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Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications
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Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 10415

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Junjun Ni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Transportation, Southeast Universit, Nanjing 211189, China
Interests: ecological geotechnical engineering; unsaturated soil mechanics; resource utilization of engineering solid waste
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Haowen Guo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: unsaturated soil mechanics; eco-geotechnics; geoenvironmental engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The recent extreme weather triggered by climate changes and engineering activities have severely influenced soil behaviours. Geotechnical engineers are now faced with the inevitable challenge of environmentally friendly and sustainable development. Cross-disciplinary research in geotechnics is needed to cope with global warming, geohazards, soil degradation, and environmental contamination. This Special Issue aims to tackle the current challenges by bringing together state-of-the-art research in geotechnical engineering, from fundamental principles to practical applications.

Engineers and scientists working in the fields of computational geotechnics, bio-inspired geotechnical topics and research, eco-geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, greenhouse gases and climate change, pavement engineering, renewable energy sources, risk assessment and management, sustainable geotechnical engineering, underground engineering and construction and unsaturated soil mechanics and practice are particularly encouraged to submit articles with significant geotechnical components or applications.

Prof. Dr. Junjun Ni
Dr. Haowen Guo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • computational geotechnics
  • bio-inspired and ecological geotechnical engineering
  • geoenvironmental engineering
  • greenhouse gases and climate change
  • pavement engineering
  • renewable energy sources
  • risk assessment and management
  • sustainability in geotechnical engineering
  • underground engineering and construction
  • unsaturated soils

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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35 pages, 19469 KiB  
Article
Integrated Geotechnical Analysis of Allophanic Volcanic Ash Soils: SDMT and Laboratory Perspectives
by Eddy Fernando Sanchez, Jorge Albuja-Sánchez and Maritza Córdova
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1386; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031386 - 29 Jan 2025
Viewed by 687
Abstract
The geological study area is volcano-tectonic in nature. Microscopic observations and mineralogical analyses revealed the presence of allophane and diatom clusters whose mineral compositions coincided with weathered andesites and dacites. Edometric consolidation tests showed a high porosity and a reduction in the void [...] Read more.
The geological study area is volcano-tectonic in nature. Microscopic observations and mineralogical analyses revealed the presence of allophane and diatom clusters whose mineral compositions coincided with weathered andesites and dacites. Edometric consolidation tests showed a high porosity and a reduction in the void ratio by up to five times. These are highly compressible soils with a Cc/Cs ratio of 12 to 15 and a specific gravity (Gs) of 2.4. Low initial bulk density (1.10 Mg/m3), high plasticity, and SUCS (OH) classification are typical of soft soils, with an effective friction angle (ɸ’CD) of 25.5° to 30° and effective cohesion (c’CD) of 11.90 to 47.27 KPa. The shear wave velocity for the first 10 m (Vs10) on average ranged from 78 m/s to 120 m/s, whereas that for the first 30 m (Vs30) was 169 m/s. The permeability, which was calculated indirectly, was between 2 × 10−7 and 3 × 10−8 m/s. With an organic matter content between 5% and 25%, the Caupicho soil is an organic mineral sediment that is not considered peat (non-peat). The results of this study serve as a basis for future analyses of soil dynamics, bearing capacity, and consolidation settlements in the medium and long term in an area of high urban growth in southern Quito, Ecuador. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications)
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20 pages, 8325 KiB  
Article
Response Surface Design Models to Predict the Strength of Iron Tailings Stabilized with an Alkali-Activated Cement
by Isabela Caetano, Sara Rios and Paula Milheiro-Oliveira
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8116; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188116 - 10 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 791
Abstract
Tailing storage facilities are very complex structures whose failure generally leads to catastrophic consequences in terms of casualties, serious environmental impacts on local biodiversity, and disruptions in the mineral supply. For this reason, structures at risk must be reinforced or decommissioned. One possible [...] Read more.
Tailing storage facilities are very complex structures whose failure generally leads to catastrophic consequences in terms of casualties, serious environmental impacts on local biodiversity, and disruptions in the mineral supply. For this reason, structures at risk must be reinforced or decommissioned. One possible option is its reinforcement with compacted filtered tailings stabilized with binders. Alkali-activated binders provide a more sustainable solution than ordinary Portland cement but require an optimization of the tailing–binder mixture, which, in some cases, can lead to a substantial experimental effort. Statistical models have been used to reduce the number of those experiments, but a rational design methodology is still lacking. This methodology to define the right mixture for a required strength should consider both the mixture components and in situ conditions. In this paper, response surface methods were used to plan and interpret unconfined compression strength test results on an iron tailing stabilized with alkali-activated binders. It was concluded that the fly ash content was the most important parameter, followed by the liquid content and sodium hydroxide concentration. From the obtained results, several statistical models were defined and compared according to the definition of a strength prediction model based on a mixture index parameter. It was interesting to observe that models with the porosity cement index still provide reasonable adjustment even when different tailings’ water contents are considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications)
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19 pages, 7640 KiB  
Article
Effect of Storage Time on the Structural Integrity of Silts and Organic Soils: An Analysis of Moisture Content, Unconfined Compressive Strength, and Elasticity
by Alei Calderón-Carrasco, Bethsabe Galarza-Poveda, Andreina Damián-Chalán and Jorge Albuja-Sánchez
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 8060; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14178060 - 9 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1024
Abstract
The impact of storage duration on the geotechnical properties of soils is a recurring issue in the field of geotechnical engineering. Due to the lack of previous research addressing this topic, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate the variation of these properties [...] Read more.
The impact of storage duration on the geotechnical properties of soils is a recurring issue in the field of geotechnical engineering. Due to the lack of previous research addressing this topic, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate the variation of these properties over time. Undisturbed samples of silty and organic soil from Quito, Ecuador, were obtained. These samples were subjected to unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and moisture content (MC) tests at various intervals (1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 days). Results revealed a significant correlation between MC, UCS, and modulus of elasticity (ME). A progressive increase in UCS and ME was observed as MC decreased, with peak values observed to occur between 20 and 30 days. These findings suggest that matric suction plays a predominant role in increasing cohesion and, consequently, UCS. Therefore, it is concluded that the time elapsed between sample extraction and testing is a critical factor influencing the preservation of MC and, hence, the accurate assessment of the soil’s mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications)
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23 pages, 6963 KiB  
Article
An Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation Method for Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cr(VI) Remediation: An Experimental and Simulation Study
by Yi Bian, Yanbo Chen, Liangtong Zhan, Han Ke, Yunqi Gao, Qingyang Wang and Guangwei Qi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6559; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156559 - 26 Jul 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1300
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination has long been a tough challenge. Recently, enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) has been proposed to handle this problem. This paper aims to explore the efficacy, process, and mechanisms of EICP using crude sword bean urease extracts to remediate Zn2+ [...] Read more.
Heavy metal contamination has long been a tough challenge. Recently, enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) has been proposed to handle this problem. This paper aims to explore the efficacy, process, and mechanisms of EICP using crude sword bean urease extracts to remediate Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cr(VI) contamination. A series of liquid batch tests and geochemical simulations, as well as microscopic analyses, were conducted. The liquid batch test results show that Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cr(VI) can be effectively immobilized by the EICP method, and the highest immobilization percentage was observed for Zn2+, reaching up to 99%. Ni2+ and Cr(VI) were immobilized at 62.4% and 24.4%, respectively. Additionally, the immobilization percentage of heavy metals increased with the concentration of added Ca2+. The simulation results and XRD results reveal that the organic molecules in crude sword bean urease can promote ZnCO3, Zn(OH)2, Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6, and NiCO3 precipitation. The FTIR and SEM-EDS results provide evidence for heavy metal adsorption by the functional groups in crude urease and calcium carbonate. The liquid batch test results, as well as the simulation results and the microscopic analysis results, indicate that the mechanism of EICP in heavy metal remediation can be summarized as biomineralization to form heavy metal carbonate precipitates and metal hydroxide precipitates, adsorption by calcium carbonate, and adsorption or complexation or promoting nucleation by organic molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications)
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20 pages, 9703 KiB  
Article
Predicting Blast-Induced Damage and Dynamic Response of Drill-and-Blast Tunnel Using Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
by Jawad Ur Rehman, Duhee Park and Jae-Kwang Ahn
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6152; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146152 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1874
Abstract
The significance of predicting the dynamic response and damage of an existing concrete tunnel during underground blasting has increased owing to the close proximity between the newly built and existing tunnels. Peak particle velocity (PPV) is a commonly used criterion in the assessment [...] Read more.
The significance of predicting the dynamic response and damage of an existing concrete tunnel during underground blasting has increased owing to the close proximity between the newly built and existing tunnels. Peak particle velocity (PPV) is a commonly used criterion in the assessment of blast-induced structural damage. However, such structural damage is also associated with the frequency content of the blast wave. Nevertheless, the recommended threshold PPVs, which are based on empirical criteria, predict conservative estimations. Using stringent and regulated blasting methods often results in project delays and escalates the total project expenditure. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model of an underground tunnel has been developed in LS-DYNA to analyze damage to the concrete tunnels under blast loading. A suite of analyses was performed to examine the potential damage induced in the underground tunnel. A lower frequency load was found to have a greater potential for producing damage compared with a high frequency blast load. The results showed that the location of the cracking within the tunnel, such as the arch foot or tunnel wall, was also influenced by the frequency of the blast wave. The maximum allowable PPV for the concrete tunnel was determined for a range of frequencies based on predicted free field PPV and additional factors of safety of 1.2 and 1.5 were established, depending on the safety needs and importance of the tunnel construction. Thus, our findings provide useful information for improving the evaluation of tunnel damage and guaranteeing the safety of underground tunnels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications)
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17 pages, 5305 KiB  
Article
2D Numerical Analysis of Prefabricated Vertical Drains Using Different Matching Methods
by Abrasse Théodore, Ahmet Demir and Abdulazim Yildiz
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 4970; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14124970 - 7 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1934
Abstract
A full-scale embankment on soft clays improved with prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) have to be analyzed in 3D conditions due to a great number of vertical drains under an embankment. However, 3D analysis is very complex, time-consuming, and needs a powerful computer. Therefore, [...] Read more.
A full-scale embankment on soft clays improved with prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) have to be analyzed in 3D conditions due to a great number of vertical drains under an embankment. However, 3D analysis is very complex, time-consuming, and needs a powerful computer. Therefore, axisymmetric vertical drains have to be converted into equivalent plane-strain conditions for 2D analysis. Different matching approaches based on unit cell concept have been developed in the literature and the matching can be achieved by modifying the drain distance and/or soil permeability according with relatively simple instructions. This paper investigates verification of three different matching approaches to be used in the numerical analysis of full-scale embankment built on multiple vertical drains. The elasto-plastic soft soil model was used in the numerical analysis, and the results are compared with the laboratory and field measurements. The results of numerical analysis demonstrate that the matching methods are in extremely good agreement with the measurements if the effect of both the smear zone and discharge capacity are taken into consideration. It is seen that these methods provide practical solutions and important advantages to geotechnical engineers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications)
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Review

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18 pages, 1116 KiB  
Review
Analysis and Applications of the Two Phases Closed Thermosyphon Technology in the Highways in Permafrost Regions: A Review
by Shuai Du and Zeliang Ye
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4185; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104185 - 15 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1640
Abstract
Permafrost spans approximately 23–25% of the land in the northern hemisphere, primarily found in Russia, Canada, USA, and China. Numerous engineering projects, particularly those related to transportation, are situated within these permafrost regions. Due to the impact of highway construction and global warming, [...] Read more.
Permafrost spans approximately 23–25% of the land in the northern hemisphere, primarily found in Russia, Canada, USA, and China. Numerous engineering projects, particularly those related to transportation, are situated within these permafrost regions. Due to the impact of highway construction and global warming, the permafrost beneath the infrastructure is deteriorating, leading to significant damage. Two phases closed thermosyphon (TPCT) is a widely accepted green countermeasure against the problem in permafrost regions. Although it has been applied to prevent permafrost degradation, their application presents significant challenges on account of the stronger endothermic action of asphalt pavement. This paper focused on a review of the thermosyphon technology and application in the permafrost. Moreover, the article highlighted the excellent working performance of the TPCT that improves the stability of the infrastructures and prevents it degrading due its excellent efficiency in terms of heat transfer. The industrial applications of the TPCT were also summarized, along with their limitations. Ultimately, the findings presented in this paper can offer crucial insights for future TPCT design and development in permafrost areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications)
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