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Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 22757

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Prof. Dr. Xilin Lv

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Geotechnical and Underground Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Interests: urban underground engineering; slope stability; subgrade settlement control; intelligent geotechnical engineering; high-performance numerical algorithms

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the rapid development of urban and rural infrastructure construction, resource exploitation, etc., the fast growth of geotechnical projects may result in many geotechnical disasters, which cause severe economical losses and environmental destruction. The prediction of, prevention of, and reduction in environmental effects and disaster probability are the key challenges in geotechnical engineering. More environmentally friendly and effective countermeasures should be proposed and studied based on new theories and technologies.

Although relevant technologies have engendered progress, massive constructions and developments (e.g., underground space utilizations, transportation infrastructures, hydraulic structures, and energy exploitations) still face tough challenges in safety control. Therefore, this Special Issue (“Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering”) is intended for presenting new experimental techniques, numerical modellings, and geotechnical engineering investigations to facilitate stability assessment and environmental impact analysis, so that geotechnical engineering disasters can be predicted and prevented.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Basic properties of geomaterials;
Constitutive relationship;
Instability, localization, and failure;
Soil dynamics and earthquake engineering;
Slope stability;
Tailings dam safety;
Geological hazards;
Prevention and mitigation of underground engineering disasters;
Transportation geotechnical disaster reduction;
Energy geotechnical disaster reduction.

Prof. Dr. Xilin Lv
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 19562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation the Effects of Different Earthquake Scaling Methods on Nonlinear Site-Amplification Analyzes

by Ersin Güler and Kamil Bekir Afacan

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3566; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073566 - 25 Mar 2025

Viewed by 367

Abstract

The behavior of the soils under dynamic loads is of great importance for the structures to be built in earthquake zones. As a result of the determination of the site-specific dynamic parameters of the soils and the analyzes to be made with these parameters, the ground response that will occur on the surface during the earthquake will be determined. Turkey is located in one of the important earthquake belts of Europe. Studies are carried out on the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ), which is one of the important and active fault lines here. In this study, as a result of 4 drilling studies on NAFZ, firstly, dynamic triaxial (TRX) and resonant column (RC) test systems were used to obtain site-specific shear modulus and damping curves depending on depth. 11 earthquake acceleration records reflecting the seismic characteristics of the region were selected and scaled in both time-history and frequency-time domains. Two different scaling methods were compared with the nonlinear soil amplification analysis. In addition, surface response spectra were examined according to the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TEC 2018). Although there is not a big difference in amplification values in two different scaling methods, it has been determined that the design spectrum values are very different. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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16 pages, 1034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Ground Subsidence Risk in Urban Centers Using Underground Characteristics Information

by Sungyeol Lee, Jaemo Kang and Jinyoung Kim

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11044; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311044 - 27 Nov 2024

Viewed by 823

Abstract

Ground subsidence primarily occurs due to complex factors, such as damage to underground facilities and excavation work, and its occurrence can result in loss of life and damage to property. Therefore, factors that induce ground subsidence must be investigated to prevent accidents. This study aims to evaluate and predict the ground subsidence risk in urban centers in South Korea. To this end, a machine learning-based ground subsidence risk prediction model was constructed by utilizing data on the underground facility attribute information, permeability coefficient, stratigraphic thickness, and height. The random forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM machine learning algorithms were used to develop the prediction model, and the SMOTE sampling technique was employed to address data imbalance. The reliability of the developed model was verified using the evaluation metrics of F1-score and accuracy. The best-performing model was selected to create a risk map and visualize the areas with ground subsidence risk. The results indicate that the incorporation of additional data improves model performance and reliability. Thus, the machine learning model with various factors developed in this study offers foundational insights for the prevention and risk management of ground subsidence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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18 pages, 11716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) as an Effective Tool to Study the Scale Effects of Rock Quality Designation Measurements

by Rongzhen Wang and Davide Elmo

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7101; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167101 - 13 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1759

Abstract

Rock quality designation (RQD) is a parameter that describes rock mass quality in terms of percentage recovery of core pieces greater than 10 cm. The RQD represents a basic element of several classification systems. This paper studies scale effects for RQD measurements using synthetic rock masses generated using discrete fracture network (DFN) models. RQD measurements are performed for rock masses with varying fracture intensities and by changing the orientation of the simulated boreholes to account for orientation bias. The objective is to demonstrate the existence of a representative elementary length (REL, 1D analogue of a 3D representative elementary volume, or REV) above which RQD measurements would represent an average indicator of rock mass quality. For the synthetic rock masses, RQD measurements were calculated using the relationship proposed by Priest and Hudson and compared to the simulated RQD measurements along the boreholes. DFN models generated for a room-and-pillar mine using mapped field data were then used as an initial validation, and the conclusion of the study was further validated using the RQD calculation results directly obtained from the depth data collected at an iron cap deposit. The relationship between rock mass scale and assumed threshold length used to calculate RQD is also studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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28 pages, 8958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Factors Controlling the Kinematics of a Reactivated and Slow-Moving Landslide in the Eastern Liguria Region (NW Italy) through the Integration of Automatic Geotechnical Sensors

by Giacomo Pepe, Barbara Musante, Giovanni Rizzi, Greta Viola, Andrea Vigo, Alessandro Ghirotto, Egidio Armadillo and Andrea Cevasco

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6880; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166880 - 6 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1025

Abstract

This paper deals with the investigation of factors influencing the movement patterns of a reactivated slow-moving landslide situated in the eastern Liguria region (NW Italy) through the analysis of extensive ground-based hydrological and geotechnical monitoring data. Subsurface horizontal displacement and pore water pressure data were acquired simultaneously by means of automatic sensors positioned at pre-existing and localized failure zones. The joint examination of field measurements enabled us to explore the connections between rain, pore water pressure, and displacements. The results of continuous displacement monitoring showed that the landslide kinematics involved phases of extremely slow movements alternated with periods of relative inactivity. Both stages occurred prevalently at seasonal scale displaying similar durations. The slow-motion phases took place at relatively constant pore water pressure and were ascribed to mechanisms of viscous shear displacements along failure surfaces. Inactive phases entailed no significant deformations, mostly corresponding to prolonged dry periods. The two motion patterns were interrupted by episodic sharp deformations triggered by delayed (preparation periods from 4 to 11 days) rainfall-induced pore water pressure peaks, which were ascribed to sliding mechanisms taking place through rigid-plastic frictional behaviour. During these deformation events, hysteresis relationships between pore water pressure and displacement were found, revealing far more complex hydro-mechanical behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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15 pages, 1460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Collapse Risk in Mountain Tunnels Based on Game Theory

by Weiqiang Zheng, Shixiang Xu and Zecheng Wang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5163; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125163 - 13 Jun 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 998

Abstract

In view of the problem that mountain tunnel construction is prone to collapse risk and disaster accidents, this paper proposes a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method based on CRITIC and D-AHP combined weighting, which can effectively improve the accuracy of mountain tunnel collapse risk evaluation and reduce construction risks. This method combines the improved subjective weighting method D-number analytic hierarchy process and the more scientific and reasonable objective weighting method CRITIC method for combined weighting and uses game theory to optimize the weights, which improves its accuracy compared to traditional evaluation methods and makes up for the lack of subjective and objective weighting of a single evaluation method. The results show that the introduction of the D-number theory can reduce the impact of an uncertain environment on the evaluation results. The risk levels of the sample sections are all between three and four, which is consistent with the actual situation of the project, indicating that the evaluation model is feasible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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14 pages, 5936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Seepage Analysis of Gabion Retaining Wall Structure for Preventing Overtopping in Reservoir Dams

by Dal-Won Lee, Ji-Sang Han, Cheol-Han Kim, Jung-Hyun Ryu, Hyo-Sung Song and Young-Hak Lee

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4041; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104041 - 9 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2728

Abstract

Recently, heavy rains caused by climate change have resulted in dam failures due to overtopping. This study presents a design method aiming to prevent overtopping failures by applying gabion retaining walls at the dam crest. Simulations, experiments, and measurements were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this design. The design framework aims to establish a system in which gabion retaining walls prevent overtopping when water levels exceed the crest of the dam, efficiently draining seepage water into the dam body through vertical filters. Research findings indicate that implementing dam crest core and geomembrane design effectively prevents seepage and saturation of the downstream slope during overtopping events. Notably, the reservoir dam operates in a stable manner, as seepage water passing through the dam body is directed solely to the toe drain. Overall, this design approach suggests its potential as a practical solution by significantly reducing hazards resulting from heavy rainfall. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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12 pages, 8390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Delayed Surface Subsidence Based on the Improved Knothe-n Model

by Jianhui Dong, Chengqian Tang, Xiao Liu and Yangdan Dong

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3742; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093742 - 27 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1412

Abstract

The delayed surface subsidence caused by coal seam mining is a problem that cannot be ignored, while accurate prediction of the surface subsidence provides a guarantee of the safety and stability of the relevant areas. However, the traditional Knothe model has limitations in considering delayed surface subsidence. Because of this, the Knothe-n time function model is segmented and improved by using the data of the subsidence area obtained from a FLAC3D-based numerical model, and the maximum delayed surface subsidence in different periods is calculated. The analytical results are compared with the numerical results to validate the effectiveness of the improved segmented time function model in predicting delayed surface subsidence. The improved model is applied to predict the surface subsidence in the Yutianbao subsidence area. The root-mean-square error between the predicted and measured values for the maximum subsidence monitoring point is 1.12, and the root-mean-square error between the average predicted and measured values for the surface monitoring points is 0.37, which verifies the accuracy of the improved model. The prediction model provides a scientific basis for environmental protection and safety management after coal seam mining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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13 pages, 2398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Developing a Model for Predicting the Compression Index of the South Coast Clay of Korea Using Statistical Analysis and Machine Learning Techniques

by Sungyeol Lee, Jaemo Kang, Jinyoung Kim, Wonjin Baek and Hyeonjun Yoon

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14030952 - 23 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1546

Abstract

As large cities are continually being developed around coastal areas, structural damage due to the consolidation settlement of soft ground is becoming more of a problem. Estimating consolidation settlement requires calculating an accurate compressive index through consolidation tests. However, these tests are time-consuming, and there is a risk of the test results becoming compromised while preparing and testing the specimens. Therefore, predicting the compression index based on the results of relatively simple physical property tests enables more reliable and accurate predictions of consolidation settlement by calculating the compression index at multiple points. In this context, this study collected geotechnical data from the soft ground of Korea’s south coast. The collected data were used to construct a dataset for developing a compression index prediction model, and significant influencing factors were identified through Pearson correlation analysis. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis was performed using these factors to derive regression equations, and compression index prediction models were developed by applying machine learning algorithms. The results of deriving the significance of the influencing factors from the developed compression index prediction model showed that natural water content was the most significant factor in predicting the compression index. By collecting a significant amount of high-quality data and using the compression index prediction model and the model construction process proposed in this study, more accurate predictions of the compressive index will be possible in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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16 pages, 5067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Vegetation Roots on Shallow Stability of Expansive Soil Slope under Rainfall Conditions

by Yangming Wang, Weisheng Xu, Zhe Wang and Yingna Zhu

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 11619; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111619 - 24 Oct 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

The impact of reinforcing vegetation roots on the stability of expansive soil slopes with moisture absorption and expansion was investigated. Then, poinsettia is selected as the slope protection plant, and ABAQUS software (version 2022) with secondary development is used to simulate the moisture absorption and expansion of the expansive soil slope. After that, the strength reduction method is employed to study the effects on the displacement and plastic zone, and on the shallow layer of the expansive soil slope at different rainfall conditions. The following points are revealed: (1) The roots of the poinsettia can reduce the displacement of the slope. But, when the rainfall intensity exceeds the soil permeability coefficient, the soil reinforcement effect decreases. (2) The poinsettia root system can alleviate the concentration of plastic strain, disperse the plastic zone, and increase slope stability along the distribution of the roots. (3) The poinsettia roots can improve the shallow stability of the slope. But when the rainfall intensity exceeds the surface permeability coefficient, the magnitude of the reinforcement decreases. The results demonstrate that the poinsettia roots can enhance shallow slope stability. However, with increasing rainfall intensity, the ability of the poinsettia roots to enhance shallow slope stability gradually weakens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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13 pages, 5248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discrete Element Simple Shear Test Considering Particle Shape

by Houying Zhu, Xuefeng Li, Longlong Lv and Qi Yuan

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11382; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011382 - 17 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1719

Abstract

The particle shape has significant effects on the slip and rotation of particles in the shear of geomaterials, which is an important factor in the deformation and strength of geomaterials. This paper employed particle flow code (PFC^3D) to simulate the simple shear test, and ellipsoidal particles with different aspect ratios were prepared to study the effects of particle shape on the mechanical behavior and fabric evolution of granular materials under complex stress paths. The numerical results show that the particle shape has a significant effect on the peak strength, dilatancy, non-coaxiality, and other mechanical properties of granular materials. The contact fabric evolves from orthotropy to transverse isotropy under the principal stress axes rotation. This paper will provide a reference for natural granular materials with different shapes in the study of mechanical behavior and the micro-constitutive model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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14 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Factors Influencing Ground Subsidence and a Risk Analysis Method Using the Attributes of Sewer Pipes

by Sungyeol Lee, Jaemo Kang and Jinyoung Kim

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9714; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179714 - 28 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1679

Abstract

In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in road subsidence accidents in urban areas, threatening the safety of citizens. Various road facilities, such as water and sewage pipes, and telecommunication facilities are buried under roads, and the aging of these facilities is one of the factors causing road subsidence. In particular, old sewer pipes are a primary cause of road subsidence. However, most maintenance work on such facilities is carried out based on how long ago they were buried underground, without considering the risk of road subsidence caused by them. Therefore, this study aims to present a reliable method to assess road subsidence risk that considers various sewer pipe specifications and the environment surrounding them. To derive the factors influencing subsidence, sewer pipes near the target region, where road subsidence occurs the most, were extracted to analyze the correlation between road subsidence, pipe integrity, and the surrounding environment. An effective analysis method was selected by comparing logistic regression analysis and AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) analysis, and a weighted road subsidence risk assessment method was proposed by evaluating the importance of factors affecting ground subsidence. Its applicability was examined by comparing actual road subsidence data and analyzing risk in a pilot study area to validate the reliability of the proposed methodology. The results showed that it was possible to make reliable predictions of road subsidence risk areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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19 pages, 5142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Hypoplastic Constitutive Model for Sandy Soil Considering the Rotation of the Principal Stress Axis

by Xuefeng Li, Guowei Fan and Yuqi He

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 6993; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13126993 - 9 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1953

Abstract

Considering the influence of fabric on the critical state of sandy soil, an anisotropic hypoplastic constitutive model is developed by introducing the anisotropic critical state line that takes into account the rotation of the principal stress axes. With the introduction of new anisotropic state variables defined by the joint invariants of the stress tensor and fabric tensor, the critical state equation of sandy soil is established to describe the effects of three factors, namely, anisotropic parameters, stress states, and the relationship between principal stresses and fabric directions, on the critical state. The mechanical response of sandy soil under different deposition angles can be described by considering the rotation of principal stresses relative to the fabric. The application range of Wu et al.’s isotropic hypoplastic model (2017) is extended by incorporating the effect of principal stress rotation on the stress–strain relationship of sandy soil. Based on a series of Toyoura sand plane strain tests, the effects of void ratio, confining pressure, and principal stress axis rotation angle on anisotropic strength and deformation characteristics are simulated under low confining pressure. Furthermore, a comparison with Wu’s transversely isotropic hypoplastic model (1998) is made regarding their simulation performances. The proposed model exhibits a balanced performance when simulating the variation of anisotropy in both strength and deformation with respect to the rotation angle, without being overestimated within a certain range of rotation angles. The prediction results demonstrate, to a certain degree, the validity and effectiveness of the proposed model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Geotechnical Engineering)

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