Advances in Engineering Soil Properties and Testing for Ground Stabilization

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2024 | Viewed by 8625

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77705, USA
Interests: soil stabilization and evaluation; dredge material management; foundation systems design; numerical modeling in geotechnical engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA
Interests: soil stabilization and evaluation; foundation/wall systems; numerical analysis in geotechnical engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The current technology in ground stabilization/improvement, which includes the mechanical reinforcement and physical-chemical stabilization of local soils, is rapidly advancing. This Special Issue addresses the latest findings on construction methods, analytical approaches, monitoring techniques and testing, as well as characterization methods related to this field of research.

This Special Issue seeks to address recent advances for the following broad topics:

  • Stabilization using traditional and nontraditional admixtures;
  • Case studies of ground improvement/stabilization projects;
  • Identification of unsuitable soils and stabilization methods for ground improvement;
  • Laboratory and field tests methods on engineering soil properties for improvement/ stabilization;
  • Environmental issues related to ground improvement/stabilization;
  • Economic cost analysis and efficacy with different improvement/stabilization methods.

It is our pleasure to invite you to submit manuscripts to this Special Issue. Full papers, technical notes, case studies, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Mien Jao
Prof. Dr. Mian C. Wang
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.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 7771 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Rockfill Stabilized-Geosynthetics Reinforced Road Base with Repeated Plate Loading Tests
by Ahmet Demir, Bahadir Ok and Talha Sarici
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 3042; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14073042 - 04 Apr 2024
Viewed by 427
Abstract
In this study, the performance of unpaved road sections over soft clay soil geosynthetic-reinforced and stabilized with rock fill layer was evaluated using repeated plate loading tests. A total of 10 field tests were carried out using a circular model rigid plate with [...] Read more.
In this study, the performance of unpaved road sections over soft clay soil geosynthetic-reinforced and stabilized with rock fill layer was evaluated using repeated plate loading tests. A total of 10 field tests were carried out using a circular model rigid plate with a diameter of 0.30 m. The parameters investigated included the location and type of geosynthetics and loading conditions (number of loading cycle and traffic loading condition). Based on the test results, the least deformation was observed in the rockfill section. The geocell placed at a depth of one-third thickness of the granular fill layer from the top showed improved performance and was more effective as compared with other geosynthetic reinforcements. However, for granular fill geosynthetic-reinforced or stabilized with rock fill layer, the results demonstrate an improvement in the rutting performance of the pavement and the definite trend of increasing reloading elastic modulus, depending on the traffic loading situation. It has been also observed that the use of geocell or geogrid reinforcement in granular fill layer or more rigid rockfill layer provides an important increase in the modulus improvement ratio (MIR) by at least 36%, 45% and 60% compared to the granular fill section, respectively. Full article
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14 pages, 4874 KiB  
Article
Triaxial Test of Coarse-Grained Soils Reinforced with One Layer of Geogrid
by Mindaugas Zakarka, Šarūnas Skuodis and Neringa Dirgėlienė
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12480; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212480 - 18 Nov 2023
Viewed by 749
Abstract
Geosynthetics play a pivotal role in modern infrastructure projects, with geogrids serving as a common choice for enhancing bearing capacity and reducing soil settlement in road construction. This study investigates the influence of density and uniformity coefficients on geogrid-reinforced sandy and gravelly soils [...] Read more.
Geosynthetics play a pivotal role in modern infrastructure projects, with geogrids serving as a common choice for enhancing bearing capacity and reducing soil settlement in road construction. This study investigates the influence of density and uniformity coefficients on geogrid-reinforced sandy and gravelly soils through a series of consolidated drained triaxial tests. The research covers six distinct soil types from Lithuania, each characterized by particle size distribution analysis and classified using various standards. A polyester biaxial geogrid is employed, and test specimens are prepared with and without geogrid reinforcement. Triaxial compression tests are performed at different cell pressures, mirroring real-world conditions in road construction. The results highlight the critical role of cell pressure in the reinforcement effect, with higher pressures reducing the geogrid’s influence. The study also emphasizes the importance of soil type, as gravel soils consistently exhibit higher deviatoric stress than sandy soils. Notably, the geogrid enhances cohesion but reduces the angle of internal friction in most cases. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay between soil properties, geogrid reinforcement, and cell pressure, shedding light on the mechanical behavior of geosynthetic-reinforced soils in road construction applications. Full article
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13 pages, 2315 KiB  
Article
One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soft Clay under Multi-Stage Loading
by Jiangfeng Wang, Wei Yuan, Xuexuan Yin, Wenjie Li and Xinya Li
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10340; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810340 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1121
Abstract
The consolidation characteristics of soft clay under multi-stage loading and single-stage loading exhibit significant differences. In order to investigate the consolidation behavior of soft clay under multi-stage loading, one-dimensional oedometer tests were conducted on marine sedimentary soft clay from northern China. The results [...] Read more.
The consolidation characteristics of soft clay under multi-stage loading and single-stage loading exhibit significant differences. In order to investigate the consolidation behavior of soft clay under multi-stage loading, one-dimensional oedometer tests were conducted on marine sedimentary soft clay from northern China. The results indicate that the overall time-deformation pattern of multi-stage loading is a cyclic nonlinear extension of that of single-stage loading. The final deformation between multi-stage loading and single-stage loading is approximately equal; however, the consolidation rate of single-stage loading is four times that of multi-stage loading. Furthermore, the coefficient of consolidation (Cv) decreases with increasing stress. Subsequently, the traditional Terzaghi one-dimensional consolidation equation was modified and a consolidation equation suitable for multi-stage loading is proposed in this study. The analysis of engineering applications demonstrates that the traditional theory provides more accurate predictions of consolidation rate and settlement when the load is small. However, when the load is large, the settlement predicted using the Terzaghi one-dimensional consolidation equation may have an error of 0–25% compared to that using the modified equation. The modified Terzaghi one-dimensional consolidation equation provides a more accurate representation of the actual consolidation of soft soil. Full article
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15 pages, 5157 KiB  
Article
Study on Compaction Characteristics and Compaction Process of an Unsaturated Silt Based on PFC3D
by Zhitao Ma, Keyu Lu, Daifu Song, Wenhu Liu, Yipeng Wang and Shunhai Li
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5547; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095547 - 29 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 946
Abstract
In order to reduce the construction cost of excessively wet silt roadbeds and improve the compaction quality, this paper studies the compaction characteristics and compaction technology of excessively wet silts through theoretical derivation, indoor experiments, numerical simulation, engineering verification, and other research methods. [...] Read more.
In order to reduce the construction cost of excessively wet silt roadbeds and improve the compaction quality, this paper studies the compaction characteristics and compaction technology of excessively wet silts through theoretical derivation, indoor experiments, numerical simulation, engineering verification, and other research methods. Based on the pendulum-type liquid bridge structure, this paper uses the Hertz–Mindlin theory, particle motion equation of state, and other theories to modify the force between particles of an unsaturated soil. Through the contact angle, which is a medium, the matrix suction is linked to the water content and is used to approximate the water content state of soil samples. Using PFC3D (particle flow code 3D) numerical simulation software, an unsaturated silt model was established based on Hill contact, and the model parameters were calibrated through basic geotechnical tests and triaxial compression tests. The correctness of the theory is verified by comparing the simulated triaxial compression test of wet silts with the indoor test. By simulating subgrade rolling, considering factors such as the distribution of contact force chain and the variation of compaction degree, the effects of rolling times, strong vibration, and weak vibration on the compaction effect were compared and analyzed. Finally, the optimal rolling and compaction process under the optimal water content is obtained through on-site engineering tests. The results show that: (1) The Hill contact model is reasonable for simulating the wet silt. (2) During the simulation of the roadbed compaction process using PFC3D software, it was found that the compaction degree change during the entire compaction process can be roughly divided into the initial compaction stage and the re-compaction stage. The reasonable number of compaction times was determined to be five through discrete element simulation. (3) It is found from the numerical simulation results that compared to static compaction, both strong and weak vibration compaction can effectively improve the compaction effect of subgrade compaction. The larger the vibration amplitude, the more obvious the improvement of the compaction effect. The compaction effect of strong vibration followed by weak vibration is stronger than that of weak vibration followed by strong vibration. (4) The optimal compaction process obtained under the optimal moisture content of 15% is static pressure once + strong vibration twice + weak vibration twice. Full article
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15 pages, 4529 KiB  
Article
An Experimental Design Methodology to Evaluate the Key Parameters on Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes Applied in Soil Stabilization
by António Alberto S. Correia, Diogo Figueiredo and Maria G. Rasteiro
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4880; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084880 - 13 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1322
Abstract
The incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the process of chemical stabilization of soft soil is only possible when they are dispersed adequately in the medium. The maximum compressive strength (qu max) and the secant undrained Young’s modulus (Eu 50 [...] Read more.
The incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the process of chemical stabilization of soft soil is only possible when they are dispersed adequately in the medium. The maximum compressive strength (qu max) and the secant undrained Young’s modulus (Eu 50) are usually used to characterize the behavior of soil stabilized with Portland cement. In the present study, soft soil was additivated with a CNT dispersion prepared in a surfactant solution. This information was then used to produce a model based on an experimental design strategy, which allowed us to relate qu max and Eu 50 with the CNT concentration and the surfactant hydrodynamic diameter and concentration. The Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression method was selected to perform the regression, given the significant collinearity among the input variables. The results obtained lead us to conclude that the CNT concentration is the most important factor and has a positive impact on the responses (qu max and Eu 50). The surfactant concentration and hydrodynamic diameter have a negative impact on the responses, but, curiously, when combined, the impact becomes positive. It means that these variables depend on each other. The results obtained show that it is possible to produce a statistical model for these parameters with good correlation coefficient (R2). Full article
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11 pages, 1928 KiB  
Article
Development of Fiber Reinforced Sustainable Dredge Bricks
by Thi Thuy Minh Nguyen, Saeed Rabbanifar, Zhe Luo, Christopher Huddleston, Trey O’Connor, Adam Richard, Malik Michel, Ryan Moon, Chun-Wei Yao, Mien Jao and Paul Bernazzani
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13020789 - 05 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1842
Abstract
To maintain adequate depth of commercial waterways, large quantities of earthen material are dredged and stored on undeveloped placement areas adjacent to the waterway. As dredge placement areas become overwhelmed, an environmental and financial sustainable solution for the reuse of dredged soil is [...] Read more.
To maintain adequate depth of commercial waterways, large quantities of earthen material are dredged and stored on undeveloped placement areas adjacent to the waterway. As dredge placement areas become overwhelmed, an environmental and financial sustainable solution for the reuse of dredged soil is prioritized. In this study, locally dredged material from the Sabine-Neches Waterway was used to explore the potential of dredged material in the production of compressed stabilized earth bricks (CSEBs) for small-scale structures in the region. CSEB mixture designs were developed containing fly ash (FA), Portland cement (PC), hydrated lime (HL), water (W), dredged material (DM), and natural and synthetic fibers. Optimized mixtures designs reached the recommended compressive strength of over 1200 psi. Results showed that that the addition of fibers reduced the compressive and flexural strength of the bricks, with a maximum compressive strength of 1394 psi with a corresponding flexural strength of 381 psi being obtained with fiberless dredge bricks. Multiple coating systems were also tested to increase the resistance of the bricks to weathering and erosion. Results showed that the use of coatings reduced water absorption and increased the bricks resistance to erosion, making them more adept in regions commonly subjected to flooding and heavy wind-driven rains. Full article
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17 pages, 4532 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dry–Wet Cycling and Temperature on Shear Strength and Microscopic Parameters of Coal Measure Soil
by Gang Huang and Mingxin Zheng
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010336 - 27 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1311
Abstract
Exposed coal measure soil (CMS) found in the mountains of Southern China is significantly affected by the seasonal climate, which makes this region prone to frequent shallow landslides. In this regard, very few studies have focused on the shear strength and microscopic characteristics [...] Read more.
Exposed coal measure soil (CMS) found in the mountains of Southern China is significantly affected by the seasonal climate, which makes this region prone to frequent shallow landslides. In this regard, very few studies have focused on the shear strength and microscopic characteristics of CMS subjected to dry–wet cycling and temperature. The aim of this study was to experimentally investigate the effects of dry–wet cycling and temperature on shear strength and microscopic parameters of CMS. We carried out an unconsolidated undrained triaxial test and scanning electron microscopy of CMS obtained from the K209 slope on the Chang-li highway. Our results indicated that the soil shear strength and microstructure parameters significantly decreased before three dry–wet cycles. Above 35 °C, the temperature affected mainly the mean fractal dimension. The soil cohesion was negatively correlated with the fractal dimension and positively correlated with the probability entropy. The surface-crack occurred once the stress value of high temperature was greater than 0.57 MPa. Strain-softening, swelling–shrinkage, low soil strength, and high soil temperature formed the main factors underlying rainfall-induced K209 shallow landslides. Full article
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