{"title":"Resistance factors for design of square foundations on 3D cohesive soils against bearing capacity failure","authors":"Yongbo Gan , Yajun Li , Honghu Zhu , Bin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101579","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101579","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reliability-based designs have seen extensive use in structural engineering but face slower adoption in geotechnical practices due to the complexities in understanding uncertainties in the ground. This paper aims to bridge geotechnical and structural designs in sophisticated engineering systems, focusing on shallow square foundations that transfer structural loads to the underlying ground. The study introduces a semi-analytical method to assess the bearing capacity failure probability of shallow square foundations on 3D undrained cohesive soils using local average theory. The failure probability is efficiently calculated through fast evaluations of variances and covariance of locally averaged soil properties without relying on time-consuming computations via 3D non-linear random finite element analysis (RFEA). Confirmed through Monte Carlo simulation validation, the approach accurately determines the necessary resistance factors for designs against bearing capacity failure. Parameters specific to each site, such as sample location, variation coefficient, and fluctuation scale of spatially variable shear strength, influence the resistance factors. The approach suggests a practical method that aligns resistance factors with reliability theories, aiding engineers in transitioning to reliability-based designs without the need for extensive computations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 2","pages":"Article 101579"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143422073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhammad Mahmood Ul Hassan , Koichi Isobe , Yasumasa Soga , Yasuo Sawamura , Hiroki Sugiyama , Masatsugu Shinohara
{"title":"Seismic performance of bridge pier integrated by multiple steel pipes with directly-connected piles using soil-water coupled three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element analysis","authors":"Muhammad Mahmood Ul Hassan , Koichi Isobe , Yasumasa Soga , Yasuo Sawamura , Hiroki Sugiyama , Masatsugu Shinohara","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101571","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101571","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A bridge pier integrated by multiple steel pipes with directly-connected piles was proposed as a way to design a rational foundation for bridge pier structures, and its feasibility was examined by comparing its seismic behaviour with that of a bridge pier with a conventional footing. Through large-scale shaking table tests, employing bridge pier and foundation models at a scale of 1:20, it was verified that the seismic performance of such a bridge pier is comparable to, if not better than, that of a bridge pier with a conventional footing. However, as the shaking table tests utilized only a 2-Hz sine wave as the input, the impact of the relationship between the structure’s natural frequency and the input frequency on the seismic performance, and the response of the structure to irregular ground motion, need further investigation. Therefore, the aim of the present paper is to conduct a reproduction analysis of the results of the above experiment using the soil–water coupled three-dimensional elasto-plastic dynamic finite element analysis method. The analysis will employ a different seismic motion input from that used in the above tests. Through this analytical approach, the paper will elucidate the characteristics related to employing a bridge pier comprised of multiple steel pipes with directly-connected piles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 2","pages":"Article 101571"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143376816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of deep mixed column pattern on the performance of basal reinforced embankment resting on soft soil","authors":"Sujata Fulambarkar, Bappaditya Manna, J.T. Shahu","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101578","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101578","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The deep mixing method (DMM) a soil solidification technique, involves mechanically blending the natural soft soil with a binder to create stiffer soil columns or panel walls, enhancing stability in soft ground areas. In this study, different configurations of deep mixed (DM) columns with a consistent area ratio were tested under vertical loading. Various column patterns, including Square Group Columns (SGC), Longitudinal Tangent Wall (LTW), Transverse Tangent Wall (TTW), and Tangent Grid (TG), were evaluated for their response to stress-settlement, the heaving of the soft clay, and the lateral deformation of the embankment slope. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was employed to analyse ground deformation during the tests. The results show that the LTW pattern has the least, while the TG pattern has the maximum heaving of soft soil and lateral deformation of the embankment slope. The LTW pattern showed the most significant strength improvement, while the TG pattern demonstrated the least enhancement in strength compared to the other patterns. A post-examination of the deformed column was conducted to understand the column failure pattern, and it was noted that the DM column primarily experienced failure due to tilting and bending, indicating that these columns did not fully mobilize their shear strength.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 2","pages":"Article 101578"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143376815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Robust optimization of stabilizing piles for landslides composed of soil–rock mixtures","authors":"Yang Yu , Songlin Liu , Qing Lü","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101574","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101574","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Colluvial landslides are mainly composed of soil–rock mixtures with complex composition and structure, resulting in large uncertainties in mechanical properties. This leads to difficulties in designing stabilizing piles for colluvial landslides. In this study, we derive a predictive model for the ultimate lateral force of stabilizing piles in soil–rock mixtures, and use it to evaluate the factor of safety of a pile-stabilized colluvial landslide. Subsequently, robust geotechnical design is employed to optimize the design of the stabilizing piles. The design robustness is measured by the variation of failure probability, an approach which can overcome difficulties in characterizing uncertainties in soil–rock mixture mechanical properties. Accordingly, we propose a robust design procedure for stabilizing piles for colluvial landslides. The design method and procedure are illustrated using a real colluvial landslide case study, out of which the most preferred design considering the safety, cost, and design robustness is obtained. Moreover, the influences of rock blocks and safety requirements on the optimal designs are discussed. Our results show that the angle of repose of the rock blocks and the volumetric block proportion determine whether the mechanical parameters of the soil matrix can be used to effectively design the stabilizing pile. It is also found that a higher safety requirement can improve the design robustness, but at higher cost. The advantages of the proposed method are illustrated by a comparison with the traditional reliability-based design method.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 2","pages":"Article 101574"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143155607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanical properties and microscopic research of different types of bentonite in conjunction with cement and fine sand","authors":"Zheyuan Feng , Zhibo Zhang , Qiang Tang , Yu Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101573","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101573","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study delves into the mechanical properties and mechanisms of bentonite-modified cement soil, a reinforced material formed through the physicochemical reactions of cement, soil, and water. Recognizing the material’s widespread application in foundation treatment, slope reinforcement, and seepage control, alongside the environmental pressures of cement production, this research explores the potential of bentonite as a partial cement substitute. Through indoor unconfined compressive strength and permeability tests, varied by curing age, bentonite type, and mix ratio, the study assesses the impact of these factors on the material’s performance. Microscopic analyses further elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms at play. Key findings include: a non-linear relationship between bentonite content and modified cement soil strength, with sodium-based bentonite enhancing strength more effectively than calcium-based; a significant reduction in permeability coefficient with increased bentonite content, particularly with sodium-based bentonite; and a detailed examination of the material’s microstructure, revealing the critical role of cement and bentonite content in pore reduction and strength enhancement. The study underscores the paramount influence of cement content on both strength and permeability, proposing a prioritized framework for optimizing modified cement soil’s performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 2","pages":"Article 101573"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143155606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ensemble learning of soil–water characteristic curve for unsaturated seepage using physics-informed neural networks","authors":"Hao-Qing Yang , Chao Shi , Lulu Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2024.101556","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2024.101556","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The determination of the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) is crucial for hydro-mechanical modelling and analysis of soil slopes. Conventional inverse analysis often relies on a predetermined SWCC model for parameter estimation. However, the selection of SWCC functions heavily relies on engineering judgement, which may be subjective and biased. Moreover, the estimation of multiple governing parameters for a preselected function form from limited site-specific data is a nontrivial task, particularly for inexperienced engineering practitioners. To explicitly address this challenge, this study proposes an ensemble learning framework that leverages physics-informed neural networks (PINN) for parameter estimation. Multiple representative SWCCs following different function forms are compiled, providing flexible learning bases to construct arbitrary SWCC. For a specific slope, the most compatible basis combination is adaptively selected based on limited site-specific measurements before being mobilized for forward predictions of hydraulic behavior. The proposed method is illustrated through a hypothetical example and a real slope project at Jalan Kukoh, Singapore. Results indicate that the ensemble learning framework can accurately estimate SWCC functions and the associated pore pressure distributions from limited measurements in a data-driven and physics-informed manner. The robustness of the method has also been demonstrated through a series of sensitivity analyses, showcasing the capability of PINN for unsaturated hydraulic seepage modelling and SWCC estimation during rainfall conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 1","pages":"Article 101556"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143153828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reliability assessment of steel slag and construction waste backfill for reinforced earth structures using response surface method","authors":"Sanjana Sarkar , Amarnath Hegde","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101569","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101569","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study investigates the potential of two waste materials, steel slag and construction and demolition waste (CDW) as backfills for mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. The design of MSE walls traditionally relies on factors of safety (FS) derived from empirical assessments, leading to uncertainties in soil behaviour and stability evaluations. To address this, probabilistic analyses were conducted to evaluate the suitability of slag and CDW backfills. The performance of MSE walls with various backfills was compared through FLAC-2D finite difference simulations. The findings show that substituting sand with slag or CDW significantly reduced the horizontal facing displacement by 83 % and 86 %, respectively. Lower reinforcement strains were also observed with slag and CDW backfills compared to sand. Further, probabilistic studies were conducted on the numerical model using the response surface method (RSM). The reliability index of the MSE wall model was determined using RSM considering uncertainties in soil properties and reinforcement characteristics. At a specified displacement limit, the probability of failure of walls filled with slag and CDW was significantly lower than that of walls filled with sand. Partial safety factors pertaining to friction angle, unit weight and geogrid stiffness were higher with slag and CDW backfills, suggesting reduced risk of failure associated with the alternate backfills. These findings emphasize the potential benefits of using slag and CDW in MSE walls, highlighting the improved performance of these alternate backfills over conventional backfill.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 1","pages":"Article 101569"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143152578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of internal erosion on mechanical properties of different soil compositions and its impact on their cyclic response","authors":"Ali Naqi, Kenji Watanabe","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2024.101540","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2024.101540","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Suffusion, a process whereby water gradually carries away fine particles from soil, is thought to be one of the possible reasons for the settlement or inclination of bridge piers after a major flood (delayed displacement). The aim of this study is to offer fresh insights into suffusion and its mechanical impact on the affected soil, with a specific focus on how it relates to bridge pier failures. Riverbed material is replicated with relatively larger fine particles than those used in past studies which focused on soil in embankments or dikes.</div><div>Through both monotonic and cyclic loading tests on soil samples with varying initial fines contents, while maintaining a constant relative density of 79%, several important discoveries are made. The small strain stiffness of suffused soil fluctuates as erosion occurs, along with a decrease in shear strength and an increase in soil contraction under monotonic stress. Furthermore, the research simulates the train loading exerted on the base soil of bridge piers susceptible to suffusion by subjecting the soil samples to cyclic loading both before and after erosion, mirroring practical conditions. The key findings of this study reveal that the stiffness of soil drops during erosion with no significant deformation of the soil. This leads to a large strain accumulation in the soil specimens under subsequent cyclic traffic loading. These findings highlight that the delayed settlement or inclination of bridge piers under cyclic or train loading after a major flood is possibly due to suffusion in the base soil of the piers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 1","pages":"Article 101540"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143153208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xian Liu , Shui-Hua Jiang , Jiawei Xie , Xueyou Li
{"title":"Bayesian inverse analysis with field observation for slope failure mechanism and reliability assessment under rainfall accounting for nonstationary characteristics of soil properties","authors":"Xian Liu , Shui-Hua Jiang , Jiawei Xie , Xueyou Li","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101568","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2025.101568","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Slope failure mechanism and reliability assessment under rainfall usually not only ignores the nonstationary characteristics of soil hydraulic and shear strength parameters, but also does not make use of the freely available field observation that the slope remains stable under the natural condition. In this paper, the nonstationary characteristics and spatial variabilities of soil hydraulic and shear strength parameters, along with model bias, are explicitly accounted for. Firstly, Bayesian inverse analysis is conducted to infer the spatially varying shear strength parameters and reduce their uncertainties by incorporating the field observation. Following this, an infinite slope model is taken as an example to perform slope seepage, stability and reliability analyses subjected to a rainfall event based on the posterior statistics of soil shear strength parameters. The probabilities of slope failure and distributions of critical slip surface for various rainfall durations are then evaluated within a Monte-Carlo simulation framework. Based on these, the slope failure mechanism induced solely by the rainfall is investigated. The results indicate that the probability of failure of the infinite slope, when evaluated using the posterior statistics of soil shear strength parameters, is close to zero (7.24 × 10<sup>−2</sup>), which aligns with the field observation wherein the slope remains stable under the natural condition. The triggering factors for slope failure vary across different stages of rainfall infiltration are identified and elucidated in this paper. Ignoring the field observation and the nonstationary characteristics of soil properties can lead to inaccurate assessments of both the failure mechanisms and probabilities of slopes induced by the rainfall. The research can provide a new perspective for understanding the slope failure mechanism caused by the rainfall.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 1","pages":"Article 101568"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143153251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sota Murase , Te Ma , Kunlin Ruan , Daichi Ito , Hailong Wang , Hideo Komine
{"title":"Estimation of water content of compacted Kunigel-V1 bentonite using near-infrared spectra","authors":"Sota Murase , Te Ma , Kunlin Ruan , Daichi Ito , Hailong Wang , Hideo Komine","doi":"10.1016/j.sandf.2024.101545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sandf.2024.101545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bentonite has been selected as a candidate buffer material for the deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW). To more effectively control the compaction quality of bentonite blocks, an efficient and accurate method for estimating the water content of compacted bentonite should be developed. A method for estimating the water content of compacted bentonite using near-infrared spectroscopy is proposed in this study. The near-infrared spectra of 60 compacted Kunigel-V1 (KV1) bentonite specimens, with varying water contents and compaction loads, were measured using a near-infrared spectral sensor. Based on the obtained experimental data, a calibration model was constructed through partial least squares (PLS) regression, and its accuracy was evaluated by means of several indicators. The results demonstrated that the calibration model could achieve an estimation accuracy of approximately ± 1.0 %, regardless of the compaction load. These findings confirm the applicability of using near-infrared spectroscopy for estimating the water content of compacted Kunigel-V1 bentonite.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21857,"journal":{"name":"Soils and Foundations","volume":"65 1","pages":"Article 101545"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143153253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}