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Buildings
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Problematic Soils in Building Construction
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Problematic Soils in Building Construction

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 March 2024) | Viewed by 6104

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kai Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: advanced development of testing apparatus; mechanical behaviour of saturated and unsaturated soils; constitutive modelling of granular materials; numerical modelling of soils and structures
Prof. Dr. Dongsheng Xu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: soil mechanics; coral reef island; smart sensing technology; safety protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Weiqiang Feng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
Interests: constitutive modelling of soft soil; multi-function physical modelling; consolidation and creep; optical sensing application
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Daoyuan Tan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: geohazards management; intelligent monitoring of geotechnical structures; development of smart city infrastructure; ground improvement technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Wenbo Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: soil dynamics; sustainable ground improvement techniques; soil-pile interaction; geoenvironmental engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In terms of geotechnical engineering, problematic soils are soils which have potential to expand, collapse, disperse, or undergo excessive settlement. These properties might be induced by their composition, mineralogy, or fabric. Some typical types of problematic soils include swelling/shrinking clays, collapsible soils, soft soils, frozen soils, unsaturated soils, contaminated soils, salinized soil, calcareous sand, etc. A lack of understanding of the behaviors of problematic soils may cause great financial loss. With rapid global urbanization, it might be the only option to build infrastructure on problematic soils. These problematic soils might result in several problems, including poor bearing capacity, unsafe excavation, instability of slopes and embankments, long-term settlements, etc. Thus, it is essential to investigate problematic soils in building construction.

As the Guest Editors of the Special Issue “Problematic Soils in Building Construction”, we cordially invite you to submit high-quality and cutting-edge articles. The topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Start-of-the-art reviews and case studies of problematic soils;
  • Site investigation and interpretation;
  • Laboratory element tests, physical model tests, and field tests of problematic soils;
  • Micro- and macrostructural properties of problematic soils;
  • Constitutive modelling of problematic soils;
  • Numerical modelling of problematic soils (finite element, discrete element, etc.);
  • Advances in monitoring and data processing technologies;
  • Stabilization methods (deep replacement, stone column, preloading, fill reinforcement, etc.);
  • Seismic behaviors of problematic soils and structures;
  • Problematic soil–structure interactions;
  • Performance of structures on problematic soils (building structures, underground structures, onshore and offshore structures, etc.).

Dr. Kai Liu
Prof. Dr. Dongsheng Xu
Dr. Weiqiang Feng
Dr. Daoyuan Tan
Dr. Wenbo Chen
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. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2600 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

  • problematic soil
  • site investigation
  • laboratory element test
  • physical model test
  • field test
  • constitutive modelling
  • numerical modelling
  • advanced monitoring
  • soil–structure interaction
  • structures

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 12639 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Structural Strength of Expansive Soil in a Seasonally Frozen Region
by Xun Sun, Shengyuan Song, Cencen Niu, Xudong Zhang, Chaoren Dou, Weitong Xia, Xinghua Li and Qing Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030789 - 14 Mar 2024
Viewed by 439
Abstract
The existence of structural strength in undisturbed soil results in its distinct characteristics compared to remolded soil. Under the influence of freeze–thaw cycles, this difference may easily cause geotechnical disasters in cold regions. This study aimed to analyze and discuss the expression degree [...] Read more.
The existence of structural strength in undisturbed soil results in its distinct characteristics compared to remolded soil. Under the influence of freeze–thaw cycles, this difference may easily cause geotechnical disasters in cold regions. This study aimed to analyze and discuss the expression degree and influencing factors of the structural strength of expansive soil. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, high-pressure consolidation test, and microscopic test were performed on expansive soil retrieved from a seasonally frozen region. Moreover, sensitivity parameters, including stress sensitivity (St.qu, St.σk) and strain sensitivity (St.ɛu, St.Cc), were applied to explore the expression degree and influencing factors of structural strength in a seasonally frozen region. The results reveal that the undisturbed samples have better structural connection and particle arrangement than the remolded samples. However, the primary fractures have a certain degrading effect on the strength of the undisturbed soil as influenced by a seasonally frozen region. With the increase in water content and the decrease in density, the expression degree of the structural strength in terms of compressive strength and the ability to resist deformation enhances under the unconfined condition. By contrast, the expression degree increases in strength and decreases in ability under the confined condition. Furthermore, the effect mechanisms of the basic property, particle composition, structural linkage, lateral confinement, and historical role on the structural expression were analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problematic Soils in Building Construction)
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18 pages, 37688 KiB  
Article
Research on the Classification of Concrete Sulfate Erosion Types in Tumushuke Area, Xinjiang
by Yuwei Ma, Xuemei Jiang, Junfeng Li, Gang Li, Wei Huang, Weidong Chang, Guangming Cao and Ziwei Yu
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030729 - 08 Mar 2024
Viewed by 515
Abstract
Tumushuke, a significant node of “the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor” and “the Silk Road Economic Belt”, is strategically located in the southern region of Xinjiang. Due to the widespread distribution of its salty soils, concrete construction safety is significantly compromised. The construction of this [...] Read more.
Tumushuke, a significant node of “the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor” and “the Silk Road Economic Belt”, is strategically located in the southern region of Xinjiang. Due to the widespread distribution of its salty soils, concrete construction safety is significantly compromised. The construction of this project used sulfate-resistant cement, which was costly to construct. Six groups with varying sulfate immersion concentrations were set up to perform sulfate erosion tests and sulfate freeze–thaw coupling tests, respectively, based on the survey of the distribution of sulfate concentration in the area. The Tumushuke area’s concrete erosion kinds were classified using a microanalysis of the degraded concrete. The findings indicate that the concrete primarily exhibits gypsum-type erosion when the sulfate concentration is greater than 20,000 mg/kg, ettringite–gypsum-type erosion when the sulfate concentration is between 15,000 and 20,000 mg/kg, and ettringite-gypsum-type erosion when the sulfate concentration is less than 15,000 mg/kg. The erosion product, carbon–sulfur silica-calcite, also occurs under sulfate freeze–thaw coupling. In the Tumushuke area, ettringite-type erosion damage is primarily found in low-sulfate areas in the southwest and a small portion of the northeast. In contrast, higher-sulfate areas in the central northward area are primarily affected by ettringite–gypsum and gypsum-type erosion damage. The results of this study can provide a basis for adopting different anti-sulfate erosion measures for engineering construction in different regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problematic Soils in Building Construction)
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36 pages, 17090 KiB  
Article
Multi-Stage and Multi-Parameter Influence Analysis of Deep Foundation Pit Excavation on Surrounding Environment
by Dunqing Li, Feng Liao, Lixin Wang, Jianfu Lin and Junfang Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010297 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 888
Abstract
As urbanization accelerates, deep excavation projects have become increasingly vital in the construction of high-rise buildings and underground facilities. However, the potential risks to the surrounding environment and the inherent complexities involved necessitate thorough research to ensure the safety of those engineering projects [...] Read more.
As urbanization accelerates, deep excavation projects have become increasingly vital in the construction of high-rise buildings and underground facilities. However, the potential risks to the surrounding environment and the inherent complexities involved necessitate thorough research to ensure the safety of those engineering projects with deep foundation pit excavation and to minimize their impact on adjacent structures. This study introduces a multi-stage and multi-parameter numerical simulation method to scrutinize the construction process of deep foundation pits. This approach not only investigates the influence of excavation activities on nearby buildings and roads but also enhances the fidelity of simulation models by establishing a three-dimensional finite element model integrated with on-site investigated geological information. Therefore, the proposed method can provide a more holistic and accurate analysis of the overall impacts of the pit excavation process. To examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, this study adopts the multi-stage and multi-parameter influence analysis approach for a real practical engineering case to explore the impact of excavation on the foundation pit support structure, nearby buildings, and surrounding roads. The foundation pit support’s maximum displacement was 8.64 mm, well under the 25 mm standard limit. Anchor rod forces were about 10% below the standard limit. Building and road settlements were also minimal, at 10.33 mm and 16.44 mm, respectively, far below their respective limits of 200 mm and 300 mm. This study not only validates the feasibility of design and construction stability of deep foundation pits but also contributes theoretical and practical insights, serving as a valuable reference for future engineering projects of a similar scope. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problematic Soils in Building Construction)
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16 pages, 3493 KiB  
Article
Study of the Nonuniform Consolidation Characteristics of Soft Soils Using a Novel Model
by Yuefu Zhou, Wenlong Han, Dong Su and Xiangsheng Chen
Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3104; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123104 - 14 Dec 2023
Viewed by 550
Abstract
The degree of soil nonuniformity consolidation varies continuously with the passage of consolidation time and is accompanied by nonlinear alterations in soil parameters. Existing theoretical models often assume a constant relationship between the parameters of the two soil layers, failing to consider the [...] Read more.
The degree of soil nonuniformity consolidation varies continuously with the passage of consolidation time and is accompanied by nonlinear alterations in soil parameters. Existing theoretical models often assume a constant relationship between the parameters of the two soil layers, failing to consider the effect of nonuniform consolidation. This assumption does not align with real-world conditions and can lead to significant errors in calculation results. Hence, this study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in soil undergoing nonuniform consolidation and develop a mathematical model that accounts for this phenomenon. Based on the large-strain and double-layer models, an improved consolidation model was proposed, which considers nonuniform variations in consolidation with a vertical drain and corrections to calculations under the influence of the nonlinear relationships of soil parameters. The proposed improved model was validated by comparison with field test data, and the results were compared with those of the classical model. Finally, the effects of different consolidation parameters on consolidation behavior were investigated. The research is a reliable calculation method that incorporates the dynamic nonuniform changes in consolidated soil, enabling more accurate predictions of consolidation of foundations treated by vertical drains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problematic Soils in Building Construction)
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25 pages, 37249 KiB  
Article
Anisotropy Study on the Process of Soil Permeability and Consolidation in Reclamation Areas: A Case Study of Chongming East Shoal in Shanghai
by Meng Yao, Hanmei Wang, Qingbo Yu, Hui Li, Weitong Xia, Qing Wang, Xinlei Huang and Jinxin Lin
Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3059; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123059 - 08 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 758
Abstract
Anisotropic permeability is of great significance for assessing the consolidation and drainage mode of soil layers in reclamation areas, as well as for preventing and controlling ground settlement after project construction. This paper analyzes the anisotropic permeability of the inland and nearshore soil [...] Read more.
Anisotropic permeability is of great significance for assessing the consolidation and drainage mode of soil layers in reclamation areas, as well as for preventing and controlling ground settlement after project construction. This paper analyzes the anisotropic permeability of the inland and nearshore soil layers in Chongming East Shoal, Shanghai, and the formation mechanism of anisotropic permeability through permeability and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests. The results highlight that compared with dredger fill and sandy silt, the horizontal permeability coefficient of underlying soft clay (USC) is significantly higher than its vertical permeability coefficient, which is more significant in nearshore USC. Interestingly, the upper clay (21.5 m) in the thickest clay layer shows greater anisotropic permeability than the lower clay (41.5 m). Due to the instability of seepage channels, the USC anisotropic permeability increases in a fluctuating manner as the hydraulic gradient increases. Microstructural parameters are used to reveal the mechanism of anisotropic permeability, which shows that a simple soil skeleton and structure, strong particle orientation, decreased particle abundance, increased particle roundness, decreased particle contact area, and increased pore area all contribute to the enhancement of permeability. Moreover, micro-parameters have been proposed to evaluate anisotropic permeability in terms of the effective seepage-pore area. This approach addresses the constraint of water films on the permeability efficiency of USC particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problematic Soils in Building Construction)
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25 pages, 17896 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Vertical Bearing and Deformation Characteristics of Qiantang River Ancient Seawall
by Qiang Chen, Xiaobin Tu, Yongcheng Lv, Wei Liu and Li Shi
Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2788; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112788 - 06 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 758
Abstract
Situated on the northern bank of the Qiantang River estuary, the ancient seawall serves not only as a national cultural relic but also as an active agent in flood and tide prevention. This seawall features a trapezoidal cross-section and is constructed with layered [...] Read more.
Situated on the northern bank of the Qiantang River estuary, the ancient seawall serves not only as a national cultural relic but also as an active agent in flood and tide prevention. This seawall features a trapezoidal cross-section and is constructed with layered stone blocks and a sticky rice mortar. To investigate the load-bearing and deformation attributes of this ancient structure, a scaled-down specimen with a ratio of 1:4 was created. Monotonic and cyclic vertical loadings were then applied to the wall’s top surface. During these loading procedures, measurements of the loading force, seawall displacement, and front and side deformation fields were taken. Experimental findings reveal that the seawall tends to lean towards the soil-retaining side under vertical loading. After ten loading cycles, the vertical rigidity of the wall was reduced by 10%. Upon application of a uniformly distributed vertical load of 1.6 MPa at the top of the wall, significant cracks began to materialize in the blocks at the base of the seawall. When the loading at the top increased to 2 MPa, a vertical crack that cut through the mortar layer at the wall’s center was observed. By comparing it to a three-dimensional finite element model, the load-bearing and deformation characteristics of the ancient seawall observed in the experiments were confirmed, which could contribute to the scientifically informed conservation and protection of the seawall. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problematic Soils in Building Construction)
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15 pages, 3123 KiB  
Article
Research on the Accumulated Pore Pressure of Expansive Soil under Subway Loading
by Lin Qing, Lei Zhu, Ying Guo and Gan Cheng
Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102596 - 14 Oct 2023
Viewed by 635
Abstract
Taking the expansive soil near Hefei Xinqiao International Airport as the research subject, indoor dynamic triaxial tests were conducted to investigate the influence of different loading methods on the dynamic pore pressure of saturated remolded expansive soil on the basis of maximally simulating [...] Read more.
Taking the expansive soil near Hefei Xinqiao International Airport as the research subject, indoor dynamic triaxial tests were conducted to investigate the influence of different loading methods on the dynamic pore pressure of saturated remolded expansive soil on the basis of maximally simulating the real characteristics of subway loading. Furthermore, the action laws of three factors, namely intermittent loading ratio, static deviator stress, and cyclic stress ratio, on the accumulated pore pressure of saturated remolded expansive soil under intermittent subway cyclic loading were analyzed. The research results indicate that the loading method significantly affects the development trend of the accumulated pore pressure. Under similar conditions, a larger intermittent loading ratio leads to smaller accumulated pore pressure values and a slower initial development rate of pore pressure under the same cycle vibration. Increasing static deviatoric stress promotes the accumulation of pore pressure. The influence of the cyclic stress ratio is dependent on the intermittent loading ratio and does not follow a consistent pattern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problematic Soils in Building Construction)
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Review

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20 pages, 6182 KiB  
Review
Diatomaceous Soils and Advances in Geotechnical Engineering—Part II
by Daniel Zuluaga-Astudillo, Carlos Slebi-Acevedo, Juan Carlos Ruge, Javier Camacho-Tauta and Bernardo Caicedo-Hormaza
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010048 - 23 Dec 2023
Viewed by 652
Abstract
In the geotechnical area, advances in diatomaceous soil research are laconic and mainly oriented towards understanding the primary soil response (typical characterization methods) considering observation and experience (failures in construction processes or unexpected laboratory results) more than following a scientific method. Coincident results [...] Read more.
In the geotechnical area, advances in diatomaceous soil research are laconic and mainly oriented towards understanding the primary soil response (typical characterization methods) considering observation and experience (failures in construction processes or unexpected laboratory results) more than following a scientific method. Coincident results have been evidenced in the correspondence between the content of frustules, the effective friction angle and the water retention capacity. However, the variables and processes that control some mechanical behaviors have yet to be documented in the literature, such as the level of fracturing of the frustules and its relation with interlocked behavior, compressibility and shear strength. In addition to the bibliographic background, SEM microscopy records are presented. These facilitate the understanding of the described phenomena. The images highlight the level of deterioration, the environment, the morphology and the pores present in diatoms of different origins. The morphology (as a function of the species) of intact or fractured frustules (depending on the stress record) affects the mechanical responses and volumetric variations of the diatomaceous deposits. Furthermore, this review presents some emerging research lines in diatomaceous soils, such as the subjection of structures to geotechnical centrifuge conditions, some constitutive models and the criteria for developing water retention curves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problematic Soils in Building Construction)
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