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

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering

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

A special issue of Eng (ISSN 2673-4117).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 6021

Share This Special Issue

Editors

Dr. Haoyu Han

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering, Yunnan University, Yunnan, China
Interests: advanced numerical simulation techniques; FDEM; rock fracture and fragmentation processes; rock dynamics and fracture mechanics; stability of complex underground engineering; deep rock excavation and control; slope stability analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Huimin Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Interests: fractured rock mass seepage; unconventional oil and gas reservoir simulation; CO₂ geological storage
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Kai Tao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Collage of Automation and Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, China
Interests: structural health monitoring; multimodal data mining; machine learning; reinforcement learning; rock damage identification; numerical simulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced numerical simulation techniques are crucial for the long-term development of geotechnical engineering, particularly when combined with big data and machine learning. Innovative techniques have stimulated greater interest in creating more robust and accurate models and simulations under various geotechnical engineering scenarios. To obtain accurate predictions of rock fracture and fragmentation processes and prevent or mitigate geohazards, continuous advancements and applications of advanced numerical simulation techniques are essential.

This Special Issue welcomes submissions that explore the development or use of advanced numerical simulation techniques/methods in solving problems pertaining to geotechnical engineering. Topics of this Special Issue mainly include, but are not restricted to, the following:

The development and application of advanced numerical simulation techniques/methods;
The simulation of rock fracture and fragmentation processes under various geotechnical engineering scenarios;
The application of rock dynamics and fracture mechanics in numerical simulations;
The incorporation of big data and machine learning in numerical simulation techniques.

Dr. Haoyu Han
Dr. Huimin Wang
Dr. Kai Tao
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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Eng is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1400 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

advanced numerical simulation method
underground engineering
tunnel engineering
blasting engineering
big data
machine learning
rock fracture and fragmentation processes
rock dynamics and fracture mechanics
seepage in fractured rocks
damage identification

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

13 pages, 1611 KB

Open AccessArticle

Features of Modeling the Mechanical Response of Crushed Salt-Based Backfill Material in Potash Mines

by Alexander A. Selikhov, Maxim A. Karasev, Vladislav V. Petrushin, Ekaterina L. Romanova, Anna V. Andreeva, Vadim S. Biberin and Egor S. Kudashov

Eng 2026, 7(7), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7070330 - 8 Jul 2026

Viewed by 213

Abstract

The development of potash deposits under complex mining and geological conditions requires the implementation of efficient geotechnologies, including backfilling of mined-out voids. Preserving the water-protective strata and preventing mining-induced accidents are impossible without accurate prediction of the stress–strain state of the backfill mass. Traditional models, based on the Mohr–Coulomb criterion, are unable to properly describe physical and mechanical processes occurring in crushed salt rock, including the transition from dilatancy to compaction and nonlinear hardening. This requires the application of specialized models such as the SRP model. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanical response of crushed salt rock backfill material under complex loading conditions and to calibrate the parameters of the SRP model in order to improve the accuracy of geomechanical calculations. The shape of the plastic flow surface in the deviatoric plane was established, including both shear and cap components. A nonlinear dependence of the friction angle on mean stress was identified and described by a logarithmic function. The law of plastic hardening was determined, and a non-associated plastic flow rule was confirmed in the shear domain. The calibrated SRP model allows for predicting the backfill mass behavior with high reliability, which is a necessary condition for substantiating the parameters of safe potash mining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 26210 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Numerical Study on the Failure Behavior of Rock Mass with Openings Under Dynamic Loading

by Haoyu Han, Yihan Zhang, Hongyuan Liu, Yatao Yan, Yue Zheng, Ruyi Yan, Siru Li, Xinrui Ma and Shuran Chang

Eng 2026, 7(6), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7060299 - 18 Jun 2026

Viewed by 204

Abstract

In underground engineering, the dynamic failure mechanisms of rock masses containing openings under impact loading are of vital importance. This study systematically investigates the effects of opening shape, size, and orientation on the dynamic behavior of red sandstone. Dynamic impact tests are first performed using a split Hopkinson pressure bar together with high-speed photography and digital image correlation for full-field strain and crack monitoring. A two-dimensional combined finite–discrete element (FDEM) model is then developed to reproduce the dynamic failure process. It is found that the opening size significantly affects the dynamic compressive strength, while the opening shape dictates crack initiation and propagation. Circular openings induce symmetric cracking, square openings cause corner-dominated cracks, and horseshoe-shaped openings produce asymmetric failure whose dominant side depends on the rotation angle. The FDEM model established in this study successfully reproduces the main crack paths and failure modes observed in experiments, which provides a powerful tool for the analysis of rock dynamic failure. Moreover, the results in this study also provide practical engineering guidance for the reinforcement and support measures for different opening shapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 37818 KB

Open AccessArticle

Compressive Cracking Behavior and Thresholds of Vesicular Basalts: Insights from Coupled Experimental and Numerical Modeling

by Dimitrios Papadomarkakis, Paraskevi Yiouta-Mitra, George Papantonopoulos and Pavlos Nomikos

Eng 2026, 7(6), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7060282 - 7 Jun 2026

Viewed by 324

Abstract

Physical uniaxial compressive tests were conducted on high porosity vesicular basalt specimens in the lab. The main experimental mechanical parameters (i.e., peak strength and elastic constants) were used to calibrate numerical models in the 2-D PFC. Two different contact bond models were applied during the numerical analysis, namely, the linear parallel bond model and the flat-joint model. Also, different seed values were tested to generate distinct two-dimensional pore structures. Further, two grain size distributions were tested: a coarser sized one and a finer sized one. The effects of these bond models and parameters on the fracturing response of the rock were studied. Two simple mathematical criteria were also proposed for the accurate determination of the cracking thresholds from the numerically derived crack count curve. The numerical results were compared with the laboratory derived ones, and the differences were acceptable. Ultimately, via the coupled experimental and numerical approach, we were able to physically interpret the micro- and macrocracking response of the rocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 11113 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of In-Situ Stress Direction on Blast-Induced Rock Fracture in Deep Tunnels with Weak Interlayers

by Zhongqiu Sun, Meng Wang, Chunhong Xiao and Weiting Gao

Eng 2026, 7(6), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7060278 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 327

Abstract

The drilling and blasting method is the mainstream approach for excavating deep-buried tunnels. Nevertheless, a complex static–dynamic coupling environment is formed by the directional high in situ stress and the widely distributed weakly intercalated layers in rock masses, which frequently result in uncontrolled propagation of blasting-induced cracks. In this paper, deep-buried tunnels with weakly intercalated layers are selected as the research subject, and a numerical model for simulating blasting-induced crack evolution is developed using the material point method. After the model’s reliability is verified through single-hole blasting tests, the effects of in situ stress and weakly intercalated layers on the evolution of blasting-induced cracks are investigated using a typical case. The results demonstrate that geostress direction significantly guides and restrains crack propagation, with cracks extending preferentially along the maximum principal stress but being limited in the perpendicular direction. Compared with the zero-confining-pressure condition, the maximum crack length is reduced by more than 80% when an equal biaxial confining pressure of 20 MPa is applied. Weak interlayers attenuate the transmission of blasting energy, and crack propagation at their ends is significantly amplified when the principal in situ stress aligns with the interlayer orientation, leading to over-excavation. In addition, a targeted optimization strategy for blasting parameters was proposed that reduced the particle vibration velocity at the arch shoulder by 49%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1618 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sensitivity Analysis of UH Model Parameters for Granite Residual Soils in the Fujian–Guangdong Region

by Yongning Xie, Kun Li and Zhibo Chen

Eng 2026, 7(4), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7040179 - 14 Apr 2026

Viewed by 456

Abstract

This study collected 155 sets of test data for granite residual soils from the Fujian–Guangdong region and applied the chi-square test to analyze the distributions of eight common physical and mechanical parameters. Drained triaxial tests were then simulated using the Unified Hardening (UH) model, and a Sobol global sensitivity analysis of model parameters was conducted based on the distributions of soil properties. The results show that natural density and cohesion approximately follow Weibull distributions; void ratio, liquid limit and plastic limit follow lognormal distributions; water content and internal friction angle follow normal distributions; and plasticity index follows a Gumbel distribution. The Sobol analysis indicates that the critical state deviatoric stress mainly depends on the critical state stress ratio (M), the critical state volumetric strain is jointly controlled by M and the slope of the normal compression line (λ). The overall evolution of deviatoric stress mainly depends on M, and the overall evolution of volumetric strain mainly depends on λ, whereas Poisson’s ratio (ν) has little influence on the soil stress–strain response. These findings provide references for parameter selection and numerical simulation of granite residual soils in the Fujian–Guangdong region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 10463 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Dominant Factors and Control Technologies for Instability in Cross-Mining Roadway

by Hao Wang, Miao Chen, Jiangwei Liu, Peidong Li, Wenfei Wang, Xianghan Xu and Hui Zhou

Eng 2026, 7(4), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7040169 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 411

Abstract

To investigate the dominant factors and instability mechanism of surrounding rock deformation in cross-mining roadways, a systematic study was conducted using theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and response surface methodology to examine the influence of various factors on surrounding rock stability. First, the theoretical model was refined by introducing a lithology coefficient of the load-transfer layer, thereby improving its engineering applicability. Subsequently, numerical simulations and response surface experiments were employed to analyze the effects of key factors, including the vertical distance between the working face and the roadway, the horizontal distance between the working face and the roadway, the burial depth of the roadway, the mining height of the working face, and the lithology of the load-transfer layer. The analysis results indicate that the vertical distance, horizontal distance, and lithology of the load-transfer layer are negatively correlated with roadway roof displacement, whereas the burial depth and mining height are positively correlated. The p-values for all factors were less than 0.0001. The order of significance of the influencing factors is as follows: vertical distance > horizontal distance > burial depth > mining height > lithology of the load-transfer layer. Among these, the vertical distance has the most significant effect on roadway deformation and exhibits notable interaction effects with burial depth and horizontal distance. Based on these findings, given that construction conditions cannot be altered, modifying the lithology of the load-transfer layer was selected as the control measure. Directional long-hole hydraulic fracturing for roof cutting and pressure relief was implemented in the roof of the return airway in the No. 6 mining district. Field monitoring results show that hydraulic fracturing effectively interrupted the stress transmission path induced by mining activities, transferring roof pressure to deeper strata. Consequently, the deformation of the surrounding rock was significantly reduced, the dynamic pressure effect was markedly alleviated, and the stability of the roadway was effectively controlled. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the design and control of cross-mining roadways under similar engineering conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6552 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Influencing Factors and Control Measures for Post-Construction Settlement of High-Fill Red Clay Embankment

by Jian-Bin Xie, Bin Wu, Rong-Gu Jia, Yu-Chen Yang, Ke-Nu Li and Xue-Min Zhang

Eng 2025, 6(12), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6120363 - 12 Dec 2025

Viewed by 923

Abstract

This study systematically investigates the post-construction settlement behavior of high-fill red clay embankments, focusing on the influences of three key factors (water content, degree of compaction, and lift thickness) and the effectiveness of geogrid-based reinforcement measures. A three-dimensional finite-element model based on the Mohr–Coulomb constitutive theory was established using MIDAS GTS NX 2022 R1 to simulate staged construction processes and long-term settlement under self-weight loading. The results indicate that settlement is predominantly concentrated in the upper fill zone adjacent to the slope surface, with displacement contours sagging inward toward the fill interior, while the underlying foundation undergoes negligible deformation. An elevated water content and reduced degree of compaction significantly enhance the compressibility of red clay, leading to increased settlement magnitudes and prolonged stabilization periods. Excessively thick lifts result in inadequate deep compaction, thereby inducing larger final settlements. Two reinforcement schemes (geogrid combined with anti-slide piles and geogrid combined with a gravity retaining wall) were verified to effectively mitigate post-construction settlement, with the former achieving a more pronounced improvement in the embankment stability coefficient. Based on the comprehensive analysis, optimal construction control parameters for high-fill red clay embankments are proposed: precise regulation of water content, maximization of compaction degree, and adoption of a lift thickness of approximately 30 cm. The findings of this study provide quantitative technical support and design references for the settlement control of similar high-fill red clay embankment projects in southern China’s mountainous and hilly regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 5227 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Influence of Underlying Karst Caves on the Stability of Pipe Jacking Construction Based on the Finite Element Method

by Duozhi Wang, Jianbin Xie, Kewen Liu, Zan Xu, He Zhan and Haonan Zhang

Eng 2025, 6(12), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6120334 - 23 Nov 2025

Viewed by 766

Abstract

To investigate the impact of subsurface karst cavities on the stability of pipe jacking construction, this study utilizes the Yunnan Central Water Diversion Project as a real-world case. Employing ABAQUS finite element software to establish a numerical model, it systematically analyzes construction stability under the specific condition of “karst cavities present ahead of the excavation direction” in karst formations. The research focuses on examining the effects of four key scenarios on the displacement and stress response of surrounding rock and pipe segments. These conditions specifically include the following: tunnel burial depth (10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 25 m), cavity diameter beneath the tunnel (1–4 m), cavity filling status, and distance between the cavity and the tunnel (1–4 m). The study reveals that in composite stratum tunnel construction, when cavities exist in the strata ahead, multi-area displacements increase progressively with cavity size. Displacement changes accelerate and magnify when the cutting face of the jacking machine approaches within approximately 2.5 m of the cavity. However, no significant difference is observed between soft plastic clay reinforcement and slurry reinforcement effects. When composite stratum tunnels traverse beneath karst caves, the maximum upward bulge at tunnel bases occurs at 1-meter diameter caves, reaching approximately 2.5 mm. When the diameter of the cave increases to 4 m, the arching settles to a maximum. As tunnel burial depth increases, the arch base rises while the crown sinks, with settlement magnitude exceeding bulge amount. The displacement and stress fields from the initial excavation phase become disturbed, intensify, and then stabilize. When the jacking machine reaches directly above the cavern, stress at the crown base increases while stress at the crown top decreases. The pipe bottom exhibits uplift, and the pipe top shows reduced settlement directly above the cavern. Cavern filling has a minor effect on pipe-segment displacement, with segments deforming into an approximate elliptical shape. At the completion stage of excavation, the maximum Mises stress occurs at the top of the launch-end pipe segment. While cavern-related factors have a limited influence on the pipe-segment Mises stress, this stress gradually increases as excavation progresses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 6508 KB

Open AccessArticle

Calculation and Intelligent Prediction of Long-Term Subgrade Settlement on Soft Soil Interlayer Foundations Under Secondary Consolidation in the Yellow River Floodplain

by Yong Lu, Ang Zheng, Xianjin Xu, Tao Lei, Zihan Sang, Lei Zhang, Zhaoyun Sun, Zhanyong Yao and Kai Yao

Eng 2025, 6(11), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6110320 - 10 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1082

Abstract

Highways constructed on stratified foundations with thick soft soil interlayers in the Yellow River floodplain of Shandong Province have experienced long-term settlement. However, accurately predicting subgrade settlement caused by the secondary consolidation of soft soils remains a major engineering challenge. In this study, PLAXIS 3D numerical simulation was combined with a neural network model to predict the long-term temporal and spatial settlement behavior of highway subgrades. The results show that the soft soil creep (SSC) constitutive model better represents the consolidation process of the soft soil interlayer than the soft soil (SS) model. A decrease in permeability will prolong the dissipation time of excess pore water pressure and the settlement stabilization time, leading to an increase in the proportion of post-construction settlement in the total settlement. The final settlement increases linearly with the thickness of the soft soil interlayer and embankment height, while it decreases following a power-law function with increasing interlayer burial depth. By comprehensively considering the combined effects of multiple factors, a genetic algorithm–optimized backpropagation neural network (GA-BP) model was developed. The testing dataset achieved a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.01488 m, a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 7.0562%, and a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9706, demonstrating the model’s ability to achieve intelligent full-period and full-section settlement prediction for subgrades with soft soil interlayers. Overall, this study developed an intelligent framework for predicting long-term settlement in subgrades with soft soil interlayers, offering practical guidance for evaluation and timely settlement control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advanced Numerical Simulation Techniques for Geotechnical Engineering

Share This Special Issue

Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI