Transportation Geotechnics最新文献

{"title":"Probabilistic simulation of TSD-based pavement deflections for Bayesian updating of material parameters","authors":"Ze Zhou Wang ,&nbsp;Zhaojie Sun ,&nbsp;Bachar Hakim ,&nbsp;Buddhima Indraratna ,&nbsp;Abir Al-Tabbaa","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Compared to the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) technology, Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD) provides continuous, non-destructive monitoring of pavement structural health. This feature has prompted many authorities worldwide to explore its potential in network-level pavement structural evaluation. Through parameter inference using TSD measurements, engineers can obtain physics-based evidence regarding pavement material parameters, which is crucial for informed decision-making on road operations and maintenance. However, three key challenges in existing TSD-based parameter inference have limited its practical uptake: (i) many studies introduce an intermediate correlation between TSD data and FWD data for FWD-based parameter inference, which adds extra uncertainty; (ii) conventional deterministic inference workflows yield estimates without uncertainty quantification; and (iii) high–fidelity simulations incur prohibitive computational costs, limiting real-time or near-real-time parameter inference. To overcome these gaps, this study presents a methodological framework for probabilistic parameter inference using TSD measurements. The innovation lies in the synergistic combination of: (i) a physics-based simulator, PaveMove, that directly simulates pavement responses under TSD dynamic loading, (ii) machine learning surrogates to accelerate PaveMove calculations, and (iii) Bayesian updating to transform traditional deterministic parameter inference into a probabilistic framework that explicitly incorporates multiple material and measurement uncertainties. The proposed framework is rigorously validated and compared with conventional parameter inference techniques. The results indicate that the proposed framework effectively addresses the limitations inherent in traditional techniques and provides more accurate, consistent, and reliable results of parameter inference. The proposed framework paves the way for the broader adoption of TSD technology in practice, ultimately permitting real-time, uncertainty-aware pavement management at the network scale.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101715"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145099848","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":"Steel slag aggregate as a sustainable alternative to railway ballast: field and laboratory evaluation","authors":"Jéssika Cosme ,&nbsp;Gilberto Fernandes","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101705","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101705","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sustainable construction practices are increasingly prioritized in civil engineering. In parallel, concerns about the depletion of natural aggregates have stimulated research into alternative materials, particularly for railway infrastructure. This study investigates the technical feasibility and environmental suitability of stabilized steel slag aggregate (SSA) as railway ballast, comparing its performance with conventional gneiss ballast. Comprehensive laboratory tests were performed, including particle size distribution, Los Angeles abrasion resistance, Treton impact resistance, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Additionally, environmental assessments through leaching and solubilization tests were conducted to evaluate potential risks related to toxic metal mobilization. Continuous in situ monitoring of electrical resistivity from July 2022 to January 2025 was performed under actual railway operating conditions to assess compatibility with railway signaling systems. The results indicated that SSA exhibits superior mechanical properties, with significantly lower abrasion and impact indices compared to gneiss aggregate. Furthermore, the SSA displayed consistently higher electrical resistivity, with no interference detected in railway signaling circuits throughout the monitoring period. It is concluded that stabilized steel slag aggregate demonstrates technical and environmental advantages for railway ballast applications, providing a mechanically resilient and environmentally compliant alternative to conventional aggregates, particularly regarding mechanical strength, environmental safety, and compatibility with railway operations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101705"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048441","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":"Artificial ground freezing by solid carbon dioxide—Analysis of controlling factors on ice-wall formation","authors":"Petr Nikolaev ,&nbsp;Andrey P. Jivkov ,&nbsp;Majid Sedighi","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101691","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial ground freezing using solid carbon dioxide is a novel, ecologically and environmentally friendly ground improvement technique aimed at ensuring the safety of underground construction projects in water-bearing soils where the traditional method of brine ground freezing is not feasible or practical. This innovative approach offers significantly lower temperatures, reaching as low as <span><math><mrow><mo>−</mo><mn>78</mn><mo>.</mo><mn>5</mn><mspace></mspace><mo>°</mo><mtext>C</mtext></mrow></math></span>, resulting in a substantial reduction in ground freezing time and the ability to freeze soils with higher seepage rates. Wider adoption of this technology requires the minimization of construction costs and time. The aim of this study is to advance the design by analysing the underpinning factors affecting the formation of the ice wall and providing an assessment of the impacts of key geological and technological factors on the successful ice wall delivery. This is achieved through numerical modelling of heat and water transfer in soils, developed within the non-local framework of bond-based peridynamics. The approach presented enables the calculation of refrigerant consumption and forms the basis for an economic assessment of the technology. The results support the broader implementation of this ground improvement technique in engineering projects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101691"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048440","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":"Depth-dependent small-strain stiffness in embankment layers: Comprehensive field and laboratory studies","authors":"Younggeun Yoo ,&nbsp;Junghee Park ,&nbsp;Seonghun Kang ,&nbsp;Jong-Sub Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101713","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101713","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The evaluation of embankment layers plays a critical role in geotechnical engineering, prompting efforts towards geological investigation techniques. This study evaluates the relative density using three distinct methods: field density test, dynamic cone penetration test, and shear wave velocity measurements. The embankment layers are compacted in four different relative compaction R_C = 61 %, 80 %, 90 %, and 95 % while the average water content is ω = 11.2 %. The field density test and shear wave velocity are measured at every 1 m, and the dynamic cone penetration tests are conducted at a final embankment height H = 5 m. The relative density profile derived from DCPI provides a sensitive depth indicator. In addition, the earth pressure cells embedded at 2.5 m depth from the top of the 5-m embankment tracks changes in the effective stress during the embankments and facilitates the effective stress-dependent data analyses. We select the appropriate maximum and minimum void ratios to compare the relative density and relative compaction based on the laboratory test results. Laboratory oedometer tests with a movable-ring system provide model parameters for depth-dependent properties analyses. Finally, the shear wave velocity provides a method for estimating the relative density and bridging the gap between stress-based and depth-based field interpretations. These findings suggest that the shear wave velocity is a good indicator to assess the relative density evolution, plays a critical role in long-term monitoring and provides in-situ small-strain stiffness for seismic designs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101713"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048439","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 B)","authors":"Danial Mirzaiyan ,&nbsp;Parisa Sarzaeim ,&nbsp;Eshan V. Dave","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101707","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101707","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Part A of this study, a mechanical model was developed to capture the mechanical reinforcement effects of Moisture Management Geotextiles (MMG). Part B introduces a comprehensive Mechanical-Hydro-Mechanical (MHM) model to integrate the mechanical (Part A) and hydraulic (Part B) stabilizations provided by MMG. The hydro-mechanical model employs a system dynamic model (SDM) comprising two main components: a hydrological model simulating moisture movement withing pavement structure; and a geotechnical model determining moisture-dependent material properties. The mechanical part assesses pavement structural performance based on the SDM’s outputs. Validation against Hydrus-1D demonstrated high accuracy in simulating moisture dynamics (R2 = 0.96). Seasonal analyses revealed that MMG enhances the unbound granular layers and subgrade resilient modulus, especially during high-precipitation seasons. Fourteen demonstration cases were used to show the improvement that integrating MMG in pavement context will provide. Adjusted pavement designs were validated using both non-linear finite element and layered elastic analysis models, confirming the effectiveness of thickness adjustments (R2 = 0.95). Comparative analyses indicated that MMG reduces compressive strains on top of the subgrade and increases pavement rutting life by up to 200 % for demonstration cases. The benefits of MMG were incorporated into the AASHTO 1993 design method, resulting in increases in equivalent single axle load capacities and structural enhancements. Automated Python-based tools were developed to facilitate the incorporation of MMG into both mechanistic-empirical and empirical pavement design approaches, providing a user-friendly environment without requiring in-depth knowledge of complex models. This research bridges the gap between innovative geosynthetic materials and established design methodologies, offering a robust tool for engineers to create durable and resilient pavements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101707"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018797","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":"Field performance of woven geotextiles in unpaved roads under seasonal climate loadings","authors":"Araz Hasheminezhad ,&nbsp;Halil Ceylan ,&nbsp;Sunghwan Kim ,&nbsp;Erol Tutumluer","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While woven geotextiles are known to enhance soil structure by providing mechanical reinforcement and facilitating drainage, thereby reducing moisture content in pavement layers, full-scale field studies validating their performance on unpaved roads remain limited. This paper presents field installation, sensor instrumentation, and performance monitoring of two woven geotextiles applied to unpaved roads in Iowa, United States. The study involved installing moisture and temperature sensors at three depths within the base and subgrade layers across three test sections: two with different woven geotextiles and one control section without geosynthetics. The sections were subjected to real traffic loads, including heavy trucks and farm equipment as well as variable precipitation and temperature conditions throughout the monitoring period. Results showed that both woven geotextiles effectively reduced volumetric water content (VWC) in the subgrade compared to the control. While both performed similarly in moisture control, differences were observed in drainage capacity, influenced by the specific properties of each material. Despite reduced water flow and increased soil moisture under colder conditions, both geotextiles maintained consistent performance. The woven geotextile-stabilized sections also exhibited significantly less deformation, demonstrating improved soil strength and stiffness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101714"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010626","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":"Model test and numerical simulation study on soil arching effect evolution of pile-supported reinforced embankment","authors":"Xin Wang ,&nbsp;Guang Qing Yang ,&nbsp;Yu Cang Dong ,&nbsp;Zhi Qiang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101711","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101711","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The load transfer mechanism of pile-supported reinforced embankments primarily relies on the synergistic interaction between soil arching effect and tensioned membrane effect of reinforcement materials, with its design rationality being crucial for engineering safety. However, existing studies have not reached a consensus on the assumed arch morphology, and most model tests adopt simplified conditions, particularly lacking systematic investigations on soil arching effects in cohesive fill materials and three-dimensional scenarios. To address this, this study employs a combined approach of model tests and numerical simulations to systematically investigate the influence of pile spacing, fill cohesion, and reinforcement materials on soil arching effects. The research results indicate that the differential settlement between piles and soil significantly influences the development of soil arching effects. Increasing the pile spacing promotes, to some extent, the mobilization of soil arching. The cohesion of the embankment fill contributes to load transfer, with higher cohesion leading to an increased pile-soil stress ratio and reduced differential settlement, demonstrating the dominant role of reinforcement materials in load distribution. Furthermore, the study establishes analytical equations describing the soil arching morphology in both the strip zone between two piles and the central area surrounded by four piles. Calculations reveal that the maximum arch height reaches <span><math><mrow><mn>1.10</mn><mo>(</mo><mi>s</mi><mo>-</mo><mi>a</mi><mo>)</mo></mrow></math></span> in the inter-pile strip area and <span><math><mrow><mn>1.16</mn><msqrt><mn>2</mn></msqrt><mrow><mo>(</mo><mi>s</mi><mo>-</mo><mi>a</mi><mo>)</mo></mrow></mrow></math></span> in the quad-pile central area. Principal stress vector analysis confirms the regional distribution characteristics of the arching structure. These findings elucidate the engineering mechanism by which cohesive fill regulates soil arching evolution through shear stress mediation, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the design of pile-supported embankments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101711"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145009982","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":"Bearing capacity of static drill rooted pile subjected to traffic loads and a design method","authors":"Jiaxin Liu ,&nbsp;Hang Wu ,&nbsp;Zhongjie Zhang ,&nbsp;Jiahe Chen ,&nbsp;Xuan Cao ,&nbsp;Chanjuan Han","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101712","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101712","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As urban railway networks expand globally, demands for sustainable pile foundations with high bearing capacity and environmental compatibility have intensified. Traditional pile methods generate significant waste and quality control issues, while static drill rooted (SDR) piles, combining precast elements with cement-soil mixtures, offer environmental advantages over traditional pile foundations. However, their performance under railway traffic loads remains insufficiently investigated. Through field testing and numerical modeling, this study analyzes SDR pile’s performance under traffic loading and develops modified design methods. Results reveal that dynamic effects become critical when load ratio <em>λ</em> exceeds 0.61, requiring capacity reduction factors up to 4.3%. Modified load-settlement curves and design equations are developed specifically for railway applications. This quantitative framework provides practical engineering guidance for implementing this environmentally friendly pile foundation technology in urban railway infrastructure worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101712"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145009983","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":"Development and application of the Illinois Buckle Risk Model (IBRM) using multi-source track condition data","authors":"Neeraj Thakur ,&nbsp;Arthur de O. Lima ,&nbsp;Marcus S. Dersch ,&nbsp;J.Riley Edwards","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Track buckles occur more frequently in Continuously Welded Rail (CWR) as they lack joints to accommodate axial thermal expansion. Analysis of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) accident database reveals that buckled-track derailments have been a persistent safety concern for U.S. railroads. The FRA initiated an extensive research program in the 1980's to develop and experimentally verify a dynamic buckling theory which culminated in the development of the CWR-SAFE software. The Buckle module of CWR-SAFE accepts quantitative track condition input parameters and assesses the buckling risk of track in terms of its Buckling Safety Margin (BSM). BSM is a composite metric that accounts for track strength, rail temperature, and rail neutral temperature.</div><div>Since the development of CWR-SAFE, there have been notable advancements in track inspection technologies capable of providing high-resolution track health data. The Illinois Buckle Risk Model (IBRM) leverages the outputs from three-dimensional machine vision and track geometry measurements systems into the CWR-SAFE environment to perform buckle risk assessment at an individual crosstie resolution. IBRM uses results from field and laboratory experiments to calibrate inspection system outputs into quantified inputs for CWR-SAFE. The application of IBRM is demonstrated using data collected from a Class I railroad subdivision. BSM calculations show that 1.9% of the subdivision track is in the desired range, 95.7% is in the adequate range, and 2.4% is in the minimum required range. This information can be used to prioritize both capital renewal projects and maintenance interventions. Results also demonstrate the IBRM’s flexibility and scalability for buckle risk assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101706"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018911","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 practical machine learning-based approach for predicting 1-D vertical swelling potential of expansive soils","authors":"Aolin Zhang,&nbsp;Sai K. Vanapalli","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Several lightly loaded geotechnical and transportation infrastructures such as residential buildings, pipelines, roads, and railways have significant swelling potential challenges when they are placed on or within expansive soils. Reliable measurements of swelling potential of expansive soils are possible using conventional oedometer tests; however, their use in conventional practice is limited because they are time-consuming and costly. Several empirical equations have been proposed in the literature to alleviate these limitations; however, their applicability is limited for region-specific soils for which they have been developed. To overcome these limitations, in this study three machine learning-based prediction models were developed using a comprehensive global database of 173 expansive soils. The models, developed using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines and Multilayer Perceptron algorithms, show strong performance on the compiled dataset, with coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.887 or higher. Among them is a simplified model expressed as an explicit equation that requires clay fraction, dry density, plasticity index, specific gravity, vertical load, and water content information that performs well with an <em>R²</em> of 0.964. Most importantly, the model provides reasonable estimations of several case studies from various regions of the world. In summary, the model serves as a reliable tool for estimating the in-situ swelling potential of expansive soils. Finally, this study results are promising for proposing heave mitigation strategies and to develop rational design procedures and maintenance measures for lightly loaded geotechnical and transportation infrastructure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101710"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018913","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}