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Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering
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Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 47664

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Chin Leo

E-Mail
Guest Editor
School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
Interests: soil dynamics; foundations; retaining structures; soil stabilization and computational geomechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Infrastructure development, including roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, retaining structures, airports, dams, barrage, and so forth, is vitally important for economic growth and to serve societal needs. It entails significant financial investment and therefore requires vigilant management of its risks in terms of cost overruns, and ensuring a resilient and sustainable system over the life cycle. Challenges and uncertainties in geotechnical engineering contribute to major risks. Thus, geological challenges include problematic soils (frozen, soft, collapsible, expansive, peat, residual, and glacial); variability of climatic conditions and uncertainties in climate change leading to bush fire, flooding, sea level rise, and extreme temperature changes creating shock effects; very dynamic loading conditions imposed by seismic activities or man-made loading by very fast train, increasingly heavy vehicles or potential disruptive technology such as the Hyperloop. They all present notable technical challenges in geotechnical engineering that help drive innovation and advances. On the other hand, the emergence of transformational technologies such as IoT, big data, 3D printing, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) could also provide enabling opportunities to foster innovation and advances in geotechnologies to mitigate the geotechnical risks and improve efficiency in the design, construction, and maintenance of geotechnical infrastructure. In the context of advancing the knowledge of geotechnologies critical to infrastructure development, we invite your contribution to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Chin Leo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • infrastructure
  • geotechnologies
  • geotechnical
  • highways
  • railways
  • bridges
  • tunnels
  • dams
  • airports
  • barrage
  • design
  • construction
  • maintenance
  • foundation
  • sustainable
  • resilient
  • risk
  • dynamic
  • retaining structures
  • transformational technologies

Published Papers (22 papers)

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14 pages, 3791 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Axial Stress and Hammer Impacting Energy of Offshore Standard Penetration Test
by Miaojun Sun, Qianlong Zhang, Honglei Sun and Zhenqi Weng
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9487; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13179487 - 22 Aug 2023
Viewed by 667
Abstract
Standard penetration test (SPT) has been widely used in offshore exploration because of its unique advantages. Unlike onshore exploration, offshore construction areas are characterized by high waves and water depths ranging from several meters to tens of meters. As a result, the reliability [...] Read more.
Standard penetration test (SPT) has been widely used in offshore exploration because of its unique advantages. Unlike onshore exploration, offshore construction areas are characterized by high waves and water depths ranging from several meters to tens of meters. As a result, the reliability of offshore SPT is significantly reduced compared with onshore SPT. Currently, the probe rod length correction of SPT is not involved in geotechnical engineering investigation codes and related research, which greatly limits the application of this method in offshore exploration. Therefore, a series of SPTs were carried out in offshore environments with different water depths, with a maximum rod length of 65 m. The acceleration and axial stress at each test point of the rod were monitored by the dynamic signal data acquisition system, and the hammer impacting energy at each test point was obtained by Force–Velocity (F-V) method. The test results show that the correction of the rod length of the offshore SPT is different from that of the traditional SPT, and it needs to be further corrected for the water depth. In this paper, a modified method of rod length for offshore SPT is proposed, which can provide reference for the application of offshore SPT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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22 pages, 5956 KiB  
Article
Effects of the Properties of Fines on the Pore Water Pressure Generation Characteristics of Sand–Silt–Clay Mixtures during Cyclic Loading
by Darn-Horng Hsiao and Chung-Chieh Lin
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8126; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13148126 - 12 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 837
Abstract
To investigate the effects of the properties of plastic fines on the pore water pressure generation characteristics of fine-grained soils during cyclic loadings, we used 29 sets of test data from the literature and prepared another 21 reconstituted specimens with different types of [...] Read more.
To investigate the effects of the properties of plastic fines on the pore water pressure generation characteristics of fine-grained soils during cyclic loadings, we used 29 sets of test data from the literature and prepared another 21 reconstituted specimens with different types of fines and fine contents (FCs) for cyclic triaxial testing. Two types of undisturbed soil specimens and three types of reconstituted soil specimens were also included for testing. The results indicated that under cyclic loading, the pore water pressure (PWP) ratios of clean sands increased slowly, stagnated, then finally accelerated until initial liquefaction, whereas those of the plastic soils containing fines with a plastic index (PI) value of >5 increased sharply in the initial stage. In addition, the cyclic stress ratio of specimens containing mudstone (PI = 12.4) and kaolinite (PI = 32.0) fines increased by 1.5–3.0 times more than non-plastic fines if the cyclic number chosen was 100. The range of the upper and lower limits of the PWP curves of the specimens with an FC of 30% were smaller that of the limits of the PWP curves of the specimens with an FC of 15%. The above results were further analyzed using a mathematical model. This paper systematically uses both the literature and laboratory test data to demonstrate that plastic fines and non-plastic fines have significantly different effects on water pressure generation under cyclic loading conditions, and a mathematical model also demonstrated the same trends. These findings are able to clarify previous unclear arguments. Thus, the model results developed in this study could also provide the field of engineering with a complete advanced calculation, requiring analysis only via software. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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16 pages, 2213 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Deep Learning Algorithms for Anomaly Detection in Discrete Mechanical Systems
by Francesco Morgan Bono, Luca Radicioni, Simone Cinquemani and Gianluca Bombaci
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5683; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13095683 - 05 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1409
Abstract
The application of intelligent systems for structural health monitoring is investigated. A change in the nominal configuration can be related to a structural defect that has to be monitored before it reaches a critical condition. Evidently, the ability to automatically detect changes in [...] Read more.
The application of intelligent systems for structural health monitoring is investigated. A change in the nominal configuration can be related to a structural defect that has to be monitored before it reaches a critical condition. Evidently, the ability to automatically detect changes in a structure is a very attractive feature. When there is no prior knowledge on the system, deep learning models could effectively detect a change and enhance the capability of determining the damage location. However, the acquisition of data related to damaged structures is not always practical. In this paper, two deep learning approaches, a physics-informed autoencoder and a simple data-driven autoencoder, are applied to a test rig consisting of a small four-storey building model. Modifications to the system are simulated by changing the stiffness of the springs. Both the machine learning algorithms outperform the traditional approach based on an experimental modal analysis. Moreover, the increased potential of the physics-informed neural networks to detect and locate damage is confirmed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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14 pages, 4128 KiB  
Article
Reducing Oscillations in Suspension of Mine Monorail Track
by Viktor O. Gutarevich, Nikita V. Martyushev, Roman V. Klyuev, Viktor A. Kukartsev, Vladislav V. Kukartsev, Liudmila V. Iushkova and Larisa N. Korpacheva
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4671; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13084671 - 07 Apr 2023
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 1243
Abstract
Purpose: The goal of this work is to reduce the effect of dynamic loads on the mine timbering through the use of the elastic devices contained in the monorail suspension and to justify their parameters. Methods and materials: The article considers [...] Read more.
Purpose: The goal of this work is to reduce the effect of dynamic loads on the mine timbering through the use of the elastic devices contained in the monorail suspension and to justify their parameters. Methods and materials: The article considers the developed mathematical model of vertical oscillations of the monorail track, which allows setting the interconnection between the rolling stock parameters and dynamic loads in the suspension. At vertical oscillations of the monorail and under the effect of harmonic disturbing force caused by the movement of the suspension, the system of the monorail suspension can be represented in the form of a dual-mass system. Results: As a result, the equations for oscillation amplitudes of the monorail elements were obtained and damping coefficient of suspension was defined. The obtained results suggest setting reasonable parameters of the monorail fastening, which offers the possibility to decrease dynamic loads occurring during the operation of the mine suspended monorail tracks. The proposed monorail suspension makes it possible to reduce the dynamic loads formed during the movement of the rolling stock by 30–40% and can be used to modernize existing mine suspended monorails. Discussion: Analysis of the obtained results shows that in order to reduce the vibration amplitudes of a suspended monorail mine, it is appropriate to use suspension systems for rolling stock and a monorail track, consisting of elastic elements. The parameters required for this can be determined using the proposed method, and required rigidity of the monorail track is provided by embedding elastic supports into its suspension system. Conclusions: The obtained results allow setting reasonable parameters of the monorail fastening of the mine suspended monorail tracks. The proposed monorail suspension makes it possible to minimize the dynamic loads formed during the movement of rolling stock and can be used to modernize existing mine suspension monorails. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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17 pages, 9908 KiB  
Article
Efficient Machine Learning Model for Predicting the Stiffness of Circular Footings on Clay Overlying Sand
by Chongchong Qi, Jiashuai Zheng, Chuiqian Meng and Mengting Wu
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2653; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13042653 - 18 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1286
Abstract
Assessing the stiffness of circular foundations is the key to evaluating their deformation; thus, it is important for foundation design. The current determination methods for the stiffness coefficient are either time-consuming or inaccurate. In this paper, a novel stiffness prediction model has been [...] Read more.
Assessing the stiffness of circular foundations is the key to evaluating their deformation; thus, it is important for foundation design. The current determination methods for the stiffness coefficient are either time-consuming or inaccurate. In this paper, a novel stiffness prediction model has been proposed, using the decision tree (DT) algorithm optimized by particle size optimization (PSO). The condition of the embedded foundation, the embedded depth (ZD/2R), the thickness of the clay layer beneath the foundation base (T/2R), and the ratio of shear stiffness between clay and sand (Gsand/Gclay) were used as input variables, while the elastic stiffness coefficients (Kc, Kh, Km, and Kv) were used as output variables. The optimum DT model has undergone comprehensive validation, and independent model verification using extra simulations. The results illustrate that PSO could promote further increases in the capability of DT modeling in predicting stiffness coefficients. The optimum DT model achieved a good level of performance on stiffness coefficient modeling. (The R for the training set was greater than 0.98 for all of the stiffness coefficients.) The variable importance analysis showed that the T/2R was the most significant variable for all stiffness coefficients, followed by Gsand/Gclay. The optimum DT model achieved good predictive performance upon independent verification, with the R being 0.97, 0.99, 0.99, and 0.95 for Kv, Kh, Km, and Kc, respectively. The proposed reliable and efficient DT-PSO model for stiffness coefficients in layered soil could further promote the safe and efficient utilization of circular foundations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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14 pages, 12536 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Destruction Mode and Influence Factors of the Gridded Hard Crust Using Transparent Soil
by Yanxiang Guo, Geng Chen, Minguo Lin and Qianqian Guo
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 590; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13010590 - 31 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1275
Abstract
In this study, 12 groups of plane strain model tests of gridded hard crust with different cement contents and structures were conducted with a transparent soil experimental technique. The destruction mode and influence factors in the ultimate state were investigated by analyzing the [...] Read more.
In this study, 12 groups of plane strain model tests of gridded hard crust with different cement contents and structures were conducted with a transparent soil experimental technique. The destruction mode and influence factors in the ultimate state were investigated by analyzing the law of soil displacement and ultimate load change around the structure. The test results revealed that the destruction mode of gridded hard crust under 8% cement content was mainly the destruction of the upper hard crust. Under the condition of small spacing, the grid structure was destructed when the thickness of the hard crust increased. The destruction mode of the gridded hard crust was majorly the destruction of the lower grid structure when the cement content was 15%, and the thinner hard crust was destroyed when the space between grid structures enlarged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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16 pages, 3171 KiB  
Article
An Analytical Method Evaluating the Evolution of Group Effect for Vertically Loaded Pile Groups Subjected to Tunnel Excavation
by Yifei Fan, Jing Cai and Jianhua Wang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13010517 - 30 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1121
Abstract
Tunnel excavations near existing vertically loaded pile groups are frequently encountered in urban areas, and most available studies have focused on the additional deformation and stress induced in the pile group, lacking in consideration of the variation in the pile-soil interaction (PSI) in [...] Read more.
Tunnel excavations near existing vertically loaded pile groups are frequently encountered in urban areas, and most available studies have focused on the additional deformation and stress induced in the pile group, lacking in consideration of the variation in the pile-soil interaction (PSI) in the process, which plays an important role in pile group behavior with close pile spacing. In addition, for vertically loaded pile groups subjected to excavations in their proximity, the combined actions of the overlapping stress and shielding effect can lead to complicated variations in the group effect, which in turn results in difficulty in evaluating the PSI relationship and the pile group response. Thus, the modified Poulos method is extended in this paper to account for the effects of tunneling, and the variations in the group effect, load redistributions and pile settlements are also investigated. The validity of the proposed method is firstly verified by an available centrifuge model test with tunneling near a 2 × 2 fixed-head pile group. Further, the influences of the pile spacing and relative distance between the pile group and the tunnel are analyzed, and the most unfavorable working condition could be a tunnel excavated near the soil surface, close to a pile group with a small pile spacing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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25 pages, 4302 KiB  
Article
The Relatively Stable Seepage Field: A New Concept to Determine Seepage Field in the Design of a Dry-Stack Tailings Pond
by Qiang Li, Bi-Ze Wu, Xin Li, Sen Jia, Feng-Hao Zhen and Song Gao
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(23), 12123; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122312123 - 27 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1429
Abstract
The determination of seepage field is the basis to design seepage drainage facilities and dam slopes in tailings pond. However, in the design of a dry-stack tailings pond with a long service life, previous research has been mostly limited to the influence of [...] Read more.
The determination of seepage field is the basis to design seepage drainage facilities and dam slopes in tailings pond. However, in the design of a dry-stack tailings pond with a long service life, previous research has been mostly limited to the influence of short-term rainfall, and a proper concept has not been formed to guide the calculation of the seepage field in the design of a dry-stack tailings pond under the cumulative effect of long-term periodic rainfall. The objective of this study is to propose a new concept to concisely determine the seepage field for the design of a dry-stack tailings pond under multi-year periodic rainfall. To this end, the calculation model of the seepage field of a dry-stack tailings pond under multiyear rainfall was established. The evolution process of the seepage field was studied by numerical simulation based on the calculation model and the final form of the seepage field evolution of a dry-stack tailings pond was found. Accordingly, a new concept, the relatively stable seepage field (RSSF) which can be used as the basis for seepage drainage facilities and the dam slope design of a dry-stack tailings pond, was proposed and named. Furthermore, the influencing factors of a relatively stable seepage field were studied by numerical simulation. The results show that: (1) the cumulative infiltration of long-term periodic rainfall is the main reason for the formation of the RSSF, and (2) under the condition of constant annual rainfall, the distribution of the RSSF has little to do with the selection of rainfall mode. Therefore, a new understanding has been formed from this article whereby the RSSF is an essential basis to be considered in the design of the dam slope and drainage system of a dry-stack tailings pond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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20 pages, 5470 KiB  
Article
An Analytical Solution for the Deformation of Soft Ground Reinforced by Columnar Inclusions under Equal Stress Conditions
by Zan Zhou, Thomas Man-Hoi Lok, Wan-Huan Zhou and Lin-Shuang Zhao
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(22), 11574; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122211574 - 15 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1343
Abstract
Columnar inclusion is a versatile and cost-effective technique for improving weak soils. Currently, most approaches are based on the “equal strain” assumption to calculate the deformation of soft ground reinforced by columnar inclusions. In this study, a new model to simulate the behavior [...] Read more.
Columnar inclusion is a versatile and cost-effective technique for improving weak soils. Currently, most approaches are based on the “equal strain” assumption to calculate the deformation of soft ground reinforced by columnar inclusions. In this study, a new model to simulate the behavior of column-reinforced soft soil under equal stress conditions based on the variational principles is proposed. The proposed model satisfies the force equilibrium and deformation compatibility simultaneously, which is seldom fulfilled in traditional empirical methods or other analytical models. The corresponding analytical solution is obtained and its accuracy is verified by comparing it with the numerical solutions using finite element analysis. The comparisons of the proposed solution with an existing solution show that the proposed solution can provide very close agreement over a wide range of parameters while the existing solution is only able to provide a reasonable agreement for a certain range of stiffness ratio of the column and soft ground. In addition, a parametric study is made to illustrate the influence of various parameters on ground settlement predictions. The parametric study indicated that, by increasing the ratio of elastic modulus between the stone column and surrounding soils and the ratio between the radius of the stone column and the space of the stone column, the load transfer effect has been significantly improved, and the ground settlement becomes smaller. Furthermore, the Poisson’s ratio of the surrounding soil also has a very significant effect on ground settlement, while the effect of the Poisson’s ratio of the stone column on ground settlement is less significant compared with that of the surrounding soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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11 pages, 2411 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Effect of Pile-End Soil on the Pile Load Transfer Law
by Hangyu Zhang and Hailong Ma
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6347; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12136347 - 22 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1234
Abstract
This paper compares and analyzes the difference in the skin friction between pile-end soilless compressive pile and conventional compressive pile at various stages during loading by the in situ test method. The influence of pile-end soil on the load transfer law of compressive [...] Read more.
This paper compares and analyzes the difference in the skin friction between pile-end soilless compressive pile and conventional compressive pile at various stages during loading by the in situ test method. The influence of pile-end soil on the load transfer law of compressive piles in clay-dominated stratified foundations is further investigated. The results show that the overall load–displacement curves of the pile-end soilless compressive pile and the conventional compressive pile both present a slow decline followed by a steep drop. The length of the linear section on the load–displacement curve of the pile-end soilless compressive pile is less than that of the linear stage of the conventional compressive pile. Under the vertical load, the distribution laws and distribution forms of the skin friction ratio of the pile sections of the two piles are more consistent. The pile-end soil of the conventional compressive pile restricts the skin friction of the pile’s middle-lower and lower pile segments when compared to the pile-end soilless compressive pile. This restriction manifests itself as a reduction in pile skin friction, and the weakening effect decreases from bottom to top. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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16 pages, 9457 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Horizontal Earth Pressure Acting on Box Culverts through Centrifuge Model Test
by Kicheol Lee, Joonyoung Kim and Sang Inn Woo
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 1993; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12041993 - 14 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3910
Abstract
Underground space is being utilized due to the saturation of surface ground. The box culvert, as a representative infrastructure that has moved underground, is installed to protect such fixtures as electricity and gas. Because buried box culverts are necessarily affected by soil, it [...] Read more.
Underground space is being utilized due to the saturation of surface ground. The box culvert, as a representative infrastructure that has moved underground, is installed to protect such fixtures as electricity and gas. Because buried box culverts are necessarily affected by soil, it is important to study the earth pressure according to soil type. Herein, the horizontal earth pressure of the buried box culvert was analyzed. Accordingly, a precisely simulated centrifuge model test was performed. Additionally, the coefficient of earth pressure was analyzed. The results had significant variability because, in the existing theory, the horizontal earth pressure acting on the side of the box culvert was only calculated using the coefficient of earth pressure and the friction angle of the soil. Therefore, a correction factor was deemed necessary for calculating the horizontal earth pressure acting on the side of the box culvert. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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14 pages, 3293 KiB  
Article
A Method for Determining the Safe Thickness of Concrete Retaining Walls Based on Slab Structure Theory
by Yankai Liu, Mengjun Chen, Wei Li and Bingchuan Cheng
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1656; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12031656 - 04 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2680
Abstract
The safe thickness of concrete retaining walls for curtain grouting on tunnel faces is an essential factor related to tunnel safety and grouting effects. In this research, the concrete retaining wall was simplified into a standard rectangular slab structure. The Rankine active earth [...] Read more.
The safe thickness of concrete retaining walls for curtain grouting on tunnel faces is an essential factor related to tunnel safety and grouting effects. In this research, the concrete retaining wall was simplified into a standard rectangular slab structure. The Rankine active earth pressure theory and the plastic hinge theory were used to analyze the lateral force of the concrete retaining wall. By deriving the safety-thickness equation of the concrete retaining wall, a quantitative criterion that can display the mechanism of the concrete retaining wall was obtained. The traditional empirical formula and Kalmykov formula had a particular connection with the method in this paper in determining the safe thickness of the concrete retaining wall. This was negatively related to the compressive (tensile) strength of the concrete and the groundwater level and positively associated with the buried depth of the tunnel. The conversion relationship between the traditional empirical formula and the theoretical formula was established, and the exact solution formula for the value of safety coefficient K0 was given. Finally, the rationality of the theoretical formula was verified by a field test, in novel work that provides a reference for similar projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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20 pages, 11134 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Subsidence during TBM Operation in Mixed-Face Ground Conditions from Realtime Monitoring Data
by Hyun-Koo Lee, Myung-Kyu Song and Sean Seungwon Lee
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 12130; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112412130 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2088
Abstract
The prediction of settlement during tunneling presents multiple challenges, as such settlement is governed by not only the local geology but also construction methods and practices, such as tunnel boring machine (TBM). To avoid undesirable settlement, engineers must predict the settlement under given [...] Read more.
The prediction of settlement during tunneling presents multiple challenges, as such settlement is governed by not only the local geology but also construction methods and practices, such as tunnel boring machine (TBM). To avoid undesirable settlement, engineers must predict the settlement under given conditions. The widely used methods are analytical solutions, empirical solutions, and numerical solutions. Analytical or empirical solutions, however, have limitations, which cannot incorporate the major causes of subsidence, such as unexpected geological conditions and TBM operational issues, among which cutterhead pressure and thrust force-related factors are the most influential. In settlement prediction, to utilize the machine data of TBM, two phases of long short-term memory (LSTM) models are devised. The first LSTM model is designed to capture the features affecting surface settlement. The second model is for the prediction of subsidence against the extracted features. One thing to note is that predicted subsidence is the evolution of settlement along TBM drive rather than its maximum value. The proposed deep-learning models are capable of predicting the subsidence of training and test sets with excellent accuracy, anticipating that it could be an effective tool for real-world tunneling and other underground construction projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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18 pages, 6031 KiB  
Article
Physical Investigation of Deformation Behaviour of Single and Twin Tunnel under Static Loading Condition
by Parvesh Kumar and Amit Kumar Shrivastava
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11506; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112311506 - 04 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1653
Abstract
This paper presents a new testing method for the problems encountered in field testing. To this end, single-tunnel and twin-tunnel small-scale rock models are prepared in the laboratory. A new methodology is proposed to encounter problems that are faced during field testing. The [...] Read more.
This paper presents a new testing method for the problems encountered in field testing. To this end, single-tunnel and twin-tunnel small-scale rock models are prepared in the laboratory. A new methodology is proposed to encounter problems that are faced during field testing. The test results show that rock strength characteristics, overburden pressure, and tunnel spacing have important effects on the stability of underground structures. For rocks with poor strength properties, the damage degree is greater. When the strength property of rock changes, the deformation value of unlined tunnels changes from 21.05% to 27.58%, while that of lined tunnels changes from 11% to 21.42%. Also, in the twin tunnel, the deformation value reduces from 20% to 15.78% when the spacing between the tunnels is increased. For the measurement of stress and deformation in tunnels, the results obtained from experiments are analyzed. The method adopted in this study helps determine the tunnel’s design parameters to make it safe under overlying static loads. Finally, the key factors affecting the stability of underground structures are determined by simulating the field conditions through experimental research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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17 pages, 8199 KiB  
Article
Influence of Soil Particle Size on the Engineering Properties and Microstructure of a Red Clay
by Yongwei Wang, Kunyao Li, Jiaming Li and Shibin Tang
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10887; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112210887 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2545
Abstract
Particle size exerts a significant influence on the mechanical behavior of soil. However, insufficient research has been carried out on red clay formations, which are widespread in some Chinese provinces. Here, using unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, wetting–drying (WD) tests, and low-temperature nitrogen [...] Read more.
Particle size exerts a significant influence on the mechanical behavior of soil. However, insufficient research has been carried out on red clay formations, which are widespread in some Chinese provinces. Here, using unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, wetting–drying (WD) tests, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption tests, we examined the relationship between the particle size and a number of mechanical and microstructural characteristics of a red clay outcropping at a construction site in China. Our results suggest that, depending on the surface area, porosity, particle size, and dry density, the failure mechanism in UCS tests will be different. That is, as the particle size increases, the failure mode of soil changes from split failure into shear failure. In addition, as the dry density increases, the UCS of the soil sample is significantly improved, and its total porosity and fractal dimension decrease. We also evaluated a dependence on particle size and the number of WD cycles on the distribution and size of cracks in WD tests. We conclude by suggesting that particle size, dry density, and WD behavior should all be taken into account in roadbed designs in red clay formations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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16 pages, 4299 KiB  
Article
A Study of the Effects of Geological Conditions on Korean Tunnel Construction Time Using the Updated NTNU Drill and Blast Prediction Model
by Yangkyun Kim and Sean Seungwon Lee
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10096; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112110096 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1963
Abstract
This paper analyses the construction time and advance rate of a 3 km long drill and blast tunnel under various geological conditions using an upgraded NTNU drill and blast prediction model. The analysis was carried out for the five types of Korean tunnel [...] Read more.
This paper analyses the construction time and advance rate of a 3 km long drill and blast tunnel under various geological conditions using an upgraded NTNU drill and blast prediction model. The analysis was carried out for the five types of Korean tunnel supports according to the rock mass quality (from Type 1, meaning a very good rock mass quality; to Type 5, meaning a very poor rock mass quality). Four kinds of rock properties, as well as the rock mass quality, for each tunnel support type were applied to simulate different geological conditions based on previous studies and the NTNU model. The construction time was classified into five categories: basic, standard, gross, tunnel and total, according to the operation characteristics to more effectively analyse the time. In addition, to consider the actual geological conditions in tunnelling, the construction times for the three mixed geological cases were analysed. It was found that total construction time of a tunnel covering all the operations and site preparations with a very poor rock mass quality was more than twice that of a tunnel with a very good rock mass quality for the same tunnel length. It is thought that this study can be a useful approach to estimating the construction time and advance rate in the planning or design stage of a drill and blast tunnel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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19 pages, 17477 KiB  
Article
Development of Quick Digital Field Recording and Mapping Method of Geological Objects for Hydraulic Engineering
by Wenchao Zhao, Shuai Han, Yapeng Chen, Yusheng Gao and Manjie Liu
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 9840; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11219840 - 21 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1268
Abstract
During the fieldwork of hydraulic engineering, practical engineers normally document geological information manually. Although there are some GIS-based digital tools for geology, they are not perfectly applicable to hydraulic engineering. As a result, the current work mode is ineffective, unmanageable, error-prone, and not [...] Read more.
During the fieldwork of hydraulic engineering, practical engineers normally document geological information manually. Although there are some GIS-based digital tools for geology, they are not perfectly applicable to hydraulic engineering. As a result, the current work mode is ineffective, unmanageable, error-prone, and not conducive to subsequent analysis. To address this problem, we developed a digital tool which enables geological recording and quick modeling based on 3D real scenes in the field of hydropower projects. There are three modules in the surface tool: object recording, image interpretation, and field analysis. The object recording module is to mark geological points (e.g., drills and shafts), lines (e.g., faults, stratigraphic boundaries), and surfaces (e.g., slope and stocking yard) on a 3D scene and then store them in the database. The image interpretation is to interpret the 2D information in images to 3D models loaded in 3D software for further studies, such as GOCAD. The field analysis includes surface fitting, stability analysis of blocks, occurrences calculating, rock recognition, and 69/sketching. The tool is helpful for recording data, drawing geological boundaries, and building a preliminary model in the geological survey. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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15 pages, 5135 KiB  
Article
Stability Analysis of Soil Flow Protector and Design Method for Estimating Optimal Length
by Suwon Son, Moonbong Choi and Jaewon Yoo
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7314; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167314 - 09 Aug 2021
Viewed by 1308
Abstract
Underground cavities can develop below structures, leading to ground settlement and hindering the development of urban infrastructure. Soil flow protectors (SFPs) have been developed to prevent and alleviate problems due to the formation of such cavities. In this study, we performed scaled model [...] Read more.
Underground cavities can develop below structures, leading to ground settlement and hindering the development of urban infrastructure. Soil flow protectors (SFPs) have been developed to prevent and alleviate problems due to the formation of such cavities. In this study, we performed scaled model experiments to develop a design method for an SFP with an adequate safety factor under different installation lengths of its upper and lower parts in sandy ground. The installation of the SFP reduced the average surface settlement ratio to the range of 0.44–0.72, thus demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing ground settlement. In addition, we proposed a relational equation for determining the optimal length ratio of the SFP and the settlement ratio. An analysis of the influencing factors showed that the lower part of the SFP influenced the settlement reduction, whereas the upper part influenced the stability of the SFP depending on the ground settlement ratio. Finally, we have proposed an optimal length equation for the SFP and presented a flowchart for the design method. The results of this study can serve as a design basis for the efficient construction of infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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15 pages, 49739 KiB  
Article
Slope Stability Analysis to Correlate Shear Strength with Slope Angle and Shear Stress by Considering Saturated and Unsaturated Seismic Conditions
by Muhammad Israr Khan and Shuhong Wang
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4568; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11104568 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4566
Abstract
Assessment and analysis of soil slope stability is an important part of geotechnical engineering at all times. This paper examines the assessment of soil slope stability in fine-grained soils. The effect of change in shear strength (τ), shear stress (σ) and slope angle [...] Read more.
Assessment and analysis of soil slope stability is an important part of geotechnical engineering at all times. This paper examines the assessment of soil slope stability in fine-grained soils. The effect of change in shear strength (τ), shear stress (σ) and slope angle (β) on the factor of safety has been studied. It correlates shear strength with slope angle and shear stress by considering the horizontal seismic coefficients in both saturated and unsaturated conditions. The slope failure surface was considered a circular slip surface. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and Slide, numerical modeling software and limit equilibrium slope stability analysis software, respectively, are used to find out the correlations between the three basic parameters. The slope angle varied from 70 to 88 degrees, which are the most critical values for slope angles, and a total of 200 analyses were performed. τ, β and σ are correlated, and the correlations are provided in the results section. The results indicate that the correlations developed between the parameters have a very close relationship. The applicability of the developed equations is above 99%. These correlations are applicable in any type of soil slope stability analysis, where the value of shear strength and factor of safety is required with the variation of slope angle and shear stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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15 pages, 3677 KiB  
Article
Pile Base and Shaft Capacity under Various Types of Loading
by Michał Baca and Jarosław Rybak
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3396; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11083396 - 10 Apr 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3017
Abstract
Pile bearing capacity is usually understood as the sum of the bearing capacities of the pile’s base and shaft. Nevertheless, the behaviour of the pile base and shaft can be different, depending on what testing method is used for the evaluation of the [...] Read more.
Pile bearing capacity is usually understood as the sum of the bearing capacities of the pile’s base and shaft. Nevertheless, the behaviour of the pile base and shaft can be different, depending on what testing method is used for the evaluation of the bearing capacity. In this paper, three different methods of pipe pile testing are introduced, which make it possible to evaluate the pile base and shaft bearing capacities. On the basis of the tests conducted on a laboratory scale and numerical simulations performed with the finite element method, different approaches to bearing capacity evaluation have been compared. As a result, some similarities and differences between the applied methods are presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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Review

Jump to: Research

33 pages, 3008 KiB  
Review
Measuring Resilience in Smart Infrastructures: A Comprehensive Review of Metrics and Methods
by Abdulaziz Almaleh
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6452; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13116452 - 25 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1620
Abstract
In today’s world, the safety, economic prosperity, and social well-being of nations depend heavily on highly interconnected critical infrastructures. These infrastructures encompass power networks, natural gas systems, communication networks, water treatment facilities, and transportation systems. Gaining insight into the behavior of these infrastructures, [...] Read more.
In today’s world, the safety, economic prosperity, and social well-being of nations depend heavily on highly interconnected critical infrastructures. These infrastructures encompass power networks, natural gas systems, communication networks, water treatment facilities, and transportation systems. Gaining insight into the behavior of these infrastructures, particularly during stress or attacks, has become crucial for both the private and public sectors. Ensuring an adequate level of functionality during emergencies, such as disasters, is also a priority, which can be attained by enhancing infrastructure resilience. Resilience metrics and models play a significant role in understanding the complex interplay between the behaviors and operational characteristics of interdependent critical infrastructures. Additionally, these models and metrics must demonstrate the interdependencies among infrastructures to provide a more comprehensive representation of infrastructure resilience. This paper reviews, categorizes, and presents resilience metrics and models for Smart Interdependent Critical Infrastructures (Smart ICIs). This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of various resilience models and measurements tailored specifically for interdependent critical smart infrastructures. It includes the essential terminology and definitions related to the resilience of Smart ICIs, investigates the universally recognized phases and capabilities of resilience, and examines the various types of failures that could potentially affect Smart ICIs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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32 pages, 3265 KiB  
Review
Geotechnical Design Practices and Soil–Structure Interaction Effects of an Integral Bridge System: A Review
by Lila Dhar Sigdel, Ahmed Al-Qarawi, Chin Jian Leo, Samanthika Liyanapathirana and Pan Hu
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 7131; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11157131 - 02 Aug 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7012
Abstract
Integral bridges are a class of bridges with integral or semi-integral abutments, designed without expansion joints in the bridge deck of the superstructure. The significance of an integral bridge design is that it avoids durability and recurring maintenance issues with bridge joints, and [...] Read more.
Integral bridges are a class of bridges with integral or semi-integral abutments, designed without expansion joints in the bridge deck of the superstructure. The significance of an integral bridge design is that it avoids durability and recurring maintenance issues with bridge joints, and maybe bearings, which are prevalent in traditional bridges. Integral bridges are less costly to construct. They require less maintenance and therefore cause less traffic disruptions that incur socio-economic costs. As a consequence, integral bridges are becoming the first choice of bridge design for short-to-medium length bridges in many countries, including the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and many other Asian countries. However, integral bridge designs are not without challenges: issues that concern concrete creep, shrinkage, temperature effects, bridge skew, structural constraints, as well as soil–structure interactions are amplified in integral bridges. The increased cyclic soil–structure interactions between the bridge structure and soil will lead to adverse soil ratcheting and settlement bump at the bridge approach. If movements from bridge superstructures were also transferred to pile-supported substructures, there is a risk that the pile–soil interactions may lead to pile fatigue failure. These issues complicate the geotechnical aspects of integral bridges. The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of current geotechnical design practices and the amelioration of soil–structure interactions of integral bridges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geotechnologies in Infrastructure Engineering)
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