Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.5
2.5
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Advanced Technology in Geotechnical Engineering
applsci-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Advanced Technology in Geotechnical Engineering

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 5159

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Qingrong Xiong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Interests: multi-physical modelling; concrete; damage; diffusion; aggressive environments
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the microscale and mesoscale mechanisms driving innovations in geotechnical engineering. We invite research exploring advanced technologies such as micro-CT imaging, discrete element modeling (DEM), molecular dynamics, and nano-indentation techniques to unravel soil–structure interactions, particle-scale behavior, and fabric evolution. Contributions to AI-enhanced micromechanical analysis, in situ microstructural characterization, and multiscale modeling approaches are particularly encouraged. Studies should emphasize fundamental mechanisms, experimental advancements, or computational methods that bridge micro/meso observations with macro-scale geotechnical performance. Both theoretical and experimental investigations addressing the interplay between material science and geomechanics are welcome. Join us in advancing the understanding of geotechnical phenomena from the ground up.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Qingrong Xiong
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • micromechanics
  • multiscale modeling
  • particle interactions

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 3708 KB  
Article
Numerical Study of SC-CO2 Jet-Induced Rock Fracturing Using SPH-FEM and the RHT Model: Parameter Effects and Damage Evolution
by Yun Lin, Tianxing Ma, Chong Li, Liangxu Shen, Xionghuan Tan, Kun Luo and Kang Peng
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11357; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111357 - 23 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 877
Abstract
Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) jetting has emerged as a promising technique for rock fracturing due to its superior physical properties such as low viscosity, high diffusivity, and zero surface tension. However, the complex interaction mechanisms between SC-CO2 jets and heterogeneous [...] Read more.
Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) jetting has emerged as a promising technique for rock fracturing due to its superior physical properties such as low viscosity, high diffusivity, and zero surface tension. However, the complex interaction mechanisms between SC-CO2 jets and heterogeneous rock media remain inadequately understood. In this study, a coupled Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics–Finite Element Method (SPH-FEM) framework is established to simulate the dynamic fracturing process of rocks under SC-CO2 jet impact. The Riedel–Hiermaier–Thoma (RHT) constitutive model is incorporated to describe the nonlinear damage evolution of brittle rocks, and key material parameters are calibrated via sensitivity analysis and SHPB experimental validation. A series of numerical simulations are performed to investigate the effects of jet standoff distance, jet velocity, and rock lithology (marble, granite, red sandstone) on fracturing efficiency. Damage area, damage volume, and a novel metric—block size distribution—are employed to quantify the fracturing quality from both macro and meso scales. The results indicate that SC-CO2 jets outperform conventional water jets in creating more extensive and homogeneous fracture networks. An optimal standoff distance of 1–2 cm and a velocity threshold of 0.2 cm/μs are identified for maximum fracturing efficiency in marble. Furthermore, smaller block sizes are achieved under higher velocities, indicating a more complete and efficient rock fragmentation process. This study provides a comprehensive numerical insight into SC-CO2 jet-induced rock failure and offers theoretical guidance for optimizing green and water-free rock fracturing techniques in complex geological environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technology in Geotechnical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 22342 KB  
Article
Study on the Adsorption Characteristics of Microbial-Reed Fiber and Its MICP Solidified Saline Soil Test
by Yimo Du, Zhenyu Bai, Xiaoli Wang, Ruze Wang and Wen Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 11198; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152011198 - 19 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 710
Abstract
In response to the issues of increased brittleness and insufficient toughness in microbially solidified saline sandy soils in cold and arid plateau regions, this study investigated saline sandy soils and indigenous microorganisms from the Qaidam Basin, Qinghai. A dual-reinforcement method combining microbial-induced calcium [...] Read more.
In response to the issues of increased brittleness and insufficient toughness in microbially solidified saline sandy soils in cold and arid plateau regions, this study investigated saline sandy soils and indigenous microorganisms from the Qaidam Basin, Qinghai. A dual-reinforcement method combining microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) with alkali-modified reed fiber (ARF) was proposed to enhance both strength and ductility. The study explored the adsorption characteristics and solidification mechanisms of this approach. Key innovations include: (1) alkali modification significantly improved the interfacial bonding between reed fibers and sand particles, with pull-out tests indicating a 1.24-fold increase in adhesion strength; (2) an orthogonal experimental design identified optimal parameters—fiber length of 15 mm, fiber content of 0.5%, and cementation solution concentration of 3 mol/L—leading to the development of a synergistic “microbial cementation–fiber bridging” enhancement model. Experimental results showed that the proposed method increased the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the solidified soil to 2082.85 kPa, 2.99 times higher than that of traditional MICP-treated soil, while it significantly enhanced the ductility of the soil. This approach offers a mechanically robust and environmentally adaptive solution within the ambient temperature range of 0–35 °C for the ecological restoration of saline soils in high-altitude regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technology in Geotechnical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 21590 KB  
Article
Quantifying the Protective Efficacy of Baffles Through Numerical Simulation with the MPM-DEM Method
by Hongwei Zhu, Songkai Ren, Zhongyue Shen, Can Fu, Rong Lan, Xiaoqing Tian and Pei Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 10148; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151810148 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1154
Abstract
Soil–rock mixtures pose significant challenges in mountainous regions due to their complex flow behavior and destructive potential during landslides and debris flows. Despite growing interest in using baffle arrays as protective measures, current research has focused on idealized soil or rock materials, leaving [...] Read more.
Soil–rock mixtures pose significant challenges in mountainous regions due to their complex flow behavior and destructive potential during landslides and debris flows. Despite growing interest in using baffle arrays as protective measures, current research has focused on idealized soil or rock materials, leaving a notable gap in understanding their efficacy against heterogeneous soil–rock mixtures under varied slope and baffle configurations. This study employs the Material Point Method to simulate the continuum behavior of the soil matrix, while the Discrete Element Method (DEM) models the discrete dynamics of rock boulders. By incorporating Spheropolygon DEM, the model accurately captures complex soil–rock structure interactions. Parametric simulations are conducted to evaluate the effects of baffle location and slope angle on flow kinematics, impact forces, and energy dissipation. Results show that baffles placed closer to the structure significantly reduce downstream impact forces and kinetic energy by enhancing energy dissipation. Steeper slope angles result in increased impact forces on the structure due to greater conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy. The findings provide quantitative insights into optimizing baffle placement for improving infrastructure resilience against soil–rock mixture flows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technology in Geotechnical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 13639 KB  
Article
Simulation Study on Optimization of Structural Parameters of Stope Based on Ground Pressure Control
by Yun Lin, Rui Zhou, Keping Zhou, Jielin Li, Chengye Yang, Chaoyang Que, Fengfeng Wu and Yigai Xiao
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 9998; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15189998 - 12 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 931
Abstract
Aiming at the problem of surrounding rock instability easily induced by high ground stress in the process of deep-well mining, the optimization of stope structure parameters is studied by combining numerical simulation with theoretical analysis. Firstly, the physical and mechanical properties of rock [...] Read more.
Aiming at the problem of surrounding rock instability easily induced by high ground stress in the process of deep-well mining, the optimization of stope structure parameters is studied by combining numerical simulation with theoretical analysis. Firstly, the physical and mechanical properties of rock mass are fully understood using laboratory experiments. Then, six kinds of stope structure parameter schemes are preliminarily designed using the Matthews chart method. According to the geological conditions of the Ruihai Gold Mine, a large three-dimensional numerical model is established. Based on FLAC3D, the follow-filling continuous mining method is used to simulate the six schemes. By analyzing the influence and law of different stope structures on the stress, displacement, and plastic zone evolution of surrounding rock, the most effective mining strategy to balance the safety and economic benefits of the target area is determined. In the area with good rock mass quality, the optimal stope dimensions are 20 m in height, 15 m in width, and 80 m in length. In the rock mass area with fault crossing or relatively developed joint fissures, a reduced configuration of 20 m height, 10 m width, and 70 m length is recommended to enhance stability and stress management. Finally, comparative analysis of mining methods confirms that the follow-filling continuous mining method effectively mitigates ground pressure, offering a theoretical foundation for the safe and efficient extraction of deep mineral resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technology in Geotechnical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 7946 KB  
Article
Double-Borehole Superimposed Effect of a New Non-Explosive Directional Rock-Breaking Method
by Quan Zhang, Manchao He, Kai Chen, Shan Guo, Chun Yang, Rongzhou Yang, Yun Wu, Jiong Wang and Chao Wang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6805; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126805 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 908
Abstract
Due to the difficulty of creating directional fractures efficiently and accurately with existing non-explosive rock-breaking methods, a directional fracturing technique utilizing a coal-based solid waste expansive agent, termed the instantaneous expansion with a single fracture (IESF), has been developed. IESF can generate high-pressure [...] Read more.
Due to the difficulty of creating directional fractures efficiently and accurately with existing non-explosive rock-breaking methods, a directional fracturing technique utilizing a coal-based solid waste expansive agent, termed the instantaneous expansion with a single fracture (IESF), has been developed. IESF can generate high-pressure gases within 0.05–0.5 s and utilize gas pressure to achieve directional rock fragmentation. The rock-breaking mechanisms under double-borehole conditions of conventional blasting (CB), shaped charge blasting (SCB), and IESF were studied by theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and in situ test. The gas pressure distribution within directional fractures of IESF was determined, and the crack propagation criterion between double-borehole was established. Numerical simulation results indicated that the stress distribution in CB was random. SCB exhibited tensile stress of −10.89 MPa in the inter-borehole region and −8.33 MPa on the outer-borehole region, while IESF generated −14.47 MPa and −12.62 MPa in the corresponding regions, demonstrating that stresses generated between adjacent boreholes can be superimposed in the inter-hole region. In CB, strain was concentrated along main fractures. SCB exhibited strains of 7 mm and 8 mm in the shaped charge direction, while non-shaped charge directions showed a strain of 1.5 mm. For IESF, strain in the shaped charge direction measured 6 mm, compared to 1 mm in non-shaped charge directions, resulting in superior directional fracture control. In situ test results from Donglin Coal Mine demonstrated that IESF can form superior directional rock-breaking efficacy compared to both CB and SCB, with the average crack rates of 95.5% by IESF higher than 85.0% by SCB. This technique provides a non-explosive method that realizes precise control of the direction of cracks while avoiding the high-risk and high-disturbance problems of explosives blasting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technology in Geotechnical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop