An intelligent database for managing geoenvironmental change within harbours

Issues concerning effective retrieval of pertinent data have been tackled by developing an intelligence-based system interfacing with a relational database structure. The artificial neural network dynamically modifies the variables based on the "Relative Strength of Effect", a model parameter which can be computed from the field data. A prototype has been established for the prediction of sediment characteristics within a harbour having low tidal range.     

Shear Behaviour of Loose and Compacted Pond Ash

Massive utilization of pond ash in earth works requires thorough understanding of its geotechnical characteristics, especially strength characteristics. Here in this paper, a detailed experimental study carried on the strength and other geotechnical characteristics of pond ash samples, collected from inflow and outflow points of two ash ponds in India, are presented. Strength characteristics were investigated using consolidated drained (CD) and undrained ( [`(\textCU)] \overline{\text{CU}} ) triaxial tests with pore water pressure measurements, conducted on loose and compacted specimens of pond ash samples under different confining pressures. Ash samples from inflow point exhibited behaviour similar to sandy soils in many respects. They exhibited higher strengths than reference material (Yamuna sand), though their specific gravity and compacted maximum dry densities are significantly lower than sands. Ash samples from outflow point exhibited significant differences in their properties and values, compared to samples from inflow point. Shear strength of the ash samples from outflow point are observed to be low, particularly in loose state where static liquefaction is observed.     

淤泥EPS颗粒混合轻质土黏聚力的一种计算方法

在疏浚淤泥中添加固化材料和EPS颗粒制作成淤泥EPS颗粒混合轻质土,既可以资源化利用疏浚淤泥,又生产一种轻质高强的土工材料。强度是EPS颗粒混合轻质土最重要的工程特性之一,建立抗剪强度参数与原材料的性质和配比之间的关系式对于配方初步设计非常重要。EPS颗粒混合轻质土强度的形成是固化材料的固化作用和EPS颗粒的置换效应的综合表现,固化作用已经较为明确,置换效应的研究是确定强度的核心。在已知固化土(水泥土)的弹性模量和泊松比的前提下,针对EPS颗粒的置换效应,根据其剪切面上力的等效关系和变形协调关系以及EPS颗粒的物理关系建立了其黏聚力与EPS颗粒密度和添加量之间的关系式,利用原材料的性质对计算方法进行了简化;利用直接剪切试验获取了淤泥EPS颗粒混合轻质土的黏聚力,验证了上述关系式。     

Geotechnical Characteristics and Geological History of Sands in Senegal

In order to manage local rock aggregates efficiently, an inventory has been made of superficial sand materials in the Senegalese basin. A detailed geological study of sandy formations has been undertaken, and geotechnical tests were also performed in order to characterize the sands according to their mechanical properties. The geotechnical characteristics of the sands can be related to their geological histories thus allowing the geotechnical parameters to be estimated by field mapping.     

Artificial Neural Networks and Grey Systems for the Prediction of Slope Stability

The interactions between factors that affect slope instability are complex, multi-factorial, and often difficult to describe mathematically, imposing a challenge for prediction using traditional methods. The power of the ANN and Grey Systems approaches lies in employing the behaviour of the system rather than knowledge of explicit relations. Published data has been used to illustrate the application of these techniques to predicting the state of slope stability. This has been developed into a tool for analysing and predicting future ground movement based on geotechnical properties and historical behaviour.     

The engineering-geological characteristics and classification of the major superficial soils of the Niger Delta

A study of the engineering geological properties, distribution and classification of the major superficial soils of the Niger Delta was carried out as part of a study programme to provide the much needed information and data for the infrastructural development of the region. Four major superficial soil groups were recognized on the basis of similarity in geotechnical, geological and geomorphological characteristics. The soils are generally fine grained and their geotechnical properties revealed that they are essentially clays with varying proportions of sand, silt and organic matter. The clay, silt and organic contents increase seawards. The values of the various geotechnical parameters are mainly influenced by the amounts of clay (and/or sand) and organic matter.     

Characterising soil property in an area with limited measurement: a Bayesian approach

The Bayesian approach has been proved useful to geotechnical engineering especially when project-specific data/measurements are very limited. In this paper, we introduced a new Bayesian algorithm to estimate soil properties at each location of a study area, with very limited project-specific data. In addition to the proposed methodology and algorithms, we also conducted a model application to estimate soil permeability for each of the 64 locations within a 4-by-4 m² area, based on very limited project-specific data, that is, one measurement from each location.     

Simulation-based calibration of geotechnical parameters using parallel hybrid moving boundary particle swarm optimization

Simulation-based optimization methods have been recently proposed for calibrating geotechnical models from laboratory and field tests. In these methods, geotechnical parameters are identified by matching model predictions to experimental data, i.e. by minimizing an objective function that measures the difference between the two. Expensive computational models, such as finite difference or finite element models are often required to simulate laboratory or field geotechnical tests. In such cases, simulation-based optimization might prove demanding since every evaluation of the objective function requires a new model simulation until the optimum set of parameter values is achieved. This paper introduces a novel simulation-based “hybrid moving boundary particle swarm optimization” (hmPSO) algorithm that enables calibration of geotechnical models from laboratory or field data. The hmPSO has proven effective in searching for model parameter values and, unlike other optimization methods, does not require information about the gradient of the objective function. Serial and parallel implementations of hmPSO have been validated in this work against a number of benchmarks, including numerical tests, and a challenging geotechnical problem consisting of the calibration of a water infiltration model for unsaturated soils. The latter application demonstrates the potential of hmPSO for interpreting laboratory and field tests as well as a tool for general back-analysis of geotechnical case studies.     

土工试验指标影响因素分析

土是地壳表层的岩石风化后产生的松散堆积物,不同地区的土具有不同的物理性质和力学性质。土工试验是指对岩和土的物理、力学、化学性质和矿物成分的测试,为工程勘察提供重要的参数,是岩土工程勘察中重要组成部分,其准确性直接影响工程的安全和质量。简述土工常规试验操作步骤,对土工常规试验数据影响因素进行总结,并对如何提高试验数据准确性提出意见和想法。     

我国大型岩土工程施工安全风险管理研究进展

在我国,以城市轨道交通、高速公路网建设、高速铁路网建设、重大水利工程建设等为代表的大型岩土工程具有尺度大、施工周期长、操作复杂和工程安全状况堪忧的特点。不同类型的安全事故持续不断,造成的经济损失和人员伤亡居高不下。概括总结了2010－2017年间我国大型岩土工程施工安全风险管理研究方面的主要进展,包括：（1）大型岩土工程施工安全风险管理重大科技项目、成果奖励、规范;（2）大型岩土工程施工安全风险分析与评估方法方面研究进展;（3）大型岩土工程施工安全风险监控与预警方面研究进展;（4）大型岩土工程施工安全风险管理信息化技术与平台方面研究进展;（5）大型岩土工程施工安全风险智能化分析与控制方面研究进展。基于我国大型岩土工程施工安全风险管理研究方面主要进展的分析,提出了我国大型岩土工程施工安全风险管理方面面临的新挑战：（1）定量化风险评估理论和技术的应用推广;（2）风险决策理论;（3）推行全过程安全风险管理计划;（4）构建岩土工程安全事故案例共享平台;（5）基于大数据挖掘技术的岩土工程参数分析与控制;（6）智慧岩土工程研究和建设。     

Support vector machines applied to uniaxial compressive strength prediction of jet grouting columns

Learning from data is a very attractive alternative to “manually” learning. Therefore, in the last decade the use of machine learning has spread rapidly throughout computer science and beyond. This approach, supported on advanced statistics analysis, is usually known as Data Mining (DM) and has been applied successfully in different knowledge domains. In the present study, we show that DM can make a great contribution in solving complex problems in civil engineering, namely in the field of geotechnical engineering. Particularly, the high learning capabilities of Support Vector Machines (SVMs) algorithm, characterized by it flexibility and non-linear capabilities, were applied in the prediction of the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) of Jet Grouting (JG) samples directly extracted from JG columns, usually known as soilcrete. JG technology is a soft-soil improvement method worldwide applied, extremely versatile and economically attractive when compared with other methods. However, even after many years of experience still lacks of accurate methods for JG columns design. Accordingly, in the present paper a novel approach (based on SVM algorithm) for UCS prediction of soilcrete mixtures is proposed supported on 472 results collected from different geotechnical works. Furthermore, a global sensitivity analysis is applied in order to explain and extract understandable knowledge from the proposed model. Such analysis allows one to identify the key variables in UCS prediction and to measure its effect. Finally, a tentative step toward a development of UCS prediction based on laboratory studies is presented and discussed.     

大数据时代的岩土工程监测——转折与机遇

随着电子信息技术、科学研究与工程实践的快速发展,不断产生种类繁多、数量巨大的数据,大数据现象已经出现,在科学数据分析、电子商务和银行业等领域得到了越来越多的重视和应用,大数据即将深刻地影响着人类的生活、工作及思维。传统的数据存储方法、关系数据库、数据处理和数据分析方法逐渐不能满足大数据业务的需要。简要介绍了大数据的定义、特征、所涉及的方法和技术、带来的变革及简单的应用实例,回顾了岩土工程监测学科的历史、现状及面临的问题,指出大数据的概念与岩土工程监测具有天然的契合性,今后大规模、全方位、多维度及多场的岩土工程监测将得以实现。在大数据时代,以关联分析、成因分析及决策支持为核心的深入分析能力将成为监测工作的核心,现场监测将被提升到与试验、理论与数值模拟相同甚至是更为重要的地位。因此,岩土工程监测工作者应该重视大数据的研究,加强应用其他行业的大数据研究成果,抓住大数据对岩土工程监测带来的机遇,为未来岩土工程监测的跨越式发展奠定基础。     

Geotechnical mapping for alluvial fan deposits controlled by active faults: a case study in the Erzurum,NE Turkey

Erzurum, the biggest city of Eastern Anatolia Region in the Turkey, is located in Karasu Plain. Karasu Plain, located on the central segment of the Erzurum Fault Zone, is an intermountain sedimentary basin with a Miocene-Quaternary volcanic basement, andesitic-basaltic lava flows and fissure eruptions of basaltic lava. It was filled in the early Quaternary by lacustrine fan-delta deposits. The basin is characterized by NNE-SSW trending sinistral wrench faults on its eastern margin and ENE-WSW trending reverse faults on its southern margin. Both systems of active faults intersect very near to Erzurum, which is considered to be the most likely site for the epicenter of a probable future large earthquake. Historical records of destructive earthquakes, morphotectonic features formed by paleo-seismic events and instrument seismic data of region indicate to a very high regional seismicity. The residential areas of Erzurum are located on thick alluvial fan deposits forming under the control of faults on the central segment of the Erzurum Fault Zone, which is one of the most active fault belts of the East Anatolian Region. Over time, the housing estates of city such as Yenisehir and Yildizkent have been expanded toward to the west and southwest part of Erzurum as a consequence of rapid and massive construction during the last 30 years. Geotechnical investigation has therefore been undertaken the residential areas of city in order to characterize geotechnical properties over the varied lithologies examine the potential for geotechnical mapping and assess the foundation conditions of the present and future settlement areas. The geological field observations and operations have been performed to make the soil sampling and characterize the lateral and vertical changes in thickness of the alluvial deposits in trenches, excavations and deep holes with 6–12 m sections. The soil samples have been subjected to a series of tests under laboratory conditions to obtain physical and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the standard penetration tests have been applied to the soils under field conditions. The geological field observations, geotechnical data and distribution of bearing capacity have been considered for the geotechnical mapping. Based on the geotechnical map, there are five geotechnical zones distinguished in the study area.     

The displacement computation and construction pre-control of a foundation pit in Shanghai utilizing FEM and intelligent methods

Controlling the displacements of foundation pit walls and supporting structures is one of the most effective measures for ensuring safety of foundation pit construction. Because of this, the accurate displacement computation of foundation pit walls and supporting structures is paid great attention by geotechnical scientists and engineers. In this paper, the three-dimensional displacement field of Deping Station foundation pit, which is part of Shanghai Track Traffic Line 6 project, is computed by means of ANSYS software. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are a broad category of computer algorithms which have the ability to learn some target values (desired output) from a set of chosen input data that has been introduced to the network. The ANNs have very excellent ability in simulating nonlinear and complicated problems. In the current paper, the authors try to combine FEM method with ANNs so as to improve the computational accuracy. Basing on the computed results, fuzzy control theory is applied to construction pre-control. The application effect is satisfactory. The research result of current paper is very helpful for geotechnical construction and the development of geotechnical theory.     

Geotechnical site investigations for possible urban extensions at Suez City, Egypt using GIS

With the development of economic activities in the world, the construction activities have also increased. A proper surface and subsurface investigation is made to assess the general suitability of the site and to prepare an adequate and economic safe design for the proposed work. The main purpose of the current study is to create a spatial model of the geotechnical conditions and considerations by using geographic information systems (GIS) techniques to develop and analyze a site model and to plan site activities at the new extension of Suez City (SC). In the geotechnical site evaluations, GIS can be used in four ways, data integration, data visualization and analysis, planning and summarizing site activities, and data presentation. The integrated data can be displayed; manipulated and analyzed using tools build into the GIS programs, thus creating the geotechnical site model of the study area. Decisions can be made for further site activities and the results of the site activities can be integrated into the GIS site model. Interpretation of geotechnical data frequently involves assimilating information from many sites each with a unique geographical location. Interpretation of these data requires the spatial location to incorporate into the analysis. Weights are assigned to different of mechanical, physical soil properties, geological, hydrogeological, and other ancillary data. Finally, the weighted maps are integrated using a GIS based on the construction purposes for the new extension of SC for significant cost savings in design, construction and longevity. The ideal and good zones’ highest regime has been observed towards central and western regions with sporadic pockets. The marginal zones to average zones are moderately suited for shallow foundation.     

专家系统在岩土工程中应用的评介

专家系统是新近发展起来并得到广泛应用的一门新学科。本文分析了专家系统的特点,结合岩土工程的实际,对专家系统在岩土工程中的应用进行了评介。     

Machine learning techniques applied to prediction of residual strength of clay

Stability with first time or reactivated landslides depends upon the residual shear strength of soil. This paper describes prediction of the residual strength of soil based on index properties using two machine learning techniques. Different Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models and Support Vector Machine (SVM) techniques have been used. SVM aims at minimizing a bound on the generalization error of a model rather than at minimizing the error on the training data only. The ANN models along with their generalizations capabilities are presented here for comparisons. This study also highlights the capability of SVM model over ANN models for the prediction of the residual strength of soil. Based on different statistical parameters, the SVM model is found to be better than the developed ANN models. A model equation has been developed for prediction of the residual strength based on the SVM for practicing geotechnical engineers. Sensitivity analyses have been also performed to investigate the effects of different index properties on the residual strength of soil.     

专家系统在岩土工程中应用的评价

Expert system is a newly developed discipline. It has been widely used in various fields. This paper analyzes the properties of expert system and evaluates the expert system application in geotechnical engineering.     

Determination of soil properties for plane strain condition from the triaxial tests results

Significant difference in stress–strain behavior of dense cohesionless soil has been observed between plane strain and triaxial test conditions. At present, majority of geotechnical laboratories have no plane strain testing facility. Therefore, geotechnical professionals are more dependent on the conventional triaxial test for soil properties, whereas many geotechnical structures prevail close to plane strain condition. A method has been proposed to determine soil properties for plane strain condition from the conventional triaxial tests. This method can especially be used to determine the internal friction angle and stress–strain relationship for plane strain condition from triaxial tests results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An evaluation of the osmotic method of controlling suction∗

Experimental techniques of testing the mechanical properties of unsaturated soils are complex and difficult to conduct. As a consequence, complete sets of parameters that characterise the behaviour of unsaturated soils remain scarce and necessary. In this context, it has been found useful to gather the information obtained after some years of practice of the osmotic technique of controlling suction. As compared to the more documented axis-translation technique, the osmotic technique has its own advantages and drawbacks that are discussed in this paper, together with some potential future developments.

The osmotic method has been developed by soil scientists in the 1960s and adapted to geotechnical testing in the early 1970s. This paper presents the osmotic technique and comments on its advantages (including suction condition close to reality and higher suctions easily attained) and drawbacks (including some concern with the membrane resistance and some membrane effects in the suction/concentration calibration). Various applications to geotechnical testing are presented such as the determination of the water retention curve, oedometer and triaxial testing procedures and the determination of the permeability of unsaturated soils. Recent developments, that include the extension of the method up to high suctions (10 MPa) are also described, together with some recent and novel applications such as data from high controlled suction oedometer compression test and the determination of the oil/water retention properties of oil reservoir chalks.