Transportation Geotechnics最新文献

{"title":"Influence of variable-speed traffic loads on dynamic response and long-term performance of layered pavements on saturated subgrade","authors":"Hao Lei ,&nbsp;Jian-Gu Qian ,&nbsp;Jia-Feng Zhang ,&nbsp;Tian-Wen Hu ,&nbsp;Xueyu Geng","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101916","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101916","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Previous studies on the dynamic response of pavement systems typically idealized aircraft loads as moving at constant speed, thereby neglecting the critical influence of acceleration and deceleration (frequent landing and take-off operations) during real operational conditions. This oversight inevitably underestimates the dynamic responses of the pavement system, particularly for those constructed on soft soil foundations. To address this limitation, this study presents a semi-analytical Green’s function framework for solving the dynamic responses of layered pavements under variable-speed moving loads. In this framework, the effects of acceleration and deceleration are explicitly incorporated by representing the variable-speed characteristics of the load using a Dirac delta function. Subsequently, the obtained stress fields are integrated into a dynamic shakedown theorem framework to assess the long-term performance of layered pavement systems. Providing a typical B777-300 aircraft model as an example, the influences of variable-speed traffic loads (i.e., braking force and acceleration) on dynamic responses and bearing capacity limits of layered pavement are thoroughly investigated. The results indicate that braking force and acceleration induce a significant depth-dependent amplification of dynamic shear stress, with a maximum increment exceeding 30%, which substantially contributes to premature pavement failure. Moreover, neglecting the acceleration effects of aircraft loads leads to the overestimation of the shakedown limit, thereby compromising the long-term service performance of pavement systems in the airfield.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101916"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189861","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":"Image-traced flow behavior and frequency-dependent response of ballasted trackbed under dynamic loads","authors":"Yachen Wu ,&nbsp;Zuochuan Xie ,&nbsp;Xuecheng Bian ,&nbsp;Yunmin Chen ,&nbsp;Chuang Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101926","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101926","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The continuous movement of ballast particles beneath the sleeper under long-term dynamic train loads is a primary factor contributing to the development of trackbed settlement, which becomes more pronounced under high-speed train operations. However, due to the concealed nature of such phenomenon, it is challenging to observe experimentally. In this study, a full-scale model test incorporating image-assisted measurement techniques was conducted. Approximately 1000 dyed ballast particles of varying sizes were uniformly distributed over a representative section of the trackbed as tracer particles. A combination of digital and high-speed cameras (recording at 1000 frames per second) was used to capture and analyze the trajectories of ballast particles under varying train speeds, axle loads and long-term loading conditions. The testing results indicate that the ballast layer remained in a stable state with limited particle migration when the loading frequency was below 15 Hz (equivalent to 273 km/h). However, once this threshold was exceeded, ballast migration increased sharply, accompanied by a noticeable loss of stability. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the axle load amplitude and the extent of ballast flow. For axle loads below 8 tons, ballast migration was primarily governed by contact forces between the ballast particles. Beyond this limit, movement near the sleeper end increased sharply, indicating a shift in the controlling mechanism from contact force dominance to interaction between contact forces and boundary constraints. The varying constraint conditions then caused regionalized flow pattern beneath the sleeper, leading to non-uniform compaction within the trackbed. Furthermore, this process induced a characteristic periodic settlement development of the sleeper. The initial stage was marked by rapid settlement due to particle rearrangement. This was followed by a second increase in the settlement rate as the high-frequency energy input caused the particle skeleton to disintegrate. Finally, as a new stable skeleton formed, the settlement approached a shakedown state without further significant development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101926"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080423","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":"Active stability and probabilistic estimation of tunnel face in spatially variable and anisotropic soils","authors":"Chen Guang-Hui ,&nbsp;Zou Jin-Feng ,&nbsp;Jin Jun-Wei ,&nbsp;Chen Jian ,&nbsp;Shu Ji-Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101917","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101917","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to develop an analytical approach for assessing the 3D active stability and failure probability of the tunnel face in spatially variable and anisotropic soils. An advanced failure mechanism based on discrete failure boundaries is first developed using the rigorous discretization technique. By taking the soil strata inclination as a priori condition, a non-stationary random field is proposed to represent the soil spatial variation. Comprehensive mathematical formulations are derived to denote the soil anisotropy. By incorporating spatially variable and anisotropic soils into the advanced failure mechanism, the critical support pressure and critical failure surface are determined to check the face stability using the limit analysis method. The proposed approach is validated through comparative analyses with analytical and numerical solutions. A systematic parametric investigation is then performed to discuss the effects of anisotropic and random field parameters on the face stability. Subsequently, the failure probability is derived under a specified supporting pressure, and a series of charts are provided to discuss the influence of random field parameters on the failure probability. The analysis results reveal that the proposed approach can be served as a reference methodology for the stability and probabilistic analysis of tunnel face under complex geotechnical scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101917"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080422","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":"Moisture-aware stiffness-based compaction quality control of unbound pavement layers: Laboratory calibration and field validation using lightweight deflectometers","authors":"Puttapon Thongindam ,&nbsp;Supasit Pongsivasathit ,&nbsp;Werasak Raongjant ,&nbsp;Amares Boksuwan ,&nbsp;Juti Kraikuan ,&nbsp;Boonchom Promthong ,&nbsp;Nutthawit Wiangya ,&nbsp;Skon Pitakwinai","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101935","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101935","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Compaction quality control of unbound pavement layers is fundamental to long-term pavement performance, yet conventional density-based acceptance methods do not explicitly account for moisture-dependent stiffness behavior. This study develops and validates a mechanics-based, moisture-aware reference stiffness acceptance framework for rural road construction in Thailand using lightweight deflectometers (LWDs). A staged experimental program was conducted comprising (i) parametric stabilization of strain level and laboratory boundary conditions, (ii) laboratory calibration of intrinsic reference stiffness as a function of moisture condition and applied stress, and (iii) full-scale field validation on instrumented pavement test sections. A mold-corrected constrained intrinsic stiffness was introduced to establish a moisture-stress dependent reference stiffness surface. Field-measured stiffness was interpreted through layered elastic normalization to obtain a field-representative reference stiffness, enabling rational moisture-aware normalization of in-situ stiffness measurements. Field validation demonstrated that the normalized stiffness ratio (<em>K_eq,field</em>/<em>K_ref,field</em>) increases systematically with percent compaction across base, subbase, and subgrade layers. Ratios at or above unity consistently corresponded to adequately compacted layers (PC ≥ 95%), whereas ratios below unity reliably identified under-compacted layers, including dry-side states that may exhibit artificially elevated stiffness, consistent with suction-enhanced effective stress mechanisms reported in previous studies. The proposed framework provides a rapid, mechanistically consistent stiffness-based acceptance methodology that supplements conventional density control and is directly applicable to moisture-sensitive pavement construction in tropical environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101935"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189914","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":"Consolidation of unsaturated composite foundation with permeable short piles and impermeable long piles","authors":"Mengran Wang ,&nbsp;Lei Wang ,&nbsp;Yongfu Xu ,&nbsp;Jinkun Huang ,&nbsp;Jie Li ,&nbsp;Fanzhi Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101928","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101928","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Multi-pile composite foundation technology is widely used to reinforce layered unsaturated ground. In such foundations, impermeable piles enhance bearing capacity, while permeable piles accelerate consolidation. The integration of long and short piles provides improved construction adaptability and cost efficiency over single pile configurations. However, given that most natural soils exist under unsaturated conditions, the consolidation characteristics of foundations with mixed pile types remain insufficiently understood under such conditions. This study introduces a consolidation model with a centrally located permeable short pile (PSP) surrounded by impermeable long piles (ILP). Under the assumption of equal strain, governing equations are formulated to analyze the consolidation characteristics of unsaturated composite foundations with PSP and ILP. The Laplace transform and transfer matrix technique are used to obtain semi-analytical solutions for excess pore pressures and settlement. Subsequently, time-domain analytical solutions for excess pore air pressure (EPAP), excess pore water pressure (EPWP), and settlement are obtained using Crump’s method. The accuracy of these solutions is validated by comparison with degeneration methods and numerical simulations. Finally, the consolidation performance of the PSP-ILP foundation is examined through parametric studies. The results indicate that increasing the length ratio of PSP to ILP, as well as enhancing the area replacement ratios and compression moduli of both pile types, significantly accelerates the dissipation of excess pore pressures and reduces overall settlement. Furthermore, variations in ILP parameters exert a more pronounced influence on the consolidation behavior than those of the PSP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101928"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190533","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":"Numerical investigation of electrokinetic geosynthetics-assisted vacuum preloading combined with electroosmosis for consolidation and remediation of dredged sediments","authors":"Jianting Feng,&nbsp;Yuze Tao,&nbsp;Yang Shen,&nbsp;Wencheng Qi,&nbsp;Hao Cai,&nbsp;Kewei Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101930","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101930","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The combination of vacuum preloading and electroosmosis (VPE) enables simultaneous consolidation and remediation of dredged sediments, supporting the sustainable development of global dredging industry. However, the lack of a coupled model for dredged sediments improvement under VPE has become an obstacle to the optimisation of VPE. Therefore, a coupled model integrating electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and chemical fields was established in this study. The numerical simulations using different consolidation equations were compared with the experimental results, including electric field intensity, excess pore water pressure, settlement, and Cu concentrations. The results indicated that the adoption of Biot’s consolidation equation in the coupled model enabled a more accurate prediction of dredged sediments consolidation and remediation performance. The numerical simulations further revealed that a lower electric potential combined with a longer treatment time resulted in a more uniform treatment effect, whereas a higher electric potential combined with a shorter treatment time accelerated Cu removal. The removal of pollutants in the deeper dredged sediment layers was markedly enhanced as the applied vacuum pressure increased. An early intervention of vacuum pressure enhanced the consolidation of dredged sediments; however, this effect gradually diminished as the treatment progressed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101930"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080493","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":"Analysis of dynamic response mechanism and control measures for tunnel crossing mountainous landslides: A shaking table test study","authors":"Zhigang Ma ,&nbsp;Hong Wei ,&nbsp;Zhigang Tao ,&nbsp;Manchao He","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101932","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101932","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In seismically active mountainous regions, the dynamic response mechanisms and associated control measures of the earthquake–tunnel–landslide system (ETLS) have become a major research focus in the field of geotechnical engineering. In this study, a shock-absorbing layer (SAL) was adopted as a seismic control measure for the tunnel lining, and a physical model was developed in which the tunnel orthogonally undercrosses the main sliding surface of a landslide (TULS), and comparative seismic dynamic tests were subsequently conducted. In addition, the variational mode decomposition–Hilbert transform (VMD-HT) approach was employed to elucidate the seismic damage evolution of the TULS from the perspectives of energy distribution and frequency shift. The results demonstrate that the VMD-HT method exhibits clear advantages in the separation and extraction of the dominant frequencies of seismic signals, enabling precise decomposition of individual signal components. The dynamic failure of the TULS arises from the coupled interaction among the active movement of the sliding mass, the passive resistance of the tunnel, and seismic loading, and is characterized by a distinct four-stage evolutionary process. Among these, the concentration of shear stress along the main sliding surface is identified as the primary trigger for damage to the tunnel lining structure. With the incorporation of the SAL, the dynamic response of the tunnel lining is significantly reduced compared with the unprotected condition. The SAL effectively mitigates the energy impact of high-frequency components of seismic motions on the structure and slows the damage evolution of the tunnel lining.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101932"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189910","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":"Mechanical responses and reinforcement assessment of non-typical in-situ enlargement for closely spaced tunnel groups in weak surrounding rock","authors":"Songzheng Zhao ,&nbsp;Weizhe Sun ,&nbsp;Xinrong Liu ,&nbsp;Xiaohan Zhou ,&nbsp;Xiaozhi Deng ,&nbsp;Zuliang Zhong ,&nbsp;Haihang Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101931","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101931","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In weak surrounding rock, the closely spaced tunnel group in this study adopts a downward in-situ enlargement restricted to the overlapping segment between the existing and the new tunnels, where the interaction of evolving excavation paths and construction sequences markedly amplifies deformation and stability challenges. To examine the applicability of a non-typical stepwise “remove–backfill–downward enlargement” scheme (hereafter abbreviated as fill–then-excavate) for such settings, an ongoing closely spaced tunnel group in weak surrounding rock project along the new Chengdu–Chongqing Central Line was investigated. Laboratory tests were performed to characterize the mechanical behavior of mudstone interbedded with sandstone, and numerical simulations were integrated with in-situ monitoring to compare ground and structural deformations. Alternative backfilling strategies prior to enlargement and reinforcement options for the inter-tunnel rock pillar were assessed for construction optimization. Results indicate that stress–strain curves remain similar in shape across confining pressures, while triaxial strength and deformation characteristics vary markedly; bedding and sand-lens heterogeneity leads to pronounced mechanical anisotropy. Rightward advancement after backfilling induces early unloading in the upper-right transition zone, shifting the settlement center toward the upper-right and forming an asymmetric, unimodal pattern aligned with the enlargement contour. Excavation of the upper-bench core triggers a jump in circumferential displacement around the enlarged tunnel, with a peak of 7.79 mm. Distinct backfilling schemes perturb the surrounding rock at different stages and thereby affect both surface and lining deformations; the full backfill followed by unified enlargement scheme reduces crown settlement by 3 mm. Moreover, small-pipe grouting lowers crown settlement by approximately 20%, raises the cumulative vertical stress at the core of the middle rock pillar to 3.77–4.43 MPa, and—with simple procedures and low disturbance—emerges as a preferred option for reinforcing the pillar in closely spaced tunnels within weak rock.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101931"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190535","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":"Corrigendum to “Assessment of pavement–subgrade deformation in permafrost highways using UAV photogrammetry and ground-penetrating radar: Case study of Qinghai–Tibet highway” [Transp. Geotech. 57 (2026) 101899]","authors":"Shunshun Qi ,&nbsp;Guoyu Li ,&nbsp;Jiawei Yang ,&nbsp;Qingsong Du ,&nbsp;Kai Gao ,&nbsp;Dun Chen ,&nbsp;Mingtang Chai ,&nbsp;Anshuang Su ,&nbsp;Miao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101905","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101905","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101905"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147398633","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":"A comparative assessment of the bearing capacity of unselected construction and demolition waste aggregates in unbound and cement-stabilised pavement subbases","authors":"Luca Tefa,&nbsp;Marco Bassani","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101921","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2026.101921","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Using unselected construction and demolition waste (UCDW) aggregate helps the road construction industry to meet sustainability requirements. Although the use of recycled UCDW aggregates is increasingly recognised and adopted in practice, there remains limited field evidence directly comparing their performance with that of natural (NAT) aggregates in unbound and cement-stabilised subbases. This study compared the bearing capacity of four 30-cm subbases (unbound and 3% cement-stabilised NAT and UCDW) using lightweight deflectometer and plate loading tests on an experimental road. The study was complemented by laboratory resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength measurements on specimens compacted during the construction activities.</div><div>On average, the surface modulus of unbound UCDW materials was 16% higher than that of natural aggregates. Stabilisation with 3% cement significantly increased the bearing capacity sevenfold for UCDW materials and tenfold for NAT materials. After three days of curing, the average surface modulus increased from 112.3–126.6 MPa for unbound UCDW and 95.2–111.6 MPa for unbound NAT, to 884.7–1024.6 MPa for cement-stabilised UCDW and 1064.3–1198.1 MPa for cement-stabilised NAT. Unlike the field tests, where cement-stabilised NAT performed slightly better than cement-stabilised UCDW, the laboratory tests showed that cement-stabilised UCDW mixtures had a higher resilient modulus than cement-stabilised natural ones. These results demonstrate that UCDW aggregates can effectively replace natural ones in the formation of unbound or cement–stabilised road subbase layers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article 101921"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080424","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}