Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Buildings Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 8752

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Meen-Wah Gui

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: soil–structure interactions; unsaturated soil mechanics; soil improvement; slope stability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Thang Pham

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
Interests: geosynthetic reinforced soil walls (retaining walls and slope stability); soil improvement; excavations; shallow foundations; deep foundations

Dr. Phan Truc T.T.

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Bridge and Road, Mientrung University of Civil Engineering, Tuy Hoa, Vietnam
Interests: ground improvement with geosynthetics; landslides; AI in civil engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) represents a novel advancement in reinforced soil technology. By leveraging the engineering characteristics of soil through closely placed reinforcement, GRS design achieves remarkable improvements by reinforcing the soil internally. As such, the stability of GRS structures is self-sustained, as they do not depend on an external support such as the facing wall.

In this Special Issue, we extend an invitation to researchers to delve into the behavior of soil–geosynthetic composites. By amalgamating insights from experimental studies, numerical simulations, and artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies, our aim is to push the boundaries of knowledge within the realm of GRS engineering. Ultimately, we strive to catalyze the development of infrastructure solutions that are not only safer and more efficient but also inherently sustainable.

We are pleased to accept original research articles that cover a wide range of topics related to, but not limited to, the following: developing new composite materials; laboratory, numerical, and field-scale studies of GRS; life cycle assessments; mathematical modeling; and other relevant subjects that address geosynthetic materials in construction and engineering contexts.

Dr. Meen-Wah Gui
Dr. Thang Pham
Dr. Phan Truc T.T.
Guest Editors

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. Buildings 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 2600 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

composite behavior
geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS)
field-scale experiments
finite element (fe)
compaction loads

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 (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

25 pages, 12552 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Static Characteristics of Lignin-Fiber-Reinforced Sand

by Haihua Yang, Yongde Ai, Youjian Song, Ke Yang, Chaohong Chen and Guanping Zou

Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1532; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081532 - 14 Apr 2026

Viewed by 305

Abstract

In this study, compression, rebound, and triaxial tests were conducted to investigate the strength and deformation behavior of lignin-fiber-reinforced sandy soil under various conditions, with a focus on the influence of fiber content (FC) on its mechanical properties. Based on the experimental results, a modified Duncan–Chang model suitable for lignin-fiber-reinforced sandy soil was established. The results indicate that the addition of lignin fibers increases the compressive deformation of sandy soil. Under saturated conditions, the fibers suppress compressive deformation while enhancing rebound deformation, with the minimum compressive deformation observed at an FC of 0.5%. Quantitative analysis shows that as FC increases, the effect of dry and saturated states on compression and rebound indicators gradually diminishes. When the FC reaches 5%, these indicators are no longer significantly affected by moisture conditions. The inclusion of fibers also improves the shear strength of sandy soil. With increasing FC and confining pressure, the stress–strain curves gradually transition to a strain-hardening type. At an FC of 5% and under confining pressures of 100 kPa and 200 kPa, the stress–strain curves exhibit a more pronounced hardening trend compared to those at other fiber contents; under a confining pressure of 300 kPa, the curve exhibits a strain-hardening type. As FC increases, the specimens initially show dilatancy followed by contraction. The curves calculated using the modified Duncan–Chang model are in good agreement with the experimental data, validating the model’s feasibility in capturing softening-type stress–strain behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 3144 KB

Open AccessArticle

Shear Mechanisms and Strength Evolution in Geogrid-Reinforced Loess: Experimental and Empirical Modeling

by Tiantian Xiong and Nurazim Ibrahim

Buildings 2026, 16(5), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16050897 - 25 Feb 2026

Viewed by 441

Abstract

The mechanical behavior of loess under varying moisture conditions plays a critical role in the stability of slopes and foundations in loess regions. Owing to its high porosity and metastable structure, loess is particularly sensitive to moisture-induced strength degradation. Although geogrid reinforcement has been widely adopted to improve soil stability, the combined influence of moisture condition, reinforcement characteristics, and confinement on the shear behavior of loess remains insufficiently understood. In this study, consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial tests were conducted on partially saturated loess reinforced with glass fiber geogrids (GFGs) and basalt fiber geogrids (BFGs) under different moisture contents (13–17%) and confining pressures (100–300 kPa). The effects of geogrid type, reinforcement configuration, and confinement on shear strength and deformation behavior were systematically examined. The results indicate that geogrid reinforcement significantly enhances the shear strength, stiffness, and ductility of loess, particularly under low to moderate confining pressures. Increasing the number of reinforcement layers resulted in peak strength improvements of up to approximately 25% and promoted a transition from brittle to ductile behavior. Distinct reinforcement responses were observed: GFG exhibited higher initial stiffness and more rapid mobilization, whereas BFG demonstrated progressive tensile mobilization and superior residual strength. Furthermore, a modified Unified Twin-Shear Strength Theory (UTSST) incorporating a strain-dependent reinforcement mobilization coefficient was proposed, which provided an empirical representation of the observed strength evolution with good agreement with the experimental results (R² > 0.96). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 8423 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Dynamic Load Tests on Reinforced Foundations Under the Influence of Karst Soil Cavity Collapse

by Jia Lu, Jia-Quan Wang, Xiao-Yan Yang and Heng-Tong Wang

Buildings 2026, 16(4), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16040828 - 18 Feb 2026

Viewed by 386

Abstract

Karst soil caves are prone to induce insufficient bearing capacity and excessive settlement of engineering foundations, which in turn trigger sudden ground surface collapse. In this study, multi-stage cyclic loads were designed to simulate traffic loads, and model tests were conducted to measure and analyze the variation laws of foundation settlement, peak vertical earth pressure within the foundation, and reinforcement strain at different positions under cyclic dynamic loading. The results show that the following: ① under cyclic dynamic loading, the collapse of soil caves significantly reduces the bearing capacity of reinforced foundations with an influence range of up to 3B; ② affected by karst soil caves, reinforced foundations only experience a short elastic compaction stage under cyclic loading, followed by rapid deformation until failure; ③ a critical value exists in the earth pressure distribution at a distance of 1B–2B from the soil cave to the foundation center, which governs the abrupt pressure drop behavior in the collapse zone; ④ under the same level of cyclic loading, the height and number of soil arches are independent of the number of loading cycles, and the soil arching effect exerts the most significant influence on the bearing capacity of reinforced foundations at the initial stage of loading application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 5737 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Thermal Performance for Building Shell of Modified Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag Replacing Partial Concrete Aggregate

by Jin-Yuan Syu, Yu-Wei Li, Yeou-Fong Li, Chih-Hong Huang, Shih-Han Chen and Wei-Hao Lee

Buildings 2026, 16(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010108 - 25 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 584

Abstract

This study investigates sustainable alternatives for thermal regulation in building materials by incorporating modified basic oxygen furnace slag (MBOFS) as a partial replacement for natural aggregates in concrete. MBOFS was produced by injecting oxygen and silica sand into molten BOF slag to reduce free CaO and MgO, enhancing stability and suitability for cementitious composites. Characterization revealed high mid-infrared emissivity (up to 95.92% in the 8–13 μm range), low solar reflectivity, and high absorptance—properties favorable for passive radiative cooling. Optical, physical, mechanical, and thermal evaluations included spectral analysis, tests for density, porosity, compressive strength, and indoor irradiation with heat flux and temperature monitoring. Increasing MBOFS content raised thermal resistance from 0.034 to 0.069 m²·K/W and lowered thermal transmittance from 3.644 to 3.235 W/m²·K. Higher heat storage capacity and higher emissivity (thermal radiation) suppress the thermal transmittance, thus improving the thermal resistance of the building walls. The 60% replacement showed the most balanced surface thermal response, whereas higher ratios yielded greater energy retention. These results demonstrate that MBOFS can enhance insulation, radiative cooling, and mechanical performance, advancing climate-responsive concrete for urban heat island mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4524 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Engineering Properties of Guilin Red Clay Improved by PASS Composite LBG

by Yanshuo Cui, Kuiliang Han, Zhigao Xie, Haofeng Zhou and Bai Yang

Buildings 2025, 15(18), 3291; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15183291 - 11 Sep 2025

Viewed by 913

Abstract

To improve the engineering properties of red clay, sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) and locust bean gum (LBG) were used as modifiers, either singly or in combination. The modified soils were subjected to variable head permeability tests, triaxial compression tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests to analyze the effects of different modifiers on the permeability and shear strength of the red clay and systematically explore the modification mechanism. The results showed that both PAAS and LBG significantly reduced the permeability of the red clay, with PAAS having a more pronounced effect. This mechanism is attributed to PAAS swelling upon water absorption, forming a hydrogel network that fills micropores and forms ionic bonds with clay particles. LBG, on the other hand, encapsulates the particles in a highly viscous colloid, enhancing their aggregation. Regarding shear strength, both PAAS and LBG improved soil cohesion, with PAAS exhibiting a superior combined improvement in cohesion and internal friction angle compared to LBG. The PAAS-LBG composite modification exhibits a significant synergistic effect: PAAS forms a continuous hydrogel network as the primary skeletal structure of the soil, while LBG supplements the pores and increases bonding, resulting in a denser soil structure. Microscopic analysis further confirms that the PAAS-LBG composite modification significantly reduces porosity and enhances interparticle interlocking, thereby simultaneously improving both the impermeability and shear strength of the red clay. This research can provide a reference for sustainable development and red clay modification in red clay regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5908 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the Strength Characteristics of Modified Guilin Red Clay

by Wenwu Chen, Zhigao Xie, Jiguang Chen, Mengyao Hong, Xiaobo Wang, Haofeng Zhou and Bai Yang

Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2533; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142533 - 18 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 794

Abstract

To address the engineering challenges associated with Guilin red clay, such as its potentially low strength and unfavorable mechanical behavior, this study investigated the effectiveness of lignin and lime as modifiers. Consolidation undrained triaxial tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to evaluate the strength characteristics and microstructural changes in modified clay specimens with varying dosages. The results demonstrate distinct strengthening mechanisms: Lignin exhibits an optimal dosage (6%), significantly increasing cohesion and internal friction angle through physical reinforcement (“soil fiber” formation), but higher dosages (8%) lead to particle separation and strength reduction. In contrast, lime provides continuous and substantial strength enhancement with increasing dosage (up to 8%), primarily through chemical reactions producing cementitious compounds (e.g., C-S-H, C-A-H) that densify the structure. Consequently, lime-modified clay shows significantly higher cohesion and internal friction angle compared to lignin-modified clay at equivalent or higher dosages, with corresponding stress–strain curves shifting from enhanced (strain-hardening) to softening behavior. These findings provide practical insights into red clay improvement in geotechnical engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5847 KB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Analysis of the Stress–Deformation Behavior of Soil–Geosynthetic Composite (SGC) Masses Under Confining Pressure Conditions

by Truc T. T. Phan, Meen-Wah Gui, Thang Pham and Bich T. Luong

Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132229 - 25 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1123

Abstract

The growing application of soil–geosynthetic composites (SGCs) in geotechnical engineering has highlighted the critical role of reinforcement spacing in enhancing structural performance. This study presents a numerical investigation of the stress–deformation behavior of SGC masses under working stress and failure load conditions, considering both confining and unconfined pressure scenarios. A finite element (FE) model was developed to analyze stress distribution, reinforcement strain profiles at varying depths, and lateral displacement at open facings. Results revealed that vertical stresses in reinforced and unreinforced soil masses were nearly identical, while lateral stresses increased notably in reinforced masses, particularly near reinforcement layers and open facings. Closer reinforcement spacing (0.2 m) effectively reduced lateral displacement and enhanced structural stability compared with wider spacing (0.4 m). In some cases, strengthening reinforcement in the upper portion of the SGC mass proved more effective under failure loads in both confining and unconfined pressure conditions. These findings provide critical insights for optimizing reinforcement spacing in SGC systems, with implications for the design of retaining walls and bridge abutments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5662 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Factor Orthogonal Experiments and Enhancement Mechanisms of Unconfined Compressive Strength of Soda Residue Cement Lime Soil

by Wenbo Cheng, Wei Yin, Xiaoya Wang, Quan Xu, Guodong Wang, Jun Cao and Shengxue Zhu

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2189; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072189 - 16 Jul 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1839

Abstract

In order to study the effects of soda residue content, particle size, moisture content, and curing age on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soda residue cement lime soil (SRCLS), a 4-factor, 4-level orthogonal experimental design was employed in this study. Different conditions of SRCLS UCS and their impacts were tested and analyzed. The internal microstructure and hydration products of SRCLS were studied using SEM and XRD to explore the strengthening mechanism of SR in SRCLS. The results indicate that as the soda residue content gradually increased, SRCLS UCS initially increased and then decreased, with a maximum increase of up to 67%. With increasing soda residue particle size and moisture content, the UCS of SRCLS gradually decreased. The optimized mix ratio was determined to be soda residue:cement:lime:soil = 3%:3%:6%:100%, with the soda residue dried naturally and an ideal particle size of 0.15 mm. The factors influencing the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of SRCLS, in order of importance, are curing age, soda residue content, moisture content, and particle size of SR. Among these, curing age and soda residue content have a significant impact on the UCS. An adequate amount of SR can act as a fine aggregate filler, replace lime, promote cement hydration, and enhance chloride ion binding. This improves the grading of SRCLS materials and facilitates the formation of cementitious products from AFm, AFt, and Friedel’s salt, resulting in denser and stronger SRCLS materials. The research findings provide a reference for the mix design of SRCLS and the large-scale utilization of waste soda residue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 1074 KB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Soil–Geosynthetic Interface Direct Shear Test and Numerical Modelling

by Shuxiong Xiao, Ivan P. Damians and Wei Hu

Buildings 2026, 16(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010043 - 22 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1226

Abstract

The use of geosynthetics in reinforced soil structures (RSSs) requires the experimental and numerical modelling of the soil–geosynthetic interaction to support the design and analysis and deepen the knowledge of RSS systems. Direct shear testing has served as a fundamental laboratory choice for soil–geosynthetic interface testing, with the benefits being its availability, simplicity, and straightforward shear strength acquisition. This review paper pays attention to the direct shear testing and modelling of soil–geosynthetic interfaces. A brief laboratory interface experiment overview is presented, summarising the adopted soil–geosynthetic types, as well as the influences of various factors regarding soil–geosynthetic properties and loading/environmental conditions. Development of the finite element method to model interfaces is introduced, concentrating on the commonly adopted zero-thickness element, the thin-layer element, and continuum elements. As a result, emphasis is given to the comparison of the three element methodologies for the analysis of their advantages and limitations in accuracy, stability, and applicability for interface modelling. Based on the retrospective analysis, a summary and visions for the research progress of soil–geosynthetic interface testing and modelling are proposed to provide suggestions for future research topics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Soil–Geosynthetic Composite Materials

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI