Negative skin friction induced by surcharge loading represents a critical geotechnical issue, compromising the performance of pile foundations and associated superstructures. Although surcharge-induced negative skin friction has been extensively investigated for single piles, the underlying pile group effect and the effectiveness of isolation piles in mitigating dragload development remain insufficiently understood. To address these gaps, controlled laboratory model tests were conducted on a single pile and a 3 $\times$ 2 pile group subjected to surcharge loading. Axial strains along the pile shafts and pile-head displacements were continuously monitored to quantify the distribution characteristics of negative skin friction, evaluate pile group interactions, and assess the influence of isolation pile spacing on the reduction of negative skin friction acting on engineering piles. The results demonstrated that a pronounced pile group effect was generated under surcharge loading. Relative to the single-pile condition, the average negative skin friction acting on corner piles and center piles was reduced by 10.04% and 15.36%, respectively, indicating that the center pile was more strongly influenced by the pile group effect. Furthermore, the installation of isolation piles was shown to effectively decrease pile-head displacement, pile-shaft stress, and surcharge-induced negative skin friction. The mitigation efficiency was found to be strongly dependent on isolation pile spacing, with closer spacing producing a more pronounced shielding effect. As the spacing between isolation piles and engineering piles was reduced from 6$D$ to 2$D$, the reduction rate of average negative skin friction increased from 7.55% to 20.13%. However, the incremental improvement became progressively less significant when the spacing was smaller than 4$D$. These findings provide experimental evidence for the pile group behavior of surcharge-induced negative skin friction and offer practical guidance for the design and optimization of isolation-pile systems intended to mitigate dragload effects in pile-supported structures.
Strengthening or rebuilding dangerous sluices to restore their functions is an urgent issue calling for attention in order to guarantee the safety of people’s lives and properties. Based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP), this study analyzed in detail the influences of flood control capacity, seepage, structural and seismic safety, metal structure, electromechanical equipment, and engineering quality on the comprehensive evaluation of sluice gates. It also established a safety evaluation index system for the gates in service in the Tarim River Basin, and applied it to the safety evaluation of 25 sluice gates. The degree of importance of each sluice was quantified by the index of sluice building level and the design of water diversion flow; the calculation method of sluice risk index was established by combining the importance and the safety indices of sluices. The study demonstrated that the safety ranking of 25 sluice gates could corroborate with the safety appraisal results. The ranking of the urgency of derisking were more reasonable and in line with actual situations. This proposed method is simple, practical, and operable to scientifically evaluate the safety and risks of existing sluices, hence exhibiting considerable engineering value for the consolidation and sequencing of dangerous sluices pending for reinforcement.
Rapid urbanization in Egbeagu Amansea of Nigeria poses a significant threat to the maintenance of groundwater quality, thus creating a requisite to support effective water management with comprehensive data. This study investigated the hydro-chemical characteristics of groundwater in Awka North, Anambra State. Samples of groundwater were collected from seven boreholes and a hand-dug well during the wet season. These samples were analyzed for physiochemical parameters, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids, total hardness, major cations (Ca$^{2+}$, Mg$^{2+}$, Na$^{+}$, and K$^{+}$), and anions (HCO$_{3}^{-}$, Cl$^{-}$, SO$_{4}^{2-}$, and NO$_{3}^{-}$). The study employed standard hydro-chemical methods, such as Piper and the United States salinity (USSL) diagrams to characterize water types and determine the dominant hydro-chemical processes influencing groundwater chemistry. The results of the Piper trilinear diagram revealed that bicarbonate (HCO$_{3}^{-}$ + CO$_{3}^{2-}$) was the dominant anion, hence reflecting carbonate dissolution in the aquifer. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values ranged from 0.53–0.674, thus classifying all samples in the low (S1) category and indicating minimal sodium hazard for soil. EC values spanned 44–130.6 $\mu$S/cm, placing samples in the low (C1) to medium (C2) categories. The study confirms that the groundwater in the study area is suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes.
A three-dimensional seismic response analysis of an asphalt concrete face rockfill dam constructed on a thick overburden layer at the upper reservoir of a pumped-storage power station was conducted using the nonlinear finite element method. The study focused on evaluating the seismic safety of the dam body and the seepage control system. The results indicated that, under the design seismic load, the peak dynamic displacements of the dam body in the horizontal, vertical, and axial directions were 23.87 cm, 10.44 cm, and 26.13 cm, respectively, and the peak accelerations were 2.98 m/s$^2$, 2.01 m/s$^2$, and 2.98 m/s$^2$, respectively. The maximum permanent deformations in the same directions were 18.42 cm, -61.60 cm, and -5.61 cm/18.69 cm, with a settlement ratio of 0.37%. For the asphalt concrete face slab, the peak dynamic displacements in the horizontal, vertical, and axial directions were 23.87 cm, 9.42 cm, and 24.86 cm, respectively. The maximum and minimum principal strains of the face slab after the earthquake were 1.29% and -0.74%. The maximum principal tensile strains of the geomembrane at the reservoir bottom during and after the earthquake were -1.43% and -1.50%. Under the seismic check conditions, the dynamic responses of the dam body, face slab, and geomembrane increased. Comprehensive analysis of the results shows that the seismic response patterns of the dam are consistent with the general characteristics of rockfill dams on thick overburden layers. The dynamic response of the asphalt concrete face slab around the reservoir and the geomembrane at the reservoir bottom did not exceed their respective safety thresholds, indicating that the dam exhibits high seismic safety under seismic loading.
The suitability of the Garko area (Wudil Sheet 81 SE) for dam construction has been assessed through the analysis of aeromagnetic data with a spatial resolution of 500 m line spacing and a flight altitude of 80 m. The investigation, conducted in north-central Nigeria, aimed to delineate subsurface structural features and identify magnetic anomalies relevant to dam site selection. The integration of quantitative filtering techniques with magnetic interpretation significantly improved the reproducibility and reliability of the geophysical site evaluation process, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the assessment for sustainable dam development. The Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) data was processed using upward continuation at a height of 1 km, with the resulting dataset serving as the primary input for the analysis. Several edge detection methods and interpretation techniques were employed, including the Gaussian filter (cut-off frequency of 0.05 cycles/km), Reduce to Pole (RTP) (for low latitudes), and Tilt Derivatives filters, to delineate structural trends and boundary zones. From the TMI data derived from the Tilt Derivative map, three magnetic zones were identified: a low magnetic intensity zone (LM) with an amplitude range of -1.4 to -0.3 nT, a moderate magnetic zone (MM) with amplitudes ranging from -0.3 to 0.4 nT, and a high magnetic intensity zone (HM) with amplitudes from 0.4 to 1.3 nT. These zones were represented by color codes from blue to pink, corresponding to the magnetic amplitude values. Lineament analysis conducted on the Tilt Derivative map revealed prominent NE–SW and NW–SE structural trends, which are believed to control subsurface drainage and fracture systems. Areas characterized by low magnetic intensities and sparse lineament density were identified as geologically stable, suggesting their suitability for the foundation of a dam. This study demonstrates that magnetic data, when combined with advanced geophysical techniques, can play a pivotal role in site selection for sustainable infrastructure development.
The pimary goal of this research was to delineate optimal zones for the establishment of wells by integrating geophysical and hydrogeological techniques, namely electrical resistivity tomography and piezometric analysis. Carried out on the southern flank of Mount Bamboutos within the Menoua Division in Cameroon, the current study addressed the local issue of inadequate water supply, which persists in view of the scarcity of water resources and limited success achieved by previous initiatives. A total of 21 wells and 31 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) locations were investigated and seven distinct geophysical anomalies were identified, with resistivity values ranging from 28.61 to 216 703 $\Omega \cdot$m, and thicknesses varying from 0.228 to 46.64 meters. The anomalies were associated with weathered geological formations, including decomposed rocks, fractured basaltic trachytes, and alteritic layers. Considerable spatial variations were found in hydraulic parameters: (i) Hydraulic conductivity ranged between 0.004 and 16.915 m/day; (ii) Transmissivity values extended from 0.017 to 227.841 m$^2$/day; and (iii) Porosity estimates fluctuated between 0.736% and 38.226%. Aquifers hosted in alteritic materials were found at depths about 1.63 to 26 m whereas those associated with fractured basaltic trachytes exceeded 26 m in depth. Piezometric measurements revealed a predominant groundwater flow direction from the northeast toward the southwest. Depressed hydraulic head zones, particularly in the southwestern and central areas, were considered favorable for groundwater exploitation. Aquifer thicknesses ranged from 14.7 to 46.6 m primarily concentrated in the southwestern, southeastern, central, and northern parts of the study area. Based on the integration of geophysical and piezometric data, a hydrogeological map was generated to highlight several promising zones for borehole development. The map serves as a practical decision-support tool to select favorable drilling sites, reduce borehole failure rates and directly support the planning of local water supply. The outcome of this multidisciplinary investigation provided valuable contributions to guide the sustainable management and development of groundwater resources in the region.
The optimization of tunnel blasting parameters and support designs is critical for enhancing both structural stability and engineering efficiency. This study employs the Holmquist-Johnson-Cook (HJC) numerical model to simulate the blasting process of the Xiahong Tunnel in China, with a particular focus on the vibration velocity and damage zones at various locations. A fluid-solid coupling method is applied to model the interaction between the surrounding rock and blasting forces, and the effects of different detonation sequences and radial uncoupling coefficients on the peak vibration velocities and damage domains are thoroughly examined. The results indicate that blasting from the outside to the inside results in a more cohesive damage domain compared to the traditional inside-out approach. Specifically, the peak vibration velocity of the surrounding rock during inside-out blasting reaches 161.4 cm/s, which is higher than the 82.2 cm/s observed with outside-in blasting. Therefore, the outside-in blasting sequence is identified as the more optimal strategy. Furthermore, an increase in the radial decoupling coefficient gradually reduces the damage domain, with the coefficient k = 2.0 showing no significant improvement in damage domain reduction. However, a decoupling coefficient that is too small leads to excessive over-excavation. Based on this analysis, the optimal radial decoupling coefficient is found to be k = 1.5, offering the most balanced damage domain reduction without causing over-excavation. The analysis also explores the influence of the initial lining thickness of sprayed concrete on the vibration characteristics of the surrounding rock. Both structural stability and economic considerations suggest an ideal thickness for the initial lining. The findings of this study provide valuable guidance for the subsequent implementation of tunnel blasting and support optimization in engineering practices.
Offshore converter stations are the core equipment for large-scale transmission of energy from distant offshore wind farms. When designing and constructing converter station platforms in high seismic intensity regions, their seismic performance must be considered. Numerical simulation and shaking table model testing are two important methods for studying the structural dynamic characteristics and seismic response. The effectiveness of numerical simulations for investigating the seismic response of offshore converter station platforms needs to be validated through shaking table model tests. Due to the limitations of the shaking table's surface area and load capacity, the prototype structure must be scaled down based on similarity theory. To meet the test requirements, acrylic and aluminum alloy are selected as model materials for the pile legs and platform body, respectively. In order to simplify the model for testing, the pile legs are designed using a bending stiffness equivalence method, while the upper platform is designed to satisfy mass similarity and sufficient stiffness. The dynamic characteristics of the foundation-pile-soil interaction are equivalently modeled using numerical simulations. After the model is constructed, dynamic characteristic tests are performed, and the results are compared with the numerical simulation analysis of the prototype structure. The results indicate that the selected model materials and simplified design are reasonable, providing a useful reference for shaking table tests of similar offshore platforms.
In order to improve the durability of road structures, this study investigated the influence of temperatures, vehicle speeds, and axle configurations on pavement deflections with the PLAXIS 3D, a three-dimensional finite element modeling specifically developed for analyzing geotechnical engineering projects. A total of 32 models were developed, considering the temperatures of 4°C, 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C, when combined with the moving load velocities of 60, 80, 100, and 120 km/h. The effects of uneven distributions of axle loads were examined to capture the realistic condition of traffic loading. The results indicated that when the axle loads on both wheels were identical, the maximum pavement settlement occurred at the midpoint between them. Under unequal axle loading, the maximum settlement shifted to the wheel carrying the heavier load. This study revealed that a rising temperature reduced the strength of pavement materials, thus leading to a greater deflection. Nevertheless, higher vehicle speeds reduced pavement deflections due to decreased load–pavement interaction time. The findings highlighted the coupled effects of thermal conditions, traffic speeds, and load distributions on pavement performance, thus providing useful insights for the improved design and maintenance of sustainable road structures.
The mechanisms governing underground pipeline rupture in erodible soils remain a critical focus in geotechnical engineering, particularly under full pipe flow conditions. In this study, the impact of geogrid reinforcement on the fracture behavior of buried pipelines was systematically investigated using transparent soil modelling techniques, which enabled real-time visualization of subsurface erosion dynamics. Geogrid reinforcement was applied across varying spatial extents to identify the optimal reinforcement zone for mitigating collapse-induced failure. Soil-particle migration and cavity formation were monitored under different hydraulic scenarios, facilitating a detailed characterization of erosion pit evolution and subgrade instability. Test results demonstrated that appropriately positioned geogrid reinforcement significantly delayed the initiation and progression of subsidence, reduced the depth and volume of collapse zones, and enhanced the structural integrity of the surrounding subgrade. Under pressure-free conditions, geogrid installation was found to slow the erosion rate, whereas under full pipe flow, the reinforcement effectively suppressed sudden cavity collapse and curtailed the expansion of erosion-prone areas. These findings highlight the critical role of geogrid placement in maintaining pipeline stability by moderating soil loss and controlling void development. The use of transparent soil provided unique insights into the spatial and temporal characteristics of internal erosion, allowing for a more precise delineation of geogrid influence zones. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of subsurface failure mechanisms in reinforced systems and offers practical guidance for infrastructure resilience against hydraulic-induced ground deformation.
The existing literature focused primarily on practical applications of the BIM in project management, sustainable development, and facility management (FM), while the theoretical foundations of the model remained largely underdeveloped. This article provides a systematic literature review on the basic mechanisms of the BIM, including information representation, data exchange mechanisms, decision support, and new network models integrating semantic, topological, and spatial aspects. Despite the widespread adoption of standards such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie), and BIM Collaboration Format (BCF), there is a lack of consistent ontologies integrating the function, structure, and behavior of objects. As data exchange mechanisms remain limited by interoperability issues, the impact of the BIM on decision-making processes has not been captured in universal theoretical models. The latest approaches, based on networked data representation, offer promising prospects but require further empirical validation. The results of the review imply the development of integrated ontological frameworks, formalization of information exchange processes, and creation of theoretical models to support decision-making.
This study presents a comprehensive comparison of modern cementitious composites, including UHPC, ECC, and GFRC, with traditional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and ancient Opus Caementicium (Roman). Emphasis is placed on mechanical, physical, and rheological properties, as well as environmental and durability aspects. Advanced composites demonstrate superior short-termmechanical performance and improved impermeability, while Roman binders exhibit unparalleled long-term resilience in marine environments. Furthermore, the integration of pozzolanic materials and industrial by-products in contemporary mixes highlights ongoing efforts toward sustainable construction. Recent developments in China, including metakaolin–slag blends and nano-silica additives, as well as bio-inspired self-healing approaches, illustrate promising pathways for reducing carbon footprint and enhancing durability.
To facilitate a rigorous evaluation of damage progression in in-service steel frame structures subjected to seismic loading, a seismic damage model that integrates the effects of atmospheric corrosion has been developed. Corrosion-induced deterioration significantly influences the structural integrity of bolted steel frames, yet its impact on seismic performance remains inadequately quantified. In this study, a performance-based seismic damage assessment framework has been established, wherein corrosion-related degradation is incorporated into the structural damage evolution process. Drawing on an extensive review of domestic and international research, a refined damage index classification system has been formulated to characterize varying levels of structural impairment. To validate the proposed model, a seismic collapse simulation was conducted on a 1:4 scaled-down steel frame specimen, enabling a comprehensive analysis of damage accumulation over different service durations. The results confirm that the developed model accurately captures the progressive deterioration and collapse behavior of corroded steel frames under seismic excitation. This study provides a quantitative basis for assessing the post-earthquake residual load-bearing capacity of in-service bolted steel frame structures, offering critical insights for structural resilience evaluation and maintenance planning.
The risk of catastrophic flooding from sequential dam breaches in cascade reservoir systems has become increasingly critical under the influence of complex climate change and extreme geological events. In this study, a two-dimensional hydrodynamic dam-break model was developed to analyse flood propagation and inundation dynamics for the $RE1$, $RE2$, and $RE3$ cascade reservoirs in the lower Southwest China River Basin, considering various instantaneous full and partial collapse scenarios. Four distinct scenarios were simulated to evaluate breach characteristics and inundation impacts. Notably, Scenario 3-involving the simultaneous instantaneous full collapse of all three reservoirs-produced peak flow rates of 341,200 m$^3$/s, 1,157,900 m$^3$/s, and 340,100 m$^3$/s at $RE1$, $RE2$, and $RE3$, respectively. Under this worst-case scenario, maximum inundation depths at representative sites A, B, C, and D reached 69.51 m, 79.87 m, 77.16 m, and 48.38 m, with high-severity flooding areas extending over 0.95 km$^2$, 1.10 km$^2$, 1.21 km$^2$, and 1.73 km$^2$, respectively. In comparison, Scenarios 1 and 2 generated lower peak flow rates, smaller inundation areas, and less severe flooding, while Scenario 4-representing overtopping without structural breach-resulted in a substantial reduction of high-risk zones. The findings highlight the pronounced escalation of flood risk under simultaneous multi-reservoir collapse conditions and underscore the necessity for enhanced coordinated flood management and emergency response strategies in cascade reservoir systems. This study offers valuable insights into dam failure risk assessment, contributing to improved flood mitigation policies and emergency preparedness in regions vulnerable to extreme hydrological events.
Detailed Understanding of Roman concrete requires context from Roman military and civil engineering. The Romans prioritized durable infrastructure due to the impracticality of maintaining temporary wooden structures across their vast empire. This led to the development of long-lasting roads, bridges, and fortifications, many of which still exist today. Roman construction techniques, including concrete use, evolved significantly over time. Although Vitruvius documented early methods in the 1st century BC, later advancements—such as “hot mixing”—were not included in his texts. Roman concrete’s durability, especially in late Empire formulations, contributed to its longevity and continued use through the medieval period. In modern times, concrete construction shifted towards heavily reinforced structures, often without adequate protection. This has led to durability issues, highlighted by events like the collapse of the Morandi Bridge. In contrast, Roman concrete demonstrates superior longevity and self-healing properties despite being unreinforced. The study of Roman concrete offers valuable insights for modern construction, suggesting that minimally reinforced or unreinforced methods inspired by Roman practices could enhance durability and sustainability.
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