Jianhua Li , Zicheng Zhang , Xu Liu , Xiaolei Jiao , Jiale Li
{"title":"Assessment on eco-solidified alkali residue reinforced soft soils for intelligent subgrade constructions","authors":"Jianhua Li , Zicheng Zhang , Xu Liu , Xiaolei Jiao , Jiale Li","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The realization of carbon neutrality can be effectively promoted by the utilization of industrial solid waste in road construction. The alkali residue (AR) is used to modify the soft soil to fulfill the requirement of subgrade construction. A series of compaction tests is performed by considering the coarse- and powdered-reinforced AR soils. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is tested with various contents of AR and curing ages. A dataset is established by summarizing the data from literature and laboratory tests. An intelligent model is proposed to design the treatment plan of filling soils in terms of UCS. The environmental impact of chloride diffusion is analyzed. Soluble chloride ions are immobilized using ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) and steel slag to achieve eco-friendly reinforcement of soft soil. The results of the study provide guidance for optimizing soft soil reinforcement performance for subgrade construction, improving resource utilization and reducing soil salinity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101516"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143387718","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}
Jong-Sub Lee , Si Hyeon Jeong , Geunwoo Park , YoungSeok Kim , Erol Tutumluer , Sang Yeob Kim
{"title":"Geotechnical Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Estimation of Ground Settlement after Filling and Compaction","authors":"Jong-Sub Lee , Si Hyeon Jeong , Geunwoo Park , YoungSeok Kim , Erol Tutumluer , Sang Yeob Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101517","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In geotechnical engineering field, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have been widely used to monitor ground deformation. The objective of this study is to apply the UAV in the field and compare it with the on-site dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT), considering the ground deformation and strength characteristics. The calibration test results show that a flight altitude of 25 m, side-frontal overlap of 80–80 %, and camera angle at 80° is the most reliable compositions. For the field test, UAV scanning using the data model generated by the point cloud and DCPT up to a depth of 500 mm after filling and compaction were conducted. The field test results revealed that the ground settlement measured by the UAV and on-site test was similar, and a larger settlement occurred when the ground was weaker. Thus, the UAV can be efficiently used to assess the strength characteristics as well as ground settlement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101517"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143402646","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":"Considerations on the ability of Supervised Neural Networks to estimate the 3D shape of particles from 2D projections","authors":"Danilo Menezes Santos, Alfredo Gay Neto","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101506","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101506","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Equipment to observe and classify granular media is widely used to capture granular systems morphologies. Although some equipment models are very efficient in analyzing samples with numerous grains, these tools present a limitation related to the inability to obtain directly the particle’s 3D shape. To overcome this drawback, different techniques have been applied to estimate the three-dimensional shape of grains from the analysis of their 2D projections. Despite the progress made, because it is an ill-posed problem, the developed methods have not yet provided a definitive solution. In this work, we investigated the ability of Supervised Neural Networks (SNN) to estimate the three-dimensional shape of some particles of Angular sand and Ottawa sand using data from single projections. We performed simulations employing the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and comparisons of shape descriptors to sets of reconstructed 3D particle shapes. The SNNs can adequately correlate and generate new particles from the analysis of 2D sand projections, showing potential applicability in the geometry reconstruction of granular materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101506"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143387717","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":"Calibration of partial factors for tensile strain design in geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankment","authors":"Gang Zheng , Jiapeng Zhao , Xiaoxuan Yu , Haizuo Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101495","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101495","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported (GRPS) embankments are widely used for the construction of infrastructure projects on weak ground. The design approach in Eurocode 7 (EC7) provides a reliability-based design framework for GRPS embankments. However, there has been limited focus on the calibration of specific design models based on statistical data from measurements within this framework. This limitation restricts the quantitative consideration of potential uncertainties and the measurement of project risks, especially concerning the service limit state. This paper presents the calibration of the partial factors within the general framework of EC7 for the geosynthetic strain design of GRPS embankments. The solution considers the model bias and uncertainties within the choice of nominal values of the action (load) and resistance term. Novel modified methods are proposed to improve the prediction accuracy and remove the hidden dependencies of two deterministic models based on a total of 54 data points collected from 20 full-scale embankment projects. Based on the statistics of the model bias, the partial factors are provided for the modified methods. A comparison between the calibration results from the modified model and those from the original design model is presented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"52 ","pages":"Article 101495"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143628187","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}
Shunwei Shi , Yanglong Zhong , Chang Liu , Xichong Ren , Yixiong Xiao , Chunyu Wang , Liang Gao
{"title":"Assessment of the maintenance effect for rock ballast bed during tamping operation","authors":"Shunwei Shi , Yanglong Zhong , Chang Liu , Xichong Ren , Yixiong Xiao , Chunyu Wang , Liang Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101511","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101511","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tamping operation can damage rock ballast beds in railway; therefore, the assessment of maintenance effect is crucial for the safe running of a train. First, a ballasted track-tamping machine model was established using DEM-MFBD. Subsequently, a test method for the squeezing distance of tamping machine was developed and the model was verified. Using this model, the effects of tamping operation on mechanical states of rock ballast and sleeper were analyzed and the corresponding sensitive indicators were determined. Finally, the relationship between comprehensive mechanical state of ballast bed and squeezing distance was analyzed, and the assessment of maintenance effect was achieved. The results indicated that the coordination number and the compactness of ballast were sensitive to tamping, decreasing by 52.78% and 6.64% for 160 kN/mm stiffness, respectively. Additionally, the bottom contact density and pressure on sleeper were also sensitive to tamping, decreasing by 70.66% and 60.06%, respectively. The maintenance effect for rock ballast bed can be assessed according to the maximum squeezing distance of tamping machine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101511"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143376702","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}
Milad Pejman, Ghassem Habibagahi, Mehdi Veiskarami
{"title":"Response of buried pipelines subjected to ground subsidence using a nonlinear Pasternak approach","authors":"Milad Pejman, Ghassem Habibagahi, Mehdi Veiskarami","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101504","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101504","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pipelines, vital for transporting resources, face significant structural challenges due to ground movement. Many studies have been conducted to examine the impact of ground subsidence on pipelines, each aiming to improve our understanding of soil-pipe interaction using various techniques. Commonly, Winkler or Pasternak models are adopted to account for the interaction between the pipeline and its supporting soil. However, these models fall short in addressing the inherent nonlinearity of the supporting soil, which may lead to considerable inaccuracies. To address these limitations, a nonlinear Pasternak model is developed in this research that is capable of capturing the nonlinearity of the soil supporting the pipelines. Besides, the settlement trough is appropriately modeled to consider the surface subsidence profile. The nonlinear soil behavior is modeled using a hyperbolic load-settlement relationship while the pipeline is represented by an Euler-Bernoulli beam. Validation of the model is carried out against centrifuge test data that confirm the model’s capability to accurately simulate displacements and bending moments along the pipe. A parametric study highlights that higher soil bearing capacity and initial subgrade reaction modulus lead to reduced deflection and internal forces in the pipeline. Additionally, the results indicate a threshold for the soil’s bearing capacity beyond which variation in the vertical displacements and bending moments is minimal. Also, an increase in the distance between the inflection point and maximum settlement of the subsidence profile results in higher pipeline deflection, bending moments, and shear forces. Furthermore, using Genetic Programming, empirical equations are derived that offer reliable estimates for the maximum vertical displacement, bending moment, and shear force, providing practical tools for pipeline design in subsidence-prone areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101504"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143464389","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":"Impact of plane strain state on the long-term cyclic behavior of sand under true triaxial tests","authors":"Shao-Heng He , Zhi Ding , Mao-Xin Wang , Huan He","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101512","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101512","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Limited laboratory studies have investigated the cyclic behavior of sands under plane strain state, despite the current extensive applications of the plane strain hypothesis in modeling the behavior of subgrade soils beneath long road embankments. This study aims to explore the traffic-induced deformation behavior of sand under plane strain state and compare it to the conventional triaxial stress state. A series of one-way high-cyclic tests were performed on Fujian sand under both states using a true triaxial apparatus, considering different cyclic stress levels, consolidation stresses, consolidation anisotropies, and relative densities. In the plane strain scenario, the deformation of the specimen in the direction of intermediate principal stress was restricted when the cyclic major principal stress was applied. The test results indicate that during long-term cyclic loading, the sand exhibits substantially lower accumulated axial and volumetric strains when subjected to plane strain state as opposed to the conventional triaxial state. The reduction effect of plane strain state on the accumulated axial strain was found to be distinctively correlated with the strain levels, regardless of the cyclic stress amplitude and relative density. A practical formula was developed to estimate the difference in accumulated axial strain between the plane strain and triaxial states. Additionally, the intermediate principal stress of specimens under plane strain state was observed to oscillate cyclically in accordance with the one-way vertical cyclic stress. The intermediate principal stress coefficient, triggered by vertical cyclic loading, is more pronounced under high deformation, with its magnitude dependent on the specific loading conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"52 ","pages":"Article 101512"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143644775","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":"Seismic stability analysis of anchored concave slopes","authors":"Ahmad Rajabian, Farshid Vahedifard","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101505","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101505","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Concave-facing profiles are frequently encountered in natural slopes and, more recently, in man-made slopes. The seismic stability of such concave slopes can be effectively improved by employing ground anchors. The concavity of the slope profile can be effective in the design of the soil anchoring system. Using the pseudo-static limit equilibrium (LE) approach and considering a rotational log-spiral failure mechanism, this paper analytically addresses the total anchor load required for the stability of concave soil slopes reinforced with pre-tensioned cable anchors under seismic loading conditions. The concave face of the slope is represented by a circular arc, the curvature of which is expressed by the mid-chord offset (MCO) parameter. A satisfactory agreement was found between the results predicted by the solution and those of the finite element method. The impact of profile concavity on the resulting total anchor load was explored by varying backslope inclination, vertical-to-horizontal seismic coefficient ratio, and the action point of the total anchor load. Further, a design example is presented to illustrate how the load of anchors for a given anchorage layout can be determined using the method. The results generally indicate that a concave slope requires less total anchor load to provide seismic stability compared to an equivalent planar one. However, the concavity impact decreases with increasing horizontal seismic coefficient and backslope inclination. Further, the direction of the vertical seismic coefficient was found to be effective on the impact of concavity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101505"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143348211","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}
Jaeik Lee, Arthur de O. Lima, Marcus S. Dersch, J.Riley Edwards
{"title":"Performance evaluation of longer crossties in railroad track transition zone: Finite element analysis and laboratory experimentation","authors":"Jaeik Lee, Arthur de O. Lima, Marcus S. Dersch, J.Riley Edwards","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101508","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101508","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transition zones in railway tracks are characterized by abrupt changes in the track stiffness which induces differential track displacement and can result in settlement. Failure to promptly address these issues through maintenance activities can lead to accelerated track component degradation and a loss of passenger comfort. This study investigated the effectiveness of a conventional strategy involving the implementation of longer crossties to mitigate abrupt variation of track stiffness especially in the open track to bridge transition. The study initially explored various properties and layouts of elastomers (i.e., rubber pads) through finite element analysis (FEA) to determine the appropriate support condition as an alternative to ballast to ensure consistency across the tests. Different hardnesses and configurations of rubber pads were considered to replicate the behavior of the ballast, and a dual layer of 60 shore A rubber pads with 25 holes exhibited crosstie displacement of 0.16 in. (0.41 cm), aligning with the range of field data. Based on this selected support condition, three different crosstie lengths (i.e., 102 in. [259 cm], 132 in. [335 cm], and 168 in. [427 cm]) were evaluated through both FEA and laboratory experimentation. Modeling results showed a 4.2 % reduction in displacement under the rail seat for the 168 in. (427 cm) crosstie compared to the standard crosstie (i.e., 102 in. [259 cm]). Similarly, laboratory experimentation demonstrated an 8.2 % decrease in vertical rail displacement. These findings suggest that the implementation of longer crossties within the track transition zone may not be considered an ideal methodology for achieving a gradual increase in track stiffness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101508"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143139452","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}
Ziquan Chen , Bingxin Yu , Zheng Li , Duanyang Zhuang , Maoyi Liu
{"title":"An active drainage method for groundwater environment protection and tunnel safety control","authors":"Ziquan Chen , Bingxin Yu , Zheng Li , Duanyang Zhuang , Maoyi Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101502","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101502","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The construction of tunnels in ecologically sensitive regions often seriously disturbs the balance of groundwater seepage fields. To control the stability of groundwater environment and consider the safety of tunnel structure, an active drainage method is proposed. Based on the Kexuecheng Tunnel in the mountainous city of Chongqing, China, theoretical calculations, numerical simulations and in-situ monitoring are applied to study the influence of the active drainage method on seepage and stress fields of small interval tunnels. The characteristics of tunnel groundwater discharge and water pressure under different drainage valve pressures and rainfall intensities are revealed, and the mechanical performance and safety factors of the tunnel lining are analyzed. The results indicate that the maximum shear stress and maximum tensile stress of the lining are located at the arch foot and bottom respectively, and increase with increasing groundwater level. Reducing the pressure of the drainage valve can increase the safety factor of the lining structure when excessive water pressure threatens the safety of tunnel structures. When the groundwater level drops too much, increasing the pressure of the drainage valve appropriately can reduce groundwater loss and help maintain the balance of the groundwater environment. In addition, the water pressure difference between the vault and bottom, as well as the water pressure asymmetry coefficient on the two sides of the tunnel, decrease with the increase of drainage valve pressure. Considering the tunnel water inflow, groundwater level change, water pressure and safety factors of lining, suitable drainage valve pressures are proposed for different rainfall intensities. An active drainage control system for tunnels in water-rich environment has been developed and applied, which can effectively achieve the dynamic balance between the groundwater level, water inflow and tunnel structural safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56013,"journal":{"name":"Transportation Geotechnics","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101502"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143261734","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}