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Intelligent Technologies in Geotechnical Engineering and Geological Hazards
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Intelligent Technologies in Geotechnical Engineering and Geological Hazards

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 3649

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Yongsheng Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Earthquake Dynamics, Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing 100029, China
Interests: Geotechnical Engineering; Rock Mechanics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Intelligent technology provides us with a new method to understand geotechnical engineering and geomechanics and has a widespread application in geotechnical engineering and geological hazards.

This Special Issue focuses on progress in intelligent technology in geotechnical engineering and geological and earthquake hazards. All topics related to geotechnical engineering and geological hazards, as well as earthquakes induced by human activities, are welcome. In addition, field geological surveys, structural geology experiments and simulations, rock mechanics and rock physics, and rock deformation can constitute contributions to this Special Issue. 

Prof. Dr. Yongsheng Zhou
Guest Editor

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.

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Keywords

  • geotechnical engineering
  • geomechanics
  • geological hazards
  • intelligent and machine learning

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 5881 KiB  
Article
PGA Estimates for Vertical Ground Motion and Varying Deep Geology Site Surroundings—A Case Study of Banja Luka
by Borko Bulajić, Silva Lozančić, Senka Bajić, Anka Starčev-Ćurčin, Miloš Šešlija, Miljan Kovačević and Marijana Hadzima-Nyarko
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6542; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126542 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 128
Abstract
Vertical PGA is frequently included in civil engineering regulations simply by multiplying the horizontal PGA by a constant. Moreover, most design codes, including Eurocode 8, do not consider the impact of the local soil on vertical ground motion at all. In this study, [...] Read more.
Vertical PGA is frequently included in civil engineering regulations simply by multiplying the horizontal PGA by a constant. Moreover, most design codes, including Eurocode 8, do not consider the impact of the local soil on vertical ground motion at all. In this study, we demonstrate that such practices increase earthquake risks. The article examines vertical PGA strong-motion estimations for the city of Banja Luka. Banja Luka serves as a case study for areas with records of moderate to strong earthquakes and diverse deep geological conditions. Regional equations for scaling vertical PGA are presented. The vertical PGA values and vertical to horizontal PGA ratios are calculated and analyzed. The findings indicate that the vertical to horizontal PGA ratios for the rock sites depend on the source-to-site distance and deep geology and fall between 0.30 and 0.66. Hence, these ratios cannot be approximated by a single value of 0.90 and 0.45, as specified by Eurocode 8 for Type 1 and Type 2 spectra, respectively. Moreover, the results show that the deep geology effects on vertical ground motion can exceed the local soil effects. When the amount of recorded data from comparable areas increases, we will be able to properly calibrate the existing scaling equations and obtain more reliable estimates of vertical PGA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Technologies in Geotechnical Engineering and Geological Hazards)
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19 pages, 3048 KiB  
Article
Integrating Radon/Thoron and Gamma Radiation Exposure for a Realistic Estimation of Dose Arising from Building Materials
by Mirsina M. Aghdam and Quentin Crowley
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6470; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126470 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 42
Abstract
Long-term exposure to radon, thoron, and gamma radiation from building materials poses a significant health risk to occupants. Current methods for estimating radiation doses often fail to consider the combined impact of these sources. Based on commonly used building materials available on the [...] Read more.
Long-term exposure to radon, thoron, and gamma radiation from building materials poses a significant health risk to occupants. Current methods for estimating radiation doses often fail to consider the combined impact of these sources. Based on commonly used building materials available on the Irish market, this paper advocates for the development of a comprehensive dose estimation model that accounts for radon, thoron, and gamma radiation. To achieve this, several models and various scenarios (e.g., ventilation conditions and building characteristics) are integrated to convert radon and thoron gas doses into a common unit recognized in the existing literature. This approach enables the comparison of combined dose values with accepted radiation thresholds for building materials, typically set at 1 mSv, alongside data on material compositions. Previous studies suggested gamma radiation doses in Irish materials are unlikely to exceed 1 mSv annually. Our findings confirm this, showing gamma doses <0.4 mSv for all materials. However, combined radon–thoron doses exceeded thresholds in altered granites (e.g., Galway granite: 3.90 mSv), with thoron contributing ≤93% of total exposure due to uranium/thorium-rich minerals (e.g., monazite, zircon). Ventilation proved critical—high airflow (10 m3/h) reduced thoron doses by 90–95%, while current gamma-focused safety indices (I-index ≤ 1) inadequately addressed combined risks. These results highlight the previously underestimated importance of thoron and the necessity of multi-parameter models for regulatory compliance. The study establishes a novel framework to evaluate holistic radiation risks, urging revised standards that prioritize ventilation strategies and material mineralogy to protect public health in residential and commercial built environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Technologies in Geotechnical Engineering and Geological Hazards)
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16 pages, 1393 KiB  
Article
Thermal Damage Characterization and Modeling in Granite Samples Subjected to Heat Treatment by Leveraging Machine Learning and Experimental Data
by Gabit Sansyzbekov, Amoussou Coffi Adoko and Paul Mathews George
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 6328; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15116328 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 324
Abstract
High temperatures significantly affect the physical and mechanical properties of rocks in deep geoengineering projects, such as geothermal development, deep mining, and the geological disposal of nuclear waste. Therefore, it is essential to explore the relationship between the thermal damage (TD) of granite [...] Read more.
High temperatures significantly affect the physical and mechanical properties of rocks in deep geoengineering projects, such as geothermal development, deep mining, and the geological disposal of nuclear waste. Therefore, it is essential to explore the relationship between the thermal damage (TD) of granite and its influencing factors. This paper characterizes the TD of granite specimens subjected to high temperatures of up to 800 °C and proposes a predictive model for this thermal damage. A database, which includes publicly available experimental data of advanced microscopic observations of granite specimens exposed to high-temperature treatments and their changes in physical and mechanical properties, was compiled and analyzed. The collected data revealed a consistent trend: crack development among quartz, feldspar, and biotite minerals was observed to intensify notably between 400 °C and 600 °C, as indicated by changes in the mechanical properties. Based on these characteristics, the relationships between TD and its influential parameters were determined using regression models and several machine learning algorithms. The derived models indicated good predictability performance with a coefficient of determination (R2) varying between 0.60 and 0.97, with the boosted ensemble tree model being the best. Nevertheless, mineral contents were not found to be good predictors of TD, even if they control the evolution of the crack during the heat treatment. It was concluded that the findings of this study could serve as a valuable tool for assessing the thermal damage of rocks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Technologies in Geotechnical Engineering and Geological Hazards)
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25 pages, 11254 KiB  
Article
Pseudotachylyte Formation in Brittle–Ductile Transition of the Anning River Fault Zone: Implications for Seismic Processes
by Wenhao Dai, Yongsheng Zhou, Huiru Lei, Xi Ma, Jiaxiang Dang, Sheqiang Miao, Shimin Liu and Changrong He
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 5870; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15115870 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Pseudotachylytes and cataclasites record transient seismic slips within the brittle–ductile transition zone and ductile flow layers. Investigating the mechanisms of pseudotachylytes can provide the most direct geological evidence for revealing seismic fault slip and coseismic processes. We investigate the deformation and chemical composition [...] Read more.
Pseudotachylytes and cataclasites record transient seismic slips within the brittle–ductile transition zone and ductile flow layers. Investigating the mechanisms of pseudotachylytes can provide the most direct geological evidence for revealing seismic fault slip and coseismic processes. We investigate the deformation and chemical composition of pseudotachylytes, cataclasites, and mylonites collected from the Anning River fault zone in this study. Three kinds of pseudotachylyte veins were found in granite gneiss and cataclasite. Microstructural analyses show that pseudotachylytes and cataclasites developed within granitic gneiss and mylonites, and EBSD analysis indicates granitic gneiss deformed at temperatures of 250–350 °C. All of the pseudotachylytes are enriched in Fe and Ca, with SiO2 content closely resembling that of the wall rock of granitic gneiss. The geochemical results indicate that pseudotachylytes originated from the in situ melting of granitic gneiss, which was produced during coseismic frictional heating. Based on the deformation and geochemical data of mylonites, cataclasites, and pseudotachylytes, a simple model of the seismogenic layer is established for rock deformation during coseismic, post-seismic relaxation, and interseismic periods. Mylonite represents the rheological flow of the brittle–ductile transition zone during interseismic periods, cataclasites display brittle fracturing during coseismic rupture, and pseudotachylytes stand for localized melting induced by coseismic frictional heating. During the post-seismic relaxation, crack healing and static recrystallization of quartz occur. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Technologies in Geotechnical Engineering and Geological Hazards)
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15 pages, 5267 KiB  
Article
Field Test and Numerical Simulation Study of Bearing Characteristics of Combined Post-Grouted Piles for Railway Bridges
by Runze Zhang, Zilong Guo, Weiming Gong and Zhihui Wan
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010335 - 1 Jan 2025
Viewed by 822
Abstract
Utilizing the results of static load tests using the self-balancing method on two large-diameter bored piles from the Huaiyang Left Line Special Bridge Project of the Lianyungang–Zhenjiang Railway, this study aims to investigate the effect of combined tip-and-side post-grouting on the bearing characteristics [...] Read more.
Utilizing the results of static load tests using the self-balancing method on two large-diameter bored piles from the Huaiyang Left Line Special Bridge Project of the Lianyungang–Zhenjiang Railway, this study aims to investigate the effect of combined tip-and-side post-grouting on the bearing characteristics of post-grouted piles in railway bridges. The difference in bearing performance between individual piles before and after grouting was evaluated using a comparative analysis. The results show that the bearing capacity of the pile foundations is greatly increased by combined tip-and-side post-grouting. In particular, following grouting, a single pile’s maximum bearing capacity rises from 32.99% to 38.42%. The combined post-grouting produces a compressed grout that enhances the mechanical characteristics of the pile–soil contact, resulting in a significant increase in side resistance all the way along the pile. The combined post-grouting also optimizes the performance of the tip resistance, resulting in a more rapid response as the pile tip displacement increases. Additionally, the combined post-grouting modifies the pile shaft’s load transfer mechanism by increasing the tip resistance’s contribution to the pile foundation’s ultimate bearing capacity and moving the bearing’s center of gravity closer to the pile end. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Technologies in Geotechnical Engineering and Geological Hazards)
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21 pages, 11071 KiB  
Article
Element Migration of Mineralization-Alteration Zones and Its Geological Implication in the Beiya Porphyry–Skarn Deposit, Northwestern Yunnan, China
by Fei Liu, Runsheng Han, Yuxinyue Guo, Mingzhi Wang and Wei Tan
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9653; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219653 - 22 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1420
Abstract
Porphyry and the associated skarn-type deposit is one of the most important types of ore deposits worldwide, which usually exhibit significant zoning of mineralization-alteration, but the research on element migration in these mineralization-alteration zones is relatively weak. The Beiya porphyry–skarn gold-polymetallic deposit is [...] Read more.
Porphyry and the associated skarn-type deposit is one of the most important types of ore deposits worldwide, which usually exhibit significant zoning of mineralization-alteration, but the research on element migration in these mineralization-alteration zones is relatively weak. The Beiya porphyry–skarn gold-polymetallic deposit is a super-large Cenozoic deposit located in the Sanjiang metallogenic belt, northwestern Yunnan, China. In this paper, through a detailed analysis of mineralization and alteration zoning and its element migration regularity, the findings are as follows: (1) Three types of hydrothermal alteration—porphyry alteration, contact alteration, and wall-rock alteration—are developed, and porphyry alteration includes potassic, phyllic, propylitic, and argillic alteration; (2) five types of mineralization—porphyry-type Cu–Au–(Mo), skarn-type Au–Fe–(Cu), hydrothermal vein-type Au–Fe, distal hydrothermal-type Pb-polymetallic, and oxidizing-leaching enriched-type Au—occur in a diversity of forms, which are dominantly controlled by structures and lithologies; (3) concentric-banded mineralization-alteration zones are exhibited centrally from the alkaline porphyry outward or upward, namely [porphyry alteration] potassic → phyllic → propylitic → argillic → [contact alteration] skarnitization–marbleization → [wall-rock alteration] marbleization–silicification–calcitization; (4) porphyry-type mineralization predominantly forms within potassic and phyllic zones, while skarn-type mineralization occurs in contact alteration zones, and proximal and distal hydrothermal (vein)-type mineralization are commonly distributed in marbleization–silicification–calcitization alteration zones; and (5) element migration analysis demonstrates a significantly lateral and vertical zoning in the metallogenic element association of Cu–Mo → Cu–Au → Au–Fe–Cu → Au–Fe → Pb–Zn–Au–Ag–Fe from alkaline porphyry outward to the wall-rock. The mineralization-alteration zoning model indicates the Beiya deposit has similar mineralization and alteration zone characteristics to the typical porphyry copper system; and element migration within mineralization-alteration zones provides new scientific information for understanding the metallogenic regularity and prospecting at Beiya, as well as the similar types of deposits in the Sanjiang metallogenic belt and elsewhere in the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Technologies in Geotechnical Engineering and Geological Hazards)
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