Soil-Structure Interactions in Underground Construction

A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263). This special issue belongs to the section "Geomechanics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 7777

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Engineering and Built Environment - Civil and Environmental Engineering, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
Interests: soil-structure interaction; underground construction; centrifuge and numerical modelling; characterisation of soils and rocks; forensic engineering
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E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering and Built Environment—Civil and Environmental Engineering, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
Interests: machine learning; artificial intelligence; soil-structure interactions; numerical modelling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In today’s society, urbanisation and the scarcity of greenfield sites in densely populated cities have increased the demand for underground infrastructure construction. Underground construction projects tend to be more complex due to one or more of the following factors: climate change influencing design requirements, interactions of new structures on existing structures, ground subsidence due to water table lowering, catastrophic or progressive failures, wide variations in geomaterial properties due to weathering, occupational health and safety risks, design challenges in constrictive spaces and expectations of clients on scientists and engineers to deliver outcomes over tight timelines.

Geomaterials that underlie potential building and infrastructure footprints can be difficult to characterise because they form naturally and are not subject to quality control protocols. It is, therefore, important that scientists and engineers develop their expertise and skills through research and practice to quantify the interactions between the intended underground infrastructure and the natural environments in which they are to be built on or in. The term 'soil–structure interactions' is, therefore, an integral part of a successful project outcome.

In addition, advances in information technology have led to the development of artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques to aid in data collection and data analysis for underground geotechnical problems. The data-driven techniques are employed to develop robust design models that can consider complex relationships and produce insightful interpretations to enhance the engineering design processes to include sustainability considerations.

Therefore, as the honorary Guest Editors for the theme “Soil–Structure Interactions in Underground Construction”, we cordially invite you to submit your articles on your recent projects, experimental research or case studies, detailing how geosciences (soil, rock, ground water, geochemistry, geology, hydrogeology, surface run-off, rain, wind, temperature, etc.) directly interact with and impact the performances of underground man-made geostructures through aspects including, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Underground construction (e.g., deep excavation, tunnelling, pipe-jacking and trenching);
  2. Innovative ground improvement methods (e.g., DSM, stone column, in situ walls and subgrade stabilisation);
  3. Geological explorations and interpretation;
  4. Instrumentation and field observational methods;
  5. Use of artificial intelligence or machine learning;
  6. Post-failure forensic engineering or inverse-analysis methods;
  7. Geophysical methods for soil or rock characterisation;
  8. Advancements in laboratory and field testing of geomaterials;
  9. Advancements in remote sensing/LiDAR/image-processing detection;
  10. Advancements in finite/discrete element/large-deformation/mesh-free modelling;
  11. Advancements in multi-disciplinary design theories, government policies, construction innovation and engineering education.

We would like to also encourage you to send a brief abstract outlining the purpose of your research and the key results obtained in order to verify at an early stage that your manuscript falls within the objectives of the Special Issue.

Dr. Dominic E. L. Ong
Dr. Siaw Chian Jong
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • underground construction
  • soil–structure interactions
  • machine learning
  • artificial intelligence
  • numerical modelling
  • deep excavation
  • tunnelling
  • trenchless technology
  • ground improvement
  • shallow and deep foundations

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 7039 KiB  
Article
Mineralogical and Engineering Properties of Soils Derived from In Situ Weathering of Tuff in Central Java, Indonesia
by I Gde Budi Indrawan, Daniel Tamado, Mifthahul Abrar and I Wayan Warmada
Geosciences 2024, 14(8), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14080213 - 10 Aug 2024
Viewed by 943
Abstract
This paper presents the results of borehole investigations and laboratory tests carried out to characterize the soils derived from in situ weathering of tuff in Central Java, Indonesia. The 70 m thick weathering profile of the Quaternary tuff consisted of residual soil and [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of borehole investigations and laboratory tests carried out to characterize the soils derived from in situ weathering of tuff in Central Java, Indonesia. The 70 m thick weathering profile of the Quaternary tuff consisted of residual soil and completely to highly decomposed rocks. The relatively low dry unit weight and cohesion but high water content, porosity, plastic and liquid limits, and angle of internal friction of the soils in the present study were related to the dominance of halloysite clay minerals. The established relationships to predict soil shear strength parameters from the soil plasticity index and standard penetration test (SPT) N-values were examined, and linear and non-linear relationships for soils derived from in situ weathering of tuff were proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Structure Interactions in Underground Construction)
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16 pages, 4229 KiB  
Article
Advancements in Soft Soil Stabilization by Employing Novel Materials through Response Surface Methodology
by Pooja Somadas, Purushotham G. Sarvade and Deepak Nayak
Geosciences 2024, 14(7), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14070182 - 8 Jul 2024
Viewed by 803
Abstract
Stabilization using industrial by-products is presently gaining importance in the construction sector for improving the geotechnical characteristics of soft soils. The optimum dosage of stabilisers has become of great interest to experimenters in terms of improved strength, time, and economy for construction projects. [...] Read more.
Stabilization using industrial by-products is presently gaining importance in the construction sector for improving the geotechnical characteristics of soft soils. The optimum dosage of stabilisers has become of great interest to experimenters in terms of improved strength, time, and economy for construction projects. This work presents the utilization of biomedical waste ash for improving the strength of soft soil. In this paper, response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to determine the optimum combination curing period (C) and biomedical waste ash (BA) quantity for attaining the maximum unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soft soil and to reduce the number of trial tests required. The response factors C and BA were varied from 0 to 14 days and 4% to 20%, respectively, and the experiments were conducted according to the experimental plan provided by the RSM design. Based on a Face-centred Central Composite Design (FCCCD), a mathematical equation was created for the experimental results. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the generated model’s significance, and the results indicated a statically significant model (p ≤ 0.05). The results revealed that the curing period imparts more influence towards strength improvement, and the optimum dosage was 19.912% BA, with curing of 14 days to yield a maximum UCS of 203.008 kPa. This optimization technique may be suggested to obtain a preliminary estimation of strength prior to stabilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Structure Interactions in Underground Construction)
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13 pages, 3336 KiB  
Article
Correlation of Geotechnical and Mineralogical Properties of Lithomargic Clays in Uttara Kannada Region of South India
by Deepak Nayak, Purushotham G. Sarvade, H. N. Udayashankar, Balakrishna S. Maddodi and M. Prasanna Kumar
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040092 - 23 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1376
Abstract
The present study explores the intricate relationship between the geotechnical and mineralogical properties of lithomargic clays in the Uttara Kannada region of south India. Lithomargic clays, characterized by their unique composition of clay minerals and calcareous content, play a crucial role in the [...] Read more.
The present study explores the intricate relationship between the geotechnical and mineralogical properties of lithomargic clays in the Uttara Kannada region of south India. Lithomargic clays, characterized by their unique composition of clay minerals and calcareous content, play a crucial role in the geotechnical behavior of soils. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between the mineralogical composition and engineering characteristics of lithomargic clays, shedding light on their suitability for various construction and infrastructure projects. The research methodology involves a systematic analysis of lithomargic clay samples collected from different locations in the Uttara Kannada region. Geotechnical investigations, including particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR) and triaxial tests, are conducted to assess the engineering properties of the clays. Concurrently, mineralogical analyses, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), are employed to identify and quantify the clay mineral constituents within the samples. The findings of this study reveal correlations between specific mineralogical features and geotechnical behaviors of lithomargic clays. Understanding these relationships is crucial for predicting the response of these clays to different engineering applications, including slope stability, foundation design and embankment construction. The research contributes valuable insights to the scientific and engineering communities, aiding in the informed utilization of lithomargic clays in geotechnical projects in the Uttara Kannada region and beyond. The outcomes of this investigation, such as the correlation of geotechnical properties with the variation in minerals in various sample locations, enhance our understanding of the complex nature of lithomargic clays, providing a foundation for more sustainable and effective engineering practices in the geologically diverse landscapes of south India. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Structure Interactions in Underground Construction)
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25 pages, 8029 KiB  
Article
Soil–Structure Interactions in a Capped CBP Wall System Triggered by Localized Hydrogeological Drawdown in a Complex Geological Setting
by Dominic Ek Leong Ong and Elizabeth Eu Mee Chong
Geosciences 2023, 13(10), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13100304 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1955
Abstract
Retaining walls are often used to construct basements and underground station boxes. This unique case study compares the field-measured contiguous bored pile (CBP) wall, surrounding geology, and hydrogeology or groundwater responses against the results using 2D and 3D numerical back analyses of a [...] Read more.
Retaining walls are often used to construct basements and underground station boxes. This unique case study compares the field-measured contiguous bored pile (CBP) wall, surrounding geology, and hydrogeology or groundwater responses against the results using 2D and 3D numerical back analyses of a deep excavation project that experienced localized groundwater drawdown through the leaking ground anchor points. Site observations indicated that the ground anchor installation works had caused larger than expected through-the-wall leakages that subsequently triggered nearby ground and building settlements. In order to study the complex soil–structure interaction behavior, back analyses using a hybrid modeling technique of through-the-wall transient hydrogeological seepage and geomaterial stress-strain analyses was implemented. Through these soil-structure interaction back analyses, it was evidently revealed that the presence of the continuous capping beam was key in providing pile head restraints against the active earth pressures when the groundwater was depressed, as well as efficiently distributing the beneficial wall corner effects towards the middle CBP wall, leading to smaller bending moment magnitudes, characterized by their ‘S-shaped’ profiles. This behavior had been correctly diagnosed, as opposed to the ‘D-shaped’ bending moment profile usually only seen in a typical free-head cantilever wall in similar geology. The eventual results show that the wall and ground responses, i.e., deflection, bending moment, and settlement, were reasonably well predicted when compared against the instrumented field data, thus validating the reliability of the geotechnical modeling technique, key geological parameters, and hydrogeological fluctuations adopted in the 2D and 3D numerical models, as well as the beneficial contributions of the continuous capping beam, which tend to be overlooked during routine retaining wall design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Structure Interactions in Underground Construction)
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15 pages, 6296 KiB  
Article
Coupling Geotechnical Numerical Analysis with Machine Learning for Observational Method Projects
by Amichai Mitelman, Beverly Yang, Alon Urlainis and Davide Elmo
Geosciences 2023, 13(7), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13070196 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1869
Abstract
In observational method projects in geotechnical engineering, the final geotechnical design is decided upon during actual construction, depending on the observed behavior of the ground. Hence, engineers must be prepared to make crucial decisions promptly, with few available guidelines. In this paper, we [...] Read more.
In observational method projects in geotechnical engineering, the final geotechnical design is decided upon during actual construction, depending on the observed behavior of the ground. Hence, engineers must be prepared to make crucial decisions promptly, with few available guidelines. In this paper, we propose coupling numerical analysis with machine learning (ML) algorithms for enhancing the decision process in observational method projects. The proposed methodology consists of two main computational steps: (1) data generation, where multiple numerical models are automatically generated according to the anticipated range of input parameters, and (2) data analysis, where input parameters and model results are analyzed with ML models. Using the case study of the Semel tunnel in Tel Aviv, Israel, we demonstrate how this computational process can contribute to the success of observational method projects through (1) the computation of feature importance, which can assist with better identifying the key features that drive failure prior to project execution, (2) providing insights regarding the monitoring plan, as correlative relationships between various results can be tested, and (3) instantaneous predictions during construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Structure Interactions in Underground Construction)
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