a linear relationship between fractal dimension and breakage rate.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the study is the use of machine learning models to predict the mechanical behavior of the reinforced materials. The team developed several predictive models, including Backpropagation Neural Networks (BPNN), Genetic Algorithm-BPNN (GA-BPNN), Particle Swarm Optimization-BPNN (PSO-BPNN), and Linear Discriminant Analysis-BPNN (LDA-BPNN). Among these, the LDA-BPNN model demonstrated the highest accuracy and generalization, outperforming existing approaches in predictive performance and robustness.
“Our findings suggest that the proposed model framework achieves significant improvements in predictive performance and robustness,” Shi explained. “Sensitivity analysis identified asperity spacing and asperity height as key factors influencing the strength of the reinforced materials.”
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. Marine construction projects often face challenges related to the strength and stability of fill materials. By reinforcing MCCM with textured polymer layers, engineers can enhance the durability of marine structures, reducing maintenance costs and extending their lifespan. The use of 3D printing technology also offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for producing customized reinforcement layers tailored to specific project requirements.
Moreover, the predictive models developed in this study can be invaluable for marine construction design. By accurately predicting the mechanical behavior of reinforced materials, engineers can optimize their designs, ensuring safety and efficiency. “An empirical formula derived from the LDA-BPNN enables practical strength prediction, offering valuable guidance for marine construction design,” Shi noted.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the integration of advanced materials and technologies will play a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges of ocean engineering. This research not only advances our understanding of reinforced materials but also paves the way for innovative solutions that can drive the industry forward. With the insights gained from this study, maritime professionals can look forward to more robust and reliable marine construction practices, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the ocean environment.