Transportation Geotechnics最新文献

{"title":"Analytical prediction of soil–water characteristics curves for granular pavement base course materials","authors":"Yadong Guo,&nbsp;Bjorn Birgisson","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101704","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101704","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) plays an important role on predicting performance of granular materials. To consider the effects of material structure and water contact angle hysteresis on the SWCC, a new model is proposed. In the model, the material structure is divided into the primary structure (PS) and the secondary structure (SS). PS and SS are determined based on the grain-size distribution of materials, and compared with SS, PS is composed of larger particles forming the load transferring network in materials. It is assumed that water films mainly exist in the PS, while liquid bridges mainly exist in the SS. Thus, the residual water content is determined based on the PS, and the liquid bridge volume between particles is determined from the total water content of materials based on SS. Then, a new liquid bridge model is proposed to determine the suction between two particles based on the liquid bridge volume. Due to the water contact angle hysteresis, the advancing and receding contact angles are used to derive the wetting and drying SWCC curves, respectively. Some test data are used to verify the proposed model. It is found that the model predictions match the test data well, and the SWCC hysteresis is captured by considering the contact angle hysteresis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101704"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144996392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced pavement design process to incorporate moisture management geotextiles: a comprehensive mechanical-hydro-mechanical modeling and design integration (Part A)","authors":"Danial Mirzaiyan ,&nbsp;Eshan V. Dave","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101708","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101708","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The mechanical reinforcement effects of a Moisture Management Geotextile (MMG) within pavement systems were evaluated using finite element modeling. Field test sections in Minnesota and Texas were constructed to assess the MMG’s performance under varying climatic conditions and loading scenarios. A two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model was developed in ABAQUS, incorporating non-linear, stress-dependent behavior of unbound materials and modeling the geotextile as an orthotropic elastic membrane to capture its anisotropic properties. Calibration and validation using Falling Weight Deflectometer data demonstrated the model’s accuracy in capturing pavement responses and the mechanical reinforcement provided by the MMG. An extensive parametric analysis, involving over 110,000 finite element simulations across various locations, traffic levels, pavement cross-sections, and material properties, was conducted to evaluate the MMG’s impact. Comparative analyses aligned rutting damage predictions from the non-linear models with traditional Layered Elastic Analysis (LEA) methods. Adjustments were made to unbound granular layer thicknesses in the LEA models to account for the mechanical reinforcement effects captured in non-linear ABAQUS model. A Python-based tool was developed to facilitate practical implementation of these adjustments in pavement design. Although the broader parametric analysis was extensive, this paper presents selected demonstration cases to illustrate the methodology and key findings. Findings indicate that the MMG can significantly enhance pavement performance by reducing compressive strains on the subgrade and permit thinner base layers without compromising structural integrity, leading to potential cost savings and material efficiency. The study underscores the importance of incorporating geosynthetic reinforcement into pavement design and provides a practical methodology for accounting the MMG’s mechanical benefits within existing design frameworks. This paper (Part A) focuses on mechanical reinforcement effects; a companion paper (Part B) will address hydraulic stabilization, developing a comprehensive model integrating both benefits to enhance pavement design methodologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101708"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145026785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the benefits of lightweight cellular concrete as embankment fill for reducing negative skin friction on abutment piles","authors":"Sepehr Chalajour,&nbsp;James A. Blatz","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lightweight cellular concrete (LCC) offers advantages in geotechnical applications by reducing surcharge pressures compared to traditional fill materials. This study examines the use of LCC as embankment fill and evaluates its effects on negative skin friction in pile foundations, in comparison to traditional granular backfill, through field measurements and numerical simulations on a production H-pile at a bridge construction site. A verified numerical model was utilized to calculate the maximum axial force at the neutral plane, drag force, and downdrag magnitudes. The model was then modified using LCC parameters to assess potential benefits for piled foundations. Parametric analysis evaluated how LCC property variations influence axial forces in pile groups for the two representatives most and least critical positions based on the axial force magnitude. Results demonstrate that LCC reduces maximum axial force at the neutral plane by over 60%. Negative skin friction and drag force decreased by 37.5% and 65%, respectively, at the critical pile position. During filling stages with LCC, compressive forces along edge piles were reduced, though this trend reversed during consolidation. Variations in Poisson’s ratio and elastic modulus had a more pronounced influence on the pile located at the edge of the cap, while changes in unit weight impacted middle piles more substantially. LCC implementation reduced embankment settlement and downdrag by decreasing the relative settlement between soil and pile by up to 70% at the most critical location.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101688"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145026899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance comparison of capped pile and piled beam support systems for embankments on soft soils","authors":"Tengfei Wang ,&nbsp;Shujun Qu ,&nbsp;Keqin Huang ,&nbsp;Kaiwen Liu ,&nbsp;David P. Connolly ,&nbsp;Qiang Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Geographical locations with soft soil present significant challenges for constructing transportation earthworks due to the soil’s high compressibility and low shear strength. Pile-supported embankments are a proven solution; however, the relative performance of different pile–cap–beam configurations under equal area coverage ratio (ACR) conditions remains insufficiently quantified. This study investigates the hydromechanical behavior of soft soils improved using Capped Pile Supported Embankment (CPSE) and Piled Beam Supported Embankment (PBSE) systems through fully coupled three-dimensional numerical analyses calibrated against field data. The models incorporate geosynthetic-reinforced cushion layers and examine basal pressures, excess pore pressures, settlements, lateral displacements, and pile/beam deformation patterns. Results show that, at equal ACR, CPSE transfers vertical loads more directly to piles, reducing centerline settlement, whereas PBSE provides greater lateral restraint, reducing horizontal movement at the slope toe. Parametric analyses for embankments of 5 m and 10 m height reveal that PBSE generally offers higher stability, with optimal ACR ranges depending on embankment height. These findings provide a controlled baseline for performance comparison and inform future optimization, including considerations for traffic-induced bending, cyclic loading, and seismic effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101703"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145004323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feedstock influence on mechanical properties and CO2 mineralization potential of biochar amended cemented soft clay","authors":"Mohamad Hanafi ,&nbsp;Sarah Aura ,&nbsp;Roozbeh Abidnejad,&nbsp;Hossein Baniasadi,&nbsp;Sanandam Bordoloi","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101697","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101697","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soft clay stabilization using lime-cement binders is one of the major sources of CO₂ emission in the Nordics. The current study explores the feasibility of different biochar types (waste wood (WWB), tree shavings (TB) and sewage sludge (SB)) as a partial binder replacement for stabilization soft sensitive clay through natural and accelerated CO₂ curing (ACC). A set of stabilized clay samples at 100 kg/m³ (per cubic meter of clay) of binder usage was systematically studied in the laboratory wherein biochar at 10 % and 20 % replaced an alternative slag cement-based binder by weight. The developed cementitious composite’s physio-chemical properties and mechanical properties were measured at the 7th and 28th day after stabilization. While TB exhibited similar compressive strength compared to control samples (420–450 kPa), WWB improved strength at 10 % replacement levels by about 13 %. Under ACC, all samples exhibited consistent reduced strength due to reduced pH and lesser mobilization of hydrated products compared to the control samples. Nonetheless, the achieved strength in all the samples satisfied the limits for backfill materials (Finnish transport agency), and all the samples (except the carbonated 20 % SB samples satisfied the design limit provided by the Finnish guidelines for dry deep soil mixing (DDSM) design. While TB and WWB biochar amended binder boosted CaCO₃, mineralization by 128 % and 118 %, respectively, SB amended binder led to lower increase in CaCO₃ (70 %) although it diminished strength at both replacement levels. Nevertheless, the net CO₂ emission for the complete DDSM process of all three studied biochar amended binders were smaller than those in literature. CO₂ sequestration potential of original cement binder (42.75 kg CO₂ eq./t) increased from around 50 kg CO₂ eq./t to 110 kg CO₂ eq./t when biochar was added.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101697"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144931723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resilient modulus of fine-grained tropical soils from sensitivity-driven evolutionary polynomial regression","authors":"Bruno Oliveira da Silva ,&nbsp;Guilherme J.C. Gomes","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101709","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Resilient Modulus (<span><math><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>R</mi></msub></math></span>) is a fundamental parameter for the design and analysis of road pavement structures based on mechanistic principles. Although understanding material resilience is essential in this context, the tests required for <span><math><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>R</mi></msub></math></span> determination are costly, complex, and time-consuming. Advanced computational modeling has proven to be an effective tool for estimating this parameter in preliminary studies, conceptual designs, and small-scale projects. This study adopted a sensitivity-driven Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (EPR) approach to develop new empirical models to predict <span><math><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>R</mi></msub></math></span> of fine-grained tropical soils. Using a dataset comprising 126 experimental values of <span><math><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>R</mi></msub></math></span> obtained from triaxial tests, the proposed model estimates <span><math><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>R</mi></msub></math></span> based on six explanatory variables: plasticity index (PI), optimum moisture content (w_opt), percentage passing through the No. 200 sieve (P₂₀₀), laterization index (e'), confining stress (σ₃), and deviatoric stress (σ_d). The grey-box nature of the proposed approach allows for direct correlation with physical soil properties. The consistency and robustness of the models were evaluated through cross-validation, using three randomly shuffled data batches for the simulations. The model exhibited desirable attributes such as parsimony (with only two polynomial terms in the equation), strong predictive capability (R² &gt; 0.85), generalization capacity, and robust performance under cross-validation. The analysis highlights the significant influence of e' on <span><math><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>R</mi></msub></math></span>, a previously overlooked factor. The proposed models provide reliable options for predicting <span><math><msub><mi>M</mi><mi>R</mi></msub></math></span> in tropical soil engineering applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101709"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictive modeling of track degradation rates considering drainage conditions for maintenance scheduling","authors":"Saeed Goodarzi ,&nbsp;Kevin Kashani ,&nbsp;James Hyslip ,&nbsp;Carlton L. Ho","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101702","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High Track Degradation Rates (TDR) can lead to increased maintenance costs and a decline in ride quality. As a result, it is crucial to examine the factors contributing to high TDR and develop methods for predicting its value. In this study, geometry data of 280 miles of passenger revenue track from 2011 to 2021 are investigated. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and LiDAR data are utilized alongside geometry data to probe the subsurface and drainage conditions of the tracks, respectively. Key properties of ditches, including depth, distance, and longitudinal condition, are extracted from LiDAR data. The findings emphasize the significant impact of lateral external drainage on TDR values; specifically, blocks with poor lateral drainage (marked by shallow ditches located far from the track) exhibit a TDR approximately 55% higher than blocks with favorable lateral drainage conditions. Furthermore, 12 features are extracted for TDR prediction, encompassing parameters such as track subsurface condition, ditch properties, and geometry history. Four Machine Learning (ML) models are employed to predict TDR, with XGBoost marginally outperforming the others, demonstrating successful TDR prediction with a MAE of 0.019 and RMSE of 0.029.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101702"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determination of dynamic shear stress and strain thresholds in frozen coarse-grained materials: experimental and M-K statistical analysis","authors":"Shanzhen Li ,&nbsp;Shuang Tian ,&nbsp;Liang Tang ,&nbsp;Xianzhang Ling ,&nbsp;Huijun Jin ,&nbsp;Wenjian Zhao ,&nbsp;Ke Wang ,&nbsp;Xiao Han","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The dynamic features of frozen coarse-grained materials (FCGMs) are crucial for geotechnical engineering in cold regions. This study investigated the dynamic responses of FCGMs through stress-controlled triaxial cyclic tests. An improved Hardin model was proposed to describe stress–strain relationships. The variations in backbone curves, dynamic shear modulus, and damping ratio with various confining pressures, temperatures, and frequencies were investigated. Mathematical expressions were developed to describe the attenuation of dynamic shear modulus and the growth of damping ratio, considering the effects of temperature and loading frequency. The results indicated that both the dynamic shear stress and the maximum dynamic shear modulus increased significantly with decreasing temperature and increasing confining pressure. The Mann-Kendall (M-K) method was employed to identify the threshold dynamic shear stress and strain. It was found that the threshold dynamic shear stress increased with higher confining pressure and loading frequency, but decreased with rising temperature. When the shear modulus changes abruptly, the corresponding threshold dynamic shear strain of FCGMs is about 0.25%, where the dynamic shear modulus <em>G</em>_d is about 88% of the maximum dynamic shear modulus <em>G</em>_dmax. This study provides a new approach to determine the threshold dynamic shear stress and strain, reducing observation errors. Besides, this paper offers valuable insights into the dynamic characteristics of frozen soils in cold regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101696"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144931720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Moisture Content on the Evaluation of Subgrade Compaction Quality using Intelligent Compaction Measurement Values","authors":"Jianguang Yin ,&nbsp;Chengzhi Xiao ,&nbsp;Huaxin Han ,&nbsp;Luqiang Ding ,&nbsp;Xinzhuang Cui ,&nbsp;Hancheng Dan","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intelligent compaction (IC) has gained widespread attention as an innovative technology for subgrade construction. Establishing a robust correlation model between IC Measurement Values (ICMV) and In-situ Measurement Values (ISMV, e.g., soil compactness and modulus) serves as the stepping stone for integrating IC technology into quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. However, the sensitivity of ICMV to moisture content presents significant challenges in maintaining a consistent correlation with ISMV, limiting the reliability of a single ICMV for QA/QC in subgrade engineering. This study evaluates the influence of moisture content on the correlations between six commonly used ICMVs and compactness through a vibration compaction test with several test strips of varying moisture contents. The statistical characteristics of the collected moisture content and ICMVs were explored in detail, followed by an examination of variation patterns for ICMVs with respect to roller passes and moisture content. On this basis, practical recommendations regarding the applicability of ICMVs with different moisture contents were proposed to enhance compaction quality. To address the limitations of current specifications, a QA/QC framework that incorporates multidimensional indicators and soil moisture content alongside roller-based IC technology was developed. This framework demonstrated commendable accuracy and stability in compaction QA/QC, as confirmed by comparing test results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101699"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Innovative FE-AI modelling of lateral resistance of long step-tapered and straight piles in cohesionless soils","authors":"Ahmed Elsawwaf,&nbsp;Hany El Naggar,&nbsp;Farrukh A. Choksi,&nbsp;Habib Amin","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Step-tapered piles provide a cost-effective alternative to large-diameter piles for supporting transportation infrastructure subjected to significant lateral forces. However, the literature currently lacks a straightforward method for estimating the lateral bearing capacity of these specialized piles. The present study aims to equip designers with practical and reliable predictive models for the lateral capacity of long step-tapered piles in cohesionless soils. To this end, a comprehensive 3D finite element (FE) analysis was conducted to investigate the parameters influencing the performance of long step-tapered piles and to generate an extensive database suitable for evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) modelling. The FE results indicated that the optimal design of step-tapered piles involves enlarging the cross-section over a length (<span><math><msub><mtext>L</mtext><mtext>emb</mtext></msub></math></span>) corresponding to the depth of the apparent plastic hinge, i.e., the location of the maximum bending moment. Based on the parametric study encompassing 870 cases, two robust predictive models were developed, one for straight piles and one for step-tapered piles, using multi-objective genetic algorithm-based evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR-MOGA). The proposed models incorporate factors related to pile geometry, bending stiffness, and the complex behaviour of soil under lateral loading. Their effectiveness was validated against field measurements for straight piles and FE results for step-tapered piles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101700"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144988264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}