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New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics
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New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 43766

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Małgorzata Jastrzębska

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Guest Editor
Department of Geotechnics and Roads, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Interests: geotechnics; advanced laboratory and field testing; sustainable geotechnical environmental engineering; weak soils; soil improvement
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Krystyna Kazimierowicz-Frankowska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Hydro-Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kościerska 7, 80-328 Gdańsk, Poland
Interests: geotechnics; environmental engineering and civil engineering materials and others
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Gabriele Chiaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Interests: earthquake geotechnical engineering and related problems; geo-disaster risk assessment and mitigation; development of advanced laboratory and field-testing devices; sustainable geotechnical engineering; ground improvement techniques; computational geotechnics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jaroslaw Rybak

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: geotechnical engineering; civil engineering; piles foundation; deep excavations; soil improvement technologies; reuse of waste material; sustainable geotechnics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With increasing ecological awareness, the idea of balanced development has become commonly used. Meeting the socio-economic needs of humans in the context of maintaining the ecological balance is incredibly important. Geotechnical engineers are also faced with this difficult task. Currently, their work is focused on three wide areas: sustainable ground improvement, sustainable foundation engineering and sustainable geotechnical design.

Please share with other researchers your experiences in the fields of (1) the use of alternate, environmentally friendly materials in geotechnical constructions like embankments, slopes, dams, and reuse of waste materials like rubber waste, fly ash, natural or artificial fibers for soils improvement and stabilisation, (2) innovative and energy efficient ground improvement techniques, (3) bio-slope engineering, (4) efficient use of geosysnthetics, (5) retrofitting and reuse of foundations, and foundations for energy extraction (e.g. termopile), (6) use of underground space for storage of energy, (7) mining of shallow and deep geothermal energy, (8) making geo-structures reliable and resilient in the case of natural or man-made hazards, (9) design and modeling on the basis of geotechnical parameters derived, (10) experiences with solving geotechnical challenges in marine engineering (such as predicting seabed liquefaction, designing marine foundations and anchors).

Prof. Dr. Małgorzata Jastrzębska
Prof. Dr. Krystyna Kazimierowicz-Frankowska
Prof. Dr. Gabriele Chiaro
Dr. Jaroslaw Rybak 
Guest Editors

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable ground improvement
  • sustainable foundation engineering
  • sustainable geotechnical design
  • waste materials
  • soils improvement and stabilization
  • geothermal energy and foundations
  • reliability and resilience of geo-structures
  • reliability-based design

Published Papers (19 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

7 pages, 230 KiB  
Editorial
New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics
by Małgorzata Jastrzębska, Krystyna Kazimierowicz-Frankowska, Gabriele Chiaro and Jarosław Rybak
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 562; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13010562 - 31 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1240
Abstract
With increasing ecological awareness, the idea of balanced development has become more popular [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

20 pages, 3031 KiB  
Article
Laboratory Testing and Theoretical Modeling of Deformations of Reinforced Soil Wall
by Krystyna Kazimierowicz-Frankowska and Marek Kulczykowski
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 6895; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12146895 - 07 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1765
Abstract
This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of a vertical reinforced soil (RS) wall. The structure was built on a laboratory scale. Horizontal displacements on the surface of the model wall were monitored at the end of construction and during surcharge [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of a vertical reinforced soil (RS) wall. The structure was built on a laboratory scale. Horizontal displacements on the surface of the model wall were monitored at the end of construction and during surcharge application (as post-construction displacements). The experimental results were compared with their theoretical predictions. The accuracy of the selected analytical approach was examined to predict deformations of the RS structure under external loading. It was shown that the proposed original and relatively simple analytical method for estimating structural deformation can be successfully used in practice (the average difference between the recorded and calculated values of deformation did not exceed 25%). From a scientific point of view, an important element of this work was the analysis of the effect of friction between the backfill and the side walls of the test box on the measured displacements. For the investigated case, it was shown that the impact of this element caused a reduction in the value of external loading of more than 60%. The final results may be particularly useful in the design process of structures used in transportation engineering (bridge abutments), where deformation limit values cannot be exceeded. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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15 pages, 4955 KiB  
Article
Effects of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) on the Reinforcement of Sand by Microbial-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP)
by Wanyi Zhu, Mengnan Yuan, Fanmin He, Yang Zhao, Zhiyang Xiao, Qian Wang, Fanyou Meng and Qiang Tang
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5360; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12115360 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2379
Abstract
Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a new technology used for reinforcing soils through microbial mineralization. However, the existing MICP treatment technology is more suiTable for deeper soils due to its high permeability. In this study, HPMC, a cohesive material combined with Sporosarcina [...] Read more.
Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a new technology used for reinforcing soils through microbial mineralization. However, the existing MICP treatment technology is more suiTable for deeper soils due to its high permeability. In this study, HPMC, a cohesive material combined with Sporosarcina pasteurii-induced calcium carbonate precipitation was used to improve the surface layer of the soil. It was also tested in different contents of bacterial solutions and cementation solutions and with a different number of MICP treatments, and was analyzed and discussed by measuring the surface layer strength, calcium carbonate content generated in the crust, rainfall erosion resistance, wind erosion resistance, and ammonia retention rate of the specimens. The microstructure of the samples was investigated by XRD and SEM. It was shown that the addition of HPMC and increasing the number of MICP treatments were effective in the increase in the calcium carbonate content in the surface crust, but had no effect on the total amount of induced calcium carbonate. The combination of HPMC addition and MICP technology can effectively reduce rainwater scour loss and wind erosion loss, and increase its rainfall erosion resistance and wind erosion resistance. Rainfall losses were reduced by up to 30% in specimens treated with HPMC for MICP technology. When the wind speed was 12 m/s, the maximum mass loss rate of the specimens treated with HPMC for MICP was only 0.828%. The addition of HPMC can effectively improve the ammonia absorption rate and reduce the release of ammonia in the process of MICP technology, which is of great significance for environmental protection. The microstructure showed that the addition of HPMC and the increase in the number of treatments using MICP technology can make the surface structure of the specimens more compact, and the calcium carbonate can more effectively fill the pores and cement the soil particles, while the addition of HPMC may not change the calcium carbonate crystal type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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21 pages, 10987 KiB  
Article
Effect of Chitosan Solution on Low-Cohesive Soil’s Shear Modulus G Determined through Resonant Column and Torsional Shearing Tests
by Marta Bocheńska, Marcin Bujko, Ireneusz Dyka, Piotr Srokosz and Rafał Ossowski
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5332; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12115332 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1812
Abstract
In this study the effect of using a biopolymer soil stabilizer on soil stiffness characteristics was investigated. Chitosan is a bio-waste material that is obtained by chemical treatment of chitin (a chemical component of fungi or crustaceans’ shells). Using chitosan solution as a [...] Read more.
In this study the effect of using a biopolymer soil stabilizer on soil stiffness characteristics was investigated. Chitosan is a bio-waste material that is obtained by chemical treatment of chitin (a chemical component of fungi or crustaceans’ shells). Using chitosan solution as a soil stabilizer is based on the assumption that the biopolymer forms temporary bonds with soil particles. What is important is that these bonds are biodegradable, so the product does not leave any harmful waste and has high eco-compatibility. The biopolymer itself is a by-product of many industrial chemical processes, so its application is compliant with the goals of sustainable geotechnical engineering. The effect of chitosan on soil shear strength, permeability or surface erosion has already been investigated in several different studies. In this study specimens of low-cohesive soil stabilized with two different chitosan solutions were subject to cyclic loading (torsional shearing test) and dynamic loading (resonant column) to obtain soil shear modulus G as a function of strain values. It has been shown that chitosan solution added to medium-grained materials improves their shear modulus G substantially (up to 3 times) even for relatively low chitosan concentration solutions (1.5 g of chitosan per 1 kg of dry silica sand). The results obtained in this study and the known chitosan properties suggest that chitosan solutions can be a very effective and eco-friendly short-term stabilizer for temporary geotechnical structures, e.g., working platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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26 pages, 10822 KiB  
Article
Measurement-While-Drilling Based Estimation of Dynamic Penetrometer Values Using Decision Trees and Random Forests
by Eduardo Martínez García, Marcos García Alberti and Antonio Alfonso Arcos Álvarez
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4565; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12094565 - 30 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1779
Abstract
Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that consists of the application of various algorithms to obtain information from large data sets. These algorithms are especially useful to solve nonlinear problems that appear frequently in some engineering fields. Geotechnical engineering presents [...] Read more.
Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that consists of the application of various algorithms to obtain information from large data sets. These algorithms are especially useful to solve nonlinear problems that appear frequently in some engineering fields. Geotechnical engineering presents situations with complex relationships of multiple variables, making it an ideal field for the application of machine learning techniques. Thus, these techniques have already been applied with a certain degree of success to determine such things as soil parameters, admissible load, settlement, or slope stability. Moreover, dynamic penetrometers are a very common type of test in geotechnical studies, and, in many cases, they are used to design the foundation solution. In addition, its continuous nature allows us to know the variations of the terrain profile. The objective of this study was to correlate the drilling parameters of deep foundation machinery (Measurement-While-Drilling, MWD) with the number of blows of the dynamic penetrometer test. Therefore, the drilling logs could be equated with said tests, providing information that can be easily interpreted by a geotechnical engineer and that would allow the validation of the design hypotheses. Decision trees and random forest algorithms have been used for this purpose. The ability of these algorithms to replicate the complex relationships between drilling parameters and terrain characteristics has allowed obtaining a reliable reproduction of the penetrometric profile of the traversed soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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20 pages, 2971 KiB  
Article
Improving Mudstone Materials in Badland in Southwestern Taiwan by Increasing Density and Low-Cement Amount
by Darnhorng Hsiao and Chiasheng Hsieh
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2290; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12052290 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1632
Abstract
The southwestern foothills in Taiwan contain abundant mudstone, which softens or slakes easily when contacting water. Thereafter, this condition causes high rates of erosion during heavy rain, eventually leading to the formation of badlands. To increase land use value in Taiwan, this study [...] Read more.
The southwestern foothills in Taiwan contain abundant mudstone, which softens or slakes easily when contacting water. Thereafter, this condition causes high rates of erosion during heavy rain, eventually leading to the formation of badlands. To increase land use value in Taiwan, this study aimed to offer a new solution with the use of compaction techniques and also adding a small amount of cement as soil amendment. We examined the feasibility of this concept by performing a series of tests, including the basic physical property test, compaction test, unconfined compression test, static triaxial CU and UU tests, consolidation test, California bearing ratio (CBR) test, and triaxial permeability test. The specimens were created based on the controlled moisture at the wet side along the compaction curve. Three clods, three preparation methods, and two types of cement content were used for specimen preparation. The test results revealed that clod will affect the results of unconfined compression strength and soil permeability. For mudstone with added cement, its unconfined compression strength increased 7- to 10-fold and its shear strength increased 2- to 3-fold. The results of consolidation and the CBR test showed that improvement is possible by using low amounts of cement. Overall, the present method not only adheres to low-carbon and environmental protection requirements, but also verifies the feasibility of using compacted mudstone as an engineering material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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26 pages, 37485 KiB  
Article
Modelling of Static Liquefaction of Partially Saturated Non-Cohesive Soils
by Waldemar Świdziński and Marcin Smyczyński
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 2076; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12042076 - 16 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4021
Abstract
Static soil liquefaction is widely known to be a serious danger to the stability of structures. The phenomena governing pore water generation, which leads to liquefaction in fully saturated soils, are already quite well described. However, much less is known of these phenomena [...] Read more.
Static soil liquefaction is widely known to be a serious danger to the stability of structures. The phenomena governing pore water generation, which leads to liquefaction in fully saturated soils, are already quite well described. However, much less is known of these phenomena occurring in partially saturated porous media, although this, too, is an important issue in geotechnics. This study presents the application of a semi-empirical model to predict the response of partially saturated soils under undrained conditions. The model proposed is based on an incremental equation describing the pre-failure undrained response of partially saturated non-cohesive soils during monotonic shearing in a standard triaxial test. Improved differential equations taking into account pore fluid compressibility were implemented together with empirical coefficients describing soil skeleton compressibility during the unloading phase. Model coefficients were determined in triaxial compression tests. The influence of the saturation level represented by Skempton’s parameter B on the full spectrum of predicted stress paths was shown. For the analyzed saturation range, the maximum stress deviator normalized by initial mean effective stress varied from 0.38 to 1.67 for B values between 0.93 and 0.29, respectively. Model predictions were confronted with the results of triaxial tests for two types of non-cohesive soils (quartz medium sand and copper ore post-flotation industrial tailings). Good agreement between experimental data and theoretical predictions was achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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18 pages, 5971 KiB  
Article
Numerical Analysis of Pressure Profiles and Energy Dissipation across Stepped Spillways Having Curved Risers
by Najam us Saqib, Muhammad Akbar, Huali Pan, Guoqiang Ou, Muhammad Mohsin, Assad Ali and Azka Amin
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 448; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12010448 - 04 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2109
Abstract
In this study, curved risers stepped spillways models based on the increasing angle of suspension were tested to check for improvement in energy dissipation and pressure distributions. Four fourteen-steps stepped spillway models with a slope 1:0.84 were selected, using Froude’s number non-dimensional similarity. [...] Read more.
In this study, curved risers stepped spillways models based on the increasing angle of suspension were tested to check for improvement in energy dissipation and pressure distributions. Four fourteen-steps stepped spillway models with a slope 1:0.84 were selected, using Froude’s number non-dimensional similarity. The risers of steps were made curved, based on three angles of suspensions, i.e., 30°, 60°, and 90°. The simulations were performed by FLOW 3D software and by the turbulence model Renormalization Group (RNG) for discharges between 0.020 and 0.068 m3/s followed by the model calibration. The 3D Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were solved, which included sub-grid models for air entrainment, density evaluation, and drift–flux, to capture free-surface flow over the stepped spillway. It was estimated that curving the risers increases the energy dissipation up to three percent for lower flow rates, whereas it has no significant impact on energy dissipation for higher flow rates. It was found that in simply stepped spillway lower steps dissipate more energy as compared to curved risers stepped where energy dissipation is shifted to higher steps. On the other hand, curved risers stepped spillways showed lower values of negative pressures as compared to the simply stepped spillway. It was seen that a higher energy dissipating step as experienced more negative pressures as compared to the lower energy dissipating step. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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15 pages, 4543 KiB  
Article
The Effect of MICP on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Silt with Different Fine Particle Content and Pore Ratio
by Yang Zhao, Qian Wang, Mengnan Yuan, Xi Chen, Zhiyang Xiao, Xiaohong Hao, Jing Zhang and Qiang Tang
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 139; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12010139 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3295
Abstract
Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a new soil remediation technology, which can improve the physical and mechanical properties of soil by transporting bacterial solution and cementation solution to loose soil and precipitating calcium carbonate precipitation between soil particles through microbial mineralization. Based [...] Read more.
Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a new soil remediation technology, which can improve the physical and mechanical properties of soil by transporting bacterial solution and cementation solution to loose soil and precipitating calcium carbonate precipitation between soil particles through microbial mineralization. Based on this technique, the effects of different fine particle content and pore ratio on the physical and chemical properties of silt after reinforcement were studied. The content of calcium carbonate, the ability of silt to fixed bacteria, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), permeability coefficient and microstructure of the samples were determined. The results showed the following: In the process of calcium carbonate precipitation induced by microorganisms, more than 50% bacterial suspension remained on the surface of silt particles and their pores. The higher the bacterial fixation rate of silt, the more CaCO3 was generated during the solidification process. The bacterial fixation rate and CaCO3 content both decreased with the increase in the pore ratio and increased with the increase in the fine particle content. XRD and SEM images show that the calcium carbonate is mainly composed of spherical vaterite and acicular cluster aragonite. There is an obvious correlation between unconfined compressive strength and CaCO3 content of silt. When CaCO3 content accumulates to a certain extent, its strength will be significantly improved. The unconfined compressive strength of silt A with pore ratio of 0.75 and fine particle content of 75% is 2.22 MPa when the single injection amount of cementing fluid is 300 mL. The permeability coefficient of cured silt can be reduced by 1 to 4 orders of magnitude compared with that of untreated silt. In particular, the permeability of MICP-treated silt A is almost impermeable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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15 pages, 5378 KiB  
Article
Strength and Compressibility of Ammonia-Soda Residue from the Solvay Sodium Plant
by Jakub Zięba, Przemysław Rzepka and Bartłomiej Szczepan Olek
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11305; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112311305 - 29 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1783
Abstract
This work presents the discussion of the results for an experimental study conducted to characterise the mechanical behaviour of ammonia-soda residue (ASR). The calcareous sludge is an alkaline waste formed during the production of soda ash and deposited at the area of the [...] Read more.
This work presents the discussion of the results for an experimental study conducted to characterise the mechanical behaviour of ammonia-soda residue (ASR). The calcareous sludge is an alkaline waste formed during the production of soda ash and deposited at the area of the former Solvay Sodium Plant factory in Krakow, Poland. Isotropically consolidation drained (CID) triaxial tests and constant rate of strain (CRS) consolidation tests include the full saturation with water, completion of the consolidation, and the loading/strain rate choice. For this purpose, ASR undisturbed samples were collected from the ground and submitted to laboratory experiments. These samples show a distinct difference in the initial bulk density, the initial level of compaction, initial void ratio, and the natural water content. The CD triaxial tests were conducted under three different levels of confining pressure; in turn, CRS tests were run with two appropriate input strain rates. According to the physical state of ASR and the depth of sampling, two different evolutions of the critical state in the stress–strain space were observed. In the light of the assessed stress–strain–strength behaviour, key design engineering parameters of ASR were calculated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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16 pages, 6839 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Biosedimentation for Strength Improvement in Acidic Soil
by Ahmed Hassan Saad, Haslinda Nahazanan, Zainuddin Bin Md Yusoff, Muskhazli Mustafa, Mohamed Hamdy Elseknidy and Angham Ali Mohammed
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10817; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112210817 - 16 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1584
Abstract
Marine clay soils are problematic soils in the construction industry when they are subjected to construction loads. When these soils are loaded, they lose their structure. This leads to the soil being unable to withstand loads of any magnitude without exhibiting significant, permanent [...] Read more.
Marine clay soils are problematic soils in the construction industry when they are subjected to construction loads. When these soils are loaded, they lose their structure. This leads to the soil being unable to withstand loads of any magnitude without exhibiting significant, permanent deformations. In order to stabilize the marine soil, new methods for soil improvement were built upon biogrouting by incorporating physical, biological and chemical treatments into the soil. However, the biggest challenge of this method is the bacteria migration through the soil medium. To overcome this issue, the electrokinetic phenomenon can be utilized alongside biogrouting to prevent the bacteria migration. In this regard, the present study applied electrobiogrouting stabilization to investigate the improvement of acidic marine clay soil with a pH of 3.69. To accomplish this, two large-scale physical models with dimensions of 500 × 300 × 1200 mm were fabricated to examine the influence of two different treated distances between the inlet and outlet—450 mm (D45) and 600 mm (D60)—on the stability of the treated soil. It was observed that the shear strength of the treated soil improved significantly. The shear strength at the D45 treated distance increased from 3.65 kPa (untreated soil) to 28.14 kPa (treated soil). However, the strength increased by increasing the treated distance. In addition, compressibility and soil electrical conductivity were reduced significantly, and the Atterberg limits were significantly enhanced from OH to OL. The reasons for the enhancement of treated soil were the formation of CaCO3, which filled the soil voids, and that the water content was reduced. To address issues with marine clay soil, this study aims to minimize the high cost of a special foundation system and the use of non-environmentally friendly materials such as calcium-based binders, aside from the reduction of deformations caused by loading. The findings of this study can be used for acidic soils and the improvement of soil’s geotechnical behavior in general. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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15 pages, 7702 KiB  
Article
The Influences of Local Glacitectonic Disturbance on Overconsolidated Clays for Upland Slope Stability Conditions: A Case Study
by Kamil Kiełbasiński, Paweł Dobak, Łukasz Kaczmarek and Sebastian Kowalczyk
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10718; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112210718 - 13 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1589
Abstract
Reliability of equilibrium state evaluation about settlement slopes in the context of natural and human-made hazards is a complex issue. The geological structure of the vicinity of the upland slope in the urban environment of Warsaw is characterised by a significant spatial diversification [...] Read more.
Reliability of equilibrium state evaluation about settlement slopes in the context of natural and human-made hazards is a complex issue. The geological structure of the vicinity of the upland slope in the urban environment of Warsaw is characterised by a significant spatial diversification of the layers. This is especially due to the glacitectonics in the Mio-Pliocene clays, which are located shallowly under the sandy tills’ formations. With substantial variability in the clay roof surface, point recognition by drilling is often insufficient. The use of electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) in the quasi-3D variant provides accurate images of the real ground conditions, which is crucial in optimal geotechnical design. In forecasting the behaviour of the slope, it is necessary to quantify the impact of spatially differentiated systems of disturbed layers on changes in the safety factor (SF), which corresponds to the observed landslide activity of the Warsaw Slope. This study concerns numerous calculation model analyses of the optional clay position in the context of slope stability conditions. A wide range of soil properties variability was taken into account, resulting from both lithogenesis and subsequent processes disintegrating the original soil structure. Regarding the geological conditions of the slip surface, the use of classical computational methods and numerical modelling (FEM) was considered for comparative purposes. The results indicated that local changes in equilibrium conditions were affected by the different morphology of the clay roof surface of the slope and the alternation in strength characteristics on the slip surfaces. The findings of the study contribute to sustainable spatial planning of near-slope regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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17 pages, 5994 KiB  
Article
Behaviour of the Steel Welded Grid during a Simplified Pullout Test in Fine Sand
by Marcin Ćwirko and Małgorzata Jastrzębska
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 9147; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11199147 - 01 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2383
Abstract
This study considered the possibility of using steel gabion baskets made of welded mesh for a soil-strengthening function. Examples of such applications are known for meshes made of wires with diameters from 6.3 to 12.7 mm and mesh openings from 125 to 225 [...] Read more.
This study considered the possibility of using steel gabion baskets made of welded mesh for a soil-strengthening function. Examples of such applications are known for meshes made of wires with diameters from 6.3 to 12.7 mm and mesh openings from 125 to 225 mm. In the case of a welded grid, the pulling resistance of fine-grained soil consists of two factors: frictional resistance and bearing resistance. Therefore, for the purposes of this issue, a simplified laboratory pullout test was carried out with four types of welded steel grid (common in Europe) embedded in the fine sand. The geometry of the grid (opening size: 76.2 × 76.2 mm), the type of steel (low carbon steel, tensile strength from 500 to 700 MPa), the diameter of the wire (2.7–4.5 mm) and its cover (ZN + PVC or ZnAl) were taken into account during the analysis. It was unequivocally stated that as the stiffness of the steel grid itself increases, its strength increases during the pullout test, which is not so obvious in the case of popular steel woven meshes. In addition, it has been shown that steel welded meshes with wire diameters less than 6 mm are suitable for soil reinforcement in structures with gabion facing, and the determined apparent friction coefficient (μk = 0.39–1.47) takes values similar to the friction coefficient given in references for welded meshes of larger diameters. This is a positive premise for starting further research on the use of wires of smaller diameters for welded mesh production used as soil reinforcement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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14 pages, 3636 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Analysis as a Method for Ground Freezing Depth Estimation
by Tomasz Godlewski, Łukasz Wodzyński and Małgorzata Wszędyrówny-Nast
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8194; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11178194 - 03 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2150
Abstract
Accurate frost depth prediction is an important aspect in different engineering designs such as for pavements, buildings, bridge foundations, and utility lines. This paper presents a probabilistic method of assessment of the depth of soil freezing. Annual (winter) maxima of the position of [...] Read more.
Accurate frost depth prediction is an important aspect in different engineering designs such as for pavements, buildings, bridge foundations, and utility lines. This paper presents a probabilistic method of assessment of the depth of soil freezing. Annual (winter) maxima of the position of the zero centigrade temperature measured in the soil were approximated by Gumbel probability distribution. Its parameters were estimated using maximum likelihood method. The results received on the basis of data from 36 meteorological stations in Poland and 50 years of observations, as characteristic values with 50-year return period, reflect the influence of the climatic conditions on the freezing depth. On the other hand, the soil structure and its conditions also play an important role in freezing. Nowadays they may be taken into account using correction coefficients. It is concluded that this method is more precise than a method using the air freezing index because through the use of direct measurements it takes into account additional factors affecting the actual depth of freezing. The obtained results are not the same as those given in the older Polish Standard which was based on the simplified and limited data. The results confirm the impact of climate change on ground freezing depth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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19 pages, 5541 KiB  
Article
Recycling of End-of-Life Tires (ELTs) for Sustainable Geotechnical Applications: A New Zealand Perspective
by Ali Tasalloti, Gabriele Chiaro, Arjun Murali, Laura Banasiak, Alessandro Palermo and Gabriele Granello
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 7824; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11177824 - 25 Aug 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2683
Abstract
End-of-life tires (ELTs) are tires, unusable in their original form, which go into a waste management scheme (for recycling and energy recovery purposes), or otherwise are disposed. In New Zealand, the annual disposal of 3.5 million ELTs is posing critical environmental and socio-economic [...] Read more.
End-of-life tires (ELTs) are tires, unusable in their original form, which go into a waste management scheme (for recycling and energy recovery purposes), or otherwise are disposed. In New Zealand, the annual disposal of 3.5 million ELTs is posing critical environmental and socio-economic issues, and the reuse of ELTs through large-volume recycling engineering projects is a necessity. In this study, gravel and recycled granulated rubber were mixed to explore the possibility of obtaining synthetic granular geomaterials (with adequate geotechnical and environmental characteristics) that are suitable as structural fills for geotechnical applications including foundation systems for low-rise light-weight residential buildings. Moreover, an original framework with a set of geo-environmental criteria is proposed for the acceptance of gravel–rubber mixtures (GRMs) as structural fills. It is shown that when gravel-size like rubber particles are used, GRMs with volumetric rubber content of 40% or less have adequate strength (ϕ’ > 30°), low compressibility (εv ≤ 3%), excellent energy adsorption properties, and acceptable leachate metal concentration values (e.g., Zn < 1 mg/L), making them ideal synthetic structural fill materials for many sustainable geotechnical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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30 pages, 11036 KiB  
Article
An Experimental Study of Nailed Soil Slope Models: Effects of Building Foundation and Soil Characteristics
by Mahmoud H. Mohamed, Mohd Ahmed and Javed Mallick
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7735; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167735 - 22 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2451
Abstract
A soil nailing system is a proven effective and economic method used to stabilize earth slopes from the external (factors increasing the shear stress) and internal (factors decreasing material strength) failure causes. The laboratory models with scales of 1:10 are used to study [...] Read more.
A soil nailing system is a proven effective and economic method used to stabilize earth slopes from the external (factors increasing the shear stress) and internal (factors decreasing material strength) failure causes. The laboratory models with scales of 1:10 are used to study the behavior of nailed soil slope with different soil and building foundation parameters. The models consist of Perspex strips as facing and steel bars as a nailing system to increase the stability of the soil slope. The models of sand beds are formed using an automatic sand raining system. Devices and instruments are installed to monitor the behavior of soil-nailed slope during and after construction. The effect of the soil type, soil slope angle, foundation width and position on the force mobilized in the nail, lateral displacement of the slope, settlement of the foundation and the earth pressure at the slope face, under and behind the soil mass at various foundation pressures, has been observed. It is found that the increase of soil density reduces both slopes facing displacement and building foundation settlements. The slope face displacement and footing settlement will increase with an increase in the width of the foundation and foundation position near the crest of the slope. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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17 pages, 15447 KiB  
Article
Monitoring the Impact of the Large Building Investments on the Neighborhood
by Marian Łupieżowiec
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6537; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11146537 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1836
Abstract
The article presents the concept of monitoring buildings and infrastructure elements located near large construction investments (the construction of high-rise buildings of the Oak Terraces housing estate in Katowice and the construction of a tunnel under the roundabout in Katowice along the intercity [...] Read more.
The article presents the concept of monitoring buildings and infrastructure elements located near large construction investments (the construction of high-rise buildings of the Oak Terraces housing estate in Katowice and the construction of a tunnel under the roundabout in Katowice along the intercity express road DTŚ). The impacts include deep excavation, lowering of the groundwater level over a large area, and dynamic influences related to the use of impact methods of soil improvement. The presented monitoring includes observation of the groundwater level with the use of piezometers, geodetic measurements of settlement and inclinations, as well as the measurement of vibration amplitudes generated during the works involving shocks and vibrations. It was also important to observe the development of cracks on the basis of a previously made inventory of damage. The results of the monitoring allow corrections to be made in the technology of works (e.g., reduction of vibration amplitudes, application of additional protections at excavations, etc.) or the use additional safety measures. Currently, there are also monitoring systems used during the operation of completed facilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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20 pages, 19170 KiB  
Article
Geotechnical Evaluation of Diesel Contaminated Clayey Soil
by Christian E. Hernández-Mendoza, Pamela García Ramírez and Omar Chávez Alegría
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6451; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11146451 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2496
Abstract
Soil contamination by different hydrocarbons has rapidly expanded worldwide, surpassing the self-purification capacity of soils and increasing the number of contaminated sites. Although much effort has been devoted to study the effects of diesel contamination on the geotechnical properties of soil, there is [...] Read more.
Soil contamination by different hydrocarbons has rapidly expanded worldwide, surpassing the self-purification capacity of soils and increasing the number of contaminated sites. Although much effort has been devoted to study the effects of diesel contamination on the geotechnical properties of soil, there is still limited available information about it. Moreover, there is no available information about the maximum diesel retention that soil can have and its effect on the geotechnical behavior of the soil. Thus, in this paper, we determined the maximum diesel retention by an unsaturated clayey soil and evaluated the impact of diesel contamination on its geotechnical properties. The results showed that the soil could only retain 12.6% of the added diesel and the excess was expulsed. At such a diesel concentration, the saturation rate of the soil was lower than 80%. Diesel contamination increased the plasticity and the internal friction angle of the soil, while its cohesion was considerably decreased. It should be noted that the matric suction of contaminated soil was lower than the one obtained for natural soil. However, its osmotic suction was considerably higher. This indicates that osmotic suction must be considered to evaluate the shear strength of contaminated soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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12 pages, 3387 KiB  
Article
Influence of Laboratory Compaction Method on Compaction and Strength Characteristics of Unbound and Cement-Bound Mixtures
by Matija Zvonarić, Ivana Barišić, Mario Galić and Krunoslav Minažek
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4750; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11114750 - 21 May 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2538
Abstract
During road construction, granular materials for the unbound base course (UBC) and cement-bound base course (CBC) are mostly compacted by vibratory rollers. A widespread laboratory test for determining the optimal moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) of the mixture for installation [...] Read more.
During road construction, granular materials for the unbound base course (UBC) and cement-bound base course (CBC) are mostly compacted by vibratory rollers. A widespread laboratory test for determining the optimal moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) of the mixture for installation in UBC and CBC is the Proctor test. Considering that the Proctor test does not produce any vibrations during compaction, this paper compares the Proctor test and the vibrating hammer test. The examination was conducted on UBC and CBC with varying cement content and aggregate types. All mixtures were compacted by both methods with the aim of determining the compaction and strength characteristics. The results indicated the high comparability of the two test methods for mixtures with natural aggregate in terms of MDD, OMC, density and strength characteristics (California bearing ratio (CBR) for UBC and 28-day compressive strength for CBC). For mixtures with higher cement content, the OMC difference depending on the laboratory compaction method used can be significant, so the laboratory compaction method should be chosen carefully, particularly for moisture-susceptible materials. This paper also reveals that by increasing the proportion of rubber in the mixture, the compaction and strength characteristics differ significantly due to the compaction method. Therefore, when using alternative and insufficiently researched materials, the compaction method should also be chosen carefully. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Sustainable Geotechnics)
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