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We present a novel Digital Twin Framework for a portable table-top sized temperature-controlled system constructed entirely using free and open-source software programs. By utilizing tools such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and a PLC program, the entire process was automated to achieve a true Digital Twin. Further, a mathematical model was constructed for the temperature-controlled system. The data from the physical model and the mathematical model was then compared and a what-if scenario was analyzed to predict and prevent a potential failure in the physical system. Additionally, a simulation model was created to visualize the results.

Granular piles/stone columns are one of the most commonly preferred ground engineering systems for improving a variety of weak soils, such as soft clays, loose sands, waste fills, and ash ponds. They are installed using a range of techniques, namely vibro compaction, vibro replacement, composer method, rammed stone columns, and geopiers, based on on-site conditions and availability of machinery. Granular piles improve the ground by densification especially in loose sands, by reinforcement in case of waste fills and ash ponds, by reinforcement and consolidation in case of soft clays, and mitigate damages from liquefaction by functioning as drains. The paper presents a critical review of developments related to granular piles encompassing recent analytical, experimental, numerical studies, and field investigations of their compressive, uplift, and seismic responses. Three well-documented case histories of an embankment, a mechanically stabilized earth wall, and a liquid storage tank on granular pile-enginee...

The paper presents a method for the estimation of bearing capacity of a strip footing resting on a reinforced foundation bed over soft ground stabilized with a granular trench. Meyerhof’s two-layered punching failure mechanism along with Madhav and Vitkar’s solution for bearing capacity of granular trench supported footing resting on soft ground, form the basis of the analysis. The bearing capacity of a strip footing in a two-layered system of reinforced granular fill overlying soft ground stabilized with granular trench is estimated by incorporating the contribution from the axial tension mobilized in the reinforcement to those from the granular fill and the stabilized soft ground. A parametric study quantifies the effect of various parameters on the degree of bearing capacity improvement. The predictions are compared with experimental studies available in literature. The percentage improvement in the bearing capacity of the strip footing due to reinforcement of the soft ground with a granular trench coupled with unreinforced and reinforced granular fill is established through the comparisons.