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Research on Building Foundations and Underground Engineering
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Research on Building Foundations and Underground Engineering

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 5574

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Kangyu Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
Interests: pile foundation; underground engineering; pipe jacking engineering; foundation treatment; subgrade engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are proud to present this Special Issue on "Research on Building Foundations and Underground Engineering" which aims to showcase recent research findings and advancements in the field of building foundation and underground engineering. As urbanization accelerates and the utilization of underground space deepens, the study of building foundations and underground engineering has become a focal point of both academic research and engineering practice. This Special Issue highlights the following key areas:

  1. Foundation Engineering Design Methods and Technologies: This includes assessment of foundation-bearing capacity, design of deep and shallow foundations, and ground improvement techniques, providing scientific and technical support for foundation engineering practices.
  2. Underground Structure Design and Construction Technologies: The focus is on the design principles, construction methods, and quality control of underground structures such as buildings, subways, and tunnels, to enhance the development and utilization of underground spaces.
  3. Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering: Covering basic theories of soil mechanics, geotechnical investigation and testing methods, and disaster prevention and control, this section offers scientific guidance for geotechnical engineering practices.
  4. Groundwater Control Technology: This encompasses groundwater pollution control, the development and protection of groundwater resources, and groundwater control strategies, aiming to provide technical support for the rational use and protection of groundwater resources China.
  5. Green Building and Sustainable Development: Discussing the design concepts, technological paths, and case studies of green building foundations and underground engineering, this section promotes the green and sustainable development of the construction industry.

We hope you will find this Special Issue valuable and look forward to receiving your submissions!

Dr. Kangyu Wang
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.

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

  • foundation engineering design methods and technologies
  • underground structure design and construction technologies
  • soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering
  • groundwater control technology
  • green building and sustainable development
  • urban underground space utilization
  • sustainable construction practices
  • structural integrity and safety
  • case studies in geotechnical engineering

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 5265 KiB  
Article
Crack Development in Compacted Loess Subjected to Wet–Dry Cycles: Experimental Observations and Numerical Modeling
by Yu Xi, Mingming Sun, Gang Li and Jinli Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2625; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152625 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Loess, a typical soil widely distributed in China, exhibits engineering properties that are highly sensitive to environmental changes, leading to increased erosion and the development of surface cracks. This article examines the influence of initial moisture content, dry density, and thickness on crack [...] Read more.
Loess, a typical soil widely distributed in China, exhibits engineering properties that are highly sensitive to environmental changes, leading to increased erosion and the development of surface cracks. This article examines the influence of initial moisture content, dry density, and thickness on crack formation in compacted loess subjected to wet–dry cycles, using both laboratory experiments and numerical simulation analysis. It quantitatively analyzes the process of crack evolution using digital image processing technology. The experimental results indicate that wet–dry cycles can cause cumulative damage to the soil, significantly encouraging the initiation and expansion of secondary cracks. New cracks often branch out and extend along the existing crack network, demonstrating that the initial crack morphology has a controlling effect over the final crack distribution pattern. Numerical simulations based on MultiFracS software further revealed that soil samples with a thickness of 0.5 cm exhibited more pronounced surface cracking characteristics than those with a thickness of 2 cm, with thinner layers of soil tending to form a more complex network of cracks. The simulation results align closely with the indoor test data, confirming the reliability of the established model in predicting fracture dynamics. The study provides theoretical underpinnings and practical guidance for evaluating the stability of engineering slopes and for managing and mitigating fissure hazards in loess. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Building Foundations and Underground Engineering)
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25 pages, 10082 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Tensile Strength of an Undisturbed Loess Based on Unconfined Penetration Test
by Zhilang You and Fei Liu
Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2429; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142429 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
The tensile strength of loess, a key mechanical parameter for crack-related failures, has not received much attention in previous research, with the literature demonstrating a lack of systematic studies. Therefore, in this study, the variations in the tensile strength, crack distribution, crack number, [...] Read more.
The tensile strength of loess, a key mechanical parameter for crack-related failures, has not received much attention in previous research, with the literature demonstrating a lack of systematic studies. Therefore, in this study, the variations in the tensile strength, crack distribution, crack number, and internal stress of an undisturbed loess were studied in detail by combining the unconfined penetration test (UPT) and a discrete element method (DEM)-based simulation. The tensile strengths of undisturbed loess samples with different height–diameter ratios (1, 1.5, and 2) were investigated by using the UPT with loading plates of different diameters (12.86 mm, 15.56 mm, and 19.02 mm). DEM simulation was then conducted based on the experimental results. The results showed that (1) the tensile strength of undisturbed loess decreased with increased height–diameter ratio, while it increased with an increase in the diameters of the loading plates; (2) the DEM simulation allowed us to study the tensile characteristics of the undisturbed loess, and the simulated tensile strengths obtained via DEM simulation agreed with those determined via the UPT; (3) the distribution of internal stress and crack number in the DEM model were significantly influenced by the height–diameter ratio and loading plate diameter; (4) the number of cracks in the DEM model increased with an increase in the diameter of the loading plate, while the number of cracks first increased and then decreased with an increase in the height–diameter ratio. This study helps us to understand the variation in the tensile strengths of undisturbed loess samples from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. It is expected to serve as a reference for design, construction, and maintenance in engineering projects hinging upon the Loess Plateau region in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Building Foundations and Underground Engineering)
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31 pages, 7677 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Performance and Interfacial Bonding Mechanism of High-Performance ECC in Steel-Concrete Composite Link Slab in Simply Supported Bridges
by Chengquan Wang, Rongyang Liu, Kangyu Wang, Yuhan Liang and Yingjie Ning
Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2277; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132277 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 422
Abstract
This paper proposes a steel-ECC ordinary concrete composite continuous bridge deck structure to address the cracking problem of simply supported beam bridge deck continuity. Through theoretical and experimental research, a high-performance ECC material was developed. The ECC material has a compressive strength of [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a steel-ECC ordinary concrete composite continuous bridge deck structure to address the cracking problem of simply supported beam bridge deck continuity. Through theoretical and experimental research, a high-performance ECC material was developed. The ECC material has a compressive strength of 57.58 MPa, a tensile strain capacity of 4.44%, and significantly enhanced bending deformation ability. Bonding tests showed that the bond strength of the ECC-reinforcing bar interface reaches 22.84 MPa when the anchorage length is 5d, and the splitting strength of the ECC-concrete interface is 3.58 MPa after 4–5 mm chipping treatment, with clear water moistening being the optimal interface treatment method. Full-scale tests indicated that under 1.5 times the design load, the crack width of the ECC bridge deck continuity structure is ≤0.12 mm, the maximum deflection is only 5.345 mm, and the interface slip is reduced by 42%, achieving a unified control of multiple cracks and coordinated deformation. The research results provide a new material system and interface design standards for seamless bridge design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Building Foundations and Underground Engineering)
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18 pages, 4649 KiB  
Article
Pile–Soil Interaction and Group Pile Effect in Composite Foundation Under Different Pile Length Conditions
by Dongliang He, Yanhui Cheng, Hongwei Liu and Hang Lin
Buildings 2025, 15(8), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15081248 - 10 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 794
Abstract
With the rapid development of urbanization and infrastructure construction, the requirements for the foundation design of high-rise buildings and large bridges are increasing. Pile foundations, as important supporting structures, are widely used in weak foundations and high-rise buildings. However, pile groups show significant [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of urbanization and infrastructure construction, the requirements for the foundation design of high-rise buildings and large bridges are increasing. Pile foundations, as important supporting structures, are widely used in weak foundations and high-rise buildings. However, pile groups show significant advantages in bearing capacity, settlement control, and structural stability, while also bringing complex pile–soil interactions and group pile effects. Based on an FLAC3D numerical simulation (version 3.0), this paper constructs a pile group composite foundation model under different pile length conditions and analyzes the influence of pile–soil interaction on the group pile effect. The results show that pile length has a significant impact on the settlement and bearing capacity of the pile group composite foundation. When the pile length exceeds a certain critical value (23.4 m in this study), the interaction between piles is enhanced, the bearing capacity of the soil between piles is improved, the pile–soil stress ratio is reduced, and the overall settlement is effectively controlled. Moreover, there are obvious differences in settlement and stress distribution between pile group composite foundations and single-pile composite foundations, and the group pile effect can lead to greater settlement and more complex stress distribution. Therefore, when designing pile group composite foundations, factors such as pile length, pile spacing, and geological conditions should be fully considered to optimize foundation performance. This study provides a theoretical basis and reference for the design and optimization of pile group composite foundations, highlighting the importance of considering pile length and pile–soil interaction in practical engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Building Foundations and Underground Engineering)
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23 pages, 6289 KiB  
Article
Database Analysis of Long-Term Settlement Behavior of Pile Foundations in Shanghai Soft Coastal Clays
by Qibiao Wang, Jie Li, Tao Fang and Shaohua Yu
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3334; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113334 - 22 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1421
Abstract
A database of 195 field records of long-term settlement of high-rise buildings in Shanghai soft coastal clays is presented. The collected field records are divided into two categories based on pile type, i.e., bored pile and precast pile. Based on the settlement recorders [...] Read more.
A database of 195 field records of long-term settlement of high-rise buildings in Shanghai soft coastal clays is presented. The collected field records are divided into two categories based on pile type, i.e., bored pile and precast pile. Based on the settlement recorders collected, the long-term settlement behavior and settlement duration of the pile foundations in soft coastal clays are investigated. The statistical results show that the pile foundation in Shanghai soft coastal clays can be divided into three kinds of site conditions by considering the pile length and variation of long-term deformation behavior. Prediction models based on the power function are proposed to calculate the normalized final settlement for both bored pile and precast pile foundations. Based on the statistical results, the average normalized final settlement (settlement per floor), average settlement ratio (final settlement to the settlement when the superstructure is completed), and average settlement duration in the three site conditions for both bored pile and precast pile foundations are given. Additionally, an exponential settlement prediction model that can accurately forecast the entire settlement and post-construction settlement characteristics of buildings in Shanghai’s soft soil area is proposed. These statistical results can be referred to the preliminary foundation design works, which contribute to the quick evaluation of the possible settlement range, settlement ratio, and settlement duration of the proposed building constructed in the soft coastal clay area in Shanghai. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Building Foundations and Underground Engineering)
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21 pages, 5112 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Settlement and Deformation of Pile-Supported Embankments Undergoing Groundwater-Level Fluctuations: An Experimental and Simulation Study
by Jiahuan Ye, Kangyu Wang, Ziliang Qiu and Xinquan Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2661; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092661 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1317
Abstract
The intensification of extreme weather phenomena, ranging from torrential downpours to protracted dry spells, which trigger fluctuations at the groundwater level, poses a grave threat to the stability of embankments, giving rise to an array of concerns including cracking and differential settlement. Consequently, [...] Read more.
The intensification of extreme weather phenomena, ranging from torrential downpours to protracted dry spells, which trigger fluctuations at the groundwater level, poses a grave threat to the stability of embankments, giving rise to an array of concerns including cracking and differential settlement. Consequently, it is crucial to embark on research targeted at uncovering the settlement and deformation behaviors of pile-supported embankments amidst changes in water levels. In tackling this dilemma, a series of direct shear tests were carried out across a range of wet–dry cyclic conditions. The results confirmed that the occurrence of wet–dry cycles significantly impacted the resilience of silty clay. Additionally, it was observed that the erosion of cohesion and the angle of internal friction initially diminished sharply, subsequently leveling off, with the first wet–dry cycle exerting the most substantial influence on soil strength. Employing a holistic pile-supported embankment model, simulations revealed that variations in the groundwater level, fluctuations therein, varying descent rates, and periodic shifts in the groundwater level could all prompt alterations in soil settlement between embankment piles and could augment the peak tensile stress applied to geogrids. In summary, the orthogonal experimental method was utilized, indicating that, in terms of impacting embankment settlement under periodic water-level changes, the factors ranked in descending order were the following: pile spacing, pile length, embankment height, and the height of the groundwater table. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Building Foundations and Underground Engineering)
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