Pub Date : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108601
Sofie Axéen, Johanna Merisalu, Ezra Haaf, Lars Rosén
{"title":"Impact of geological conceptualization in predicting pore pressure reduction from urban excavations","authors":"Sofie Axéen, Johanna Merisalu, Ezra Haaf, Lars Rosén","doi":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108601","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108601","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11567,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Geology","volume":"44 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146072686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108596
Bowen Tai , Zurun Yue , Pengcheng Wang , Jingpeng Liu
The exacerbation of frost damage in subgrade structures of high-speed railways (HSR) in cold regions, often triggered by extreme climatic events such as severe cold spells, heavy snowfall, and intense rainfall infiltration. To ensure the operational integrity of HSR in seasonally frozen soil regions, it is imperative to investigate the impacts of extreme climate conditions on the stability of typical anti-frost subgrades. This study employs an integrated methodology combining field monitoring, model development, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis. First, the differential influences of various climatic scenarios on the hydrothermal behavior of seasonally frozen soil are examined. Subsequently, the coupled water-heat-deformation characteristics of a standard anti-frost subgrade structure are analyzed, leading to the development of a novel fully coupled water-heat-strain model. Finally, the model is utilized to predict and assess the structural stability under extreme climate events. Key findings include: (1) marked differential responses in the hydrothermal regime of seasonally frozen soil under varying climate conditions; (2) a time-lag in variations of temperature and moisture with increasing depth; (3) synergistic effects of compound extreme weather events significantly aggravate subgrade damage; and (4) the necessity of holistic consideration of extreme climate, engineering geological conditions and slope effect in the optimal design of anti-frost layers. These insights not only advance the mechanistic understanding of frost deformation processes under extreme climate, but also provide valuable guidelines for the optimized design of anti-frost infrastructures in cold regions.
{"title":"Investigating the catastrophe mechanism and evolution of anti-frost subgrade in high-speed railways under extreme climatic events","authors":"Bowen Tai , Zurun Yue , Pengcheng Wang , Jingpeng Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108596","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108596","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The exacerbation of frost damage in subgrade structures of high-speed railways (HSR) in cold regions, often triggered by extreme climatic events such as severe cold spells, heavy snowfall, and intense rainfall infiltration. To ensure the operational integrity of HSR in seasonally frozen soil regions, it is imperative to investigate the impacts of extreme climate conditions on the stability of typical anti-frost subgrades. This study employs an integrated methodology combining field monitoring, model development, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis. First, the differential influences of various climatic scenarios on the hydrothermal behavior of seasonally frozen soil are examined. Subsequently, the coupled water-heat-deformation characteristics of a standard anti-frost subgrade structure are analyzed, leading to the development of a novel fully coupled water-heat-strain model. Finally, the model is utilized to predict and assess the structural stability under extreme climate events. Key findings include: (1) marked differential responses in the hydrothermal regime of seasonally frozen soil under varying climate conditions; (2) a time-lag in variations of temperature and moisture with increasing depth; (3) synergistic effects of compound extreme weather events significantly aggravate subgrade damage; and (4) the necessity of holistic consideration of extreme climate, engineering geological conditions and slope effect in the optimal design of anti-frost layers. These insights not only advance the mechanistic understanding of frost deformation processes under extreme climate, but also provide valuable guidelines for the optimized design of anti-frost infrastructures in cold regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11567,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Geology","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 108596"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146072691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108589
Nirandoal Cheng , Mohd Ashraf Mohamad Ismail , Fatin Nadhirah Ahmad Pauzi , Yasuhiro Yokota , Hayato Tobe
Accurate mapping of rock mass discontinuities is critical for geotechnical assessments but remains challenging in steep or complex terrains using conventional or oblique photogrammetry. This study introduces a multiscale videogrammetry approach integrating UAV-mounted and handheld 4 K video capture to produce high-resolution 3D models. A coded target-based semi-georeferencing tool enables spatial alignment in a local coordinate system without GNSS. Point clouds were analyzed using semi-automated plane detection, supported by manual trace mapping and stereonet-based clustering. The multiscale model achieved a ground sampling distance of 0.27 cm/pixel and point cloud density of 47,000 pts./m2 over 20 times higher than the oblique dataset. Orientation accuracy showed RMSE values of 2.16° for dip and 6.52° for dip direction. Compared to conventional methods, the multiscale approach captured more complete joint distributions and higher structural detail, particularly in recessed or overhanging zones. Kinematic analysis revealed a broader range of failure modes, including planar, wedge, and toppling failures. This study demonstrates that multiscale videogrammetry, combined with semi-georeferencing and trace-based analysis, provides a scalable, accurate, and flexible workflow for discontinuity detection and structural interpretation in complex geological environments.
{"title":"Exploring multiscale videogrammetry techniques for analyzing rock mass discontinuities in geological formations","authors":"Nirandoal Cheng , Mohd Ashraf Mohamad Ismail , Fatin Nadhirah Ahmad Pauzi , Yasuhiro Yokota , Hayato Tobe","doi":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108589","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108589","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate mapping of rock mass discontinuities is critical for geotechnical assessments but remains challenging in steep or complex terrains using conventional or oblique photogrammetry. This study introduces a multiscale videogrammetry approach integrating UAV-mounted and handheld 4 K video capture to produce high-resolution 3D models. A coded target-based semi-georeferencing tool enables spatial alignment in a local coordinate system without GNSS. Point clouds were analyzed using semi-automated plane detection, supported by manual trace mapping and stereonet-based clustering. The multiscale model achieved a ground sampling distance of 0.27 cm/pixel and point cloud density of 47,000 pts./m<sup>2</sup> over 20 times higher than the oblique dataset. Orientation accuracy showed RMSE values of 2.16° for dip and 6.52° for dip direction. Compared to conventional methods, the multiscale approach captured more complete joint distributions and higher structural detail, particularly in recessed or overhanging zones. Kinematic analysis revealed a broader range of failure modes, including planar, wedge, and toppling failures. This study demonstrates that multiscale videogrammetry, combined with semi-georeferencing and trace-based analysis, provides a scalable, accurate, and flexible workflow for discontinuity detection and structural interpretation in complex geological environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11567,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Geology","volume":"363 ","pages":"Article 108589"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146072692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108593
Yerim Yang , Hangseok Choi , Younseo Kim , Kibeom Kwon
Predicting the coefficient of permeability in granular soils is critical for effective groundwater flow analysis. However, existing predictive models are often constrained by limited datasets and a lack of interpretable formulations. This study developed a predictive formula for the coefficient of permeability in saturated granular soils using symbolic regression applied to a large-scale global database (CG/KSAT/7/1278) comprising 1278 samples. Exploratory data analysis identified both individual and combined effects of grain size and volumetric state parameters on soil permeability, guiding the selection of key predictors. Symbolic regression systematically explored functional forms and optimized coefficients, resulting in a closed-form expression based solely on grain size parameters. Compared with ten existing models, the proposed formula achieved superior predictive performance, including the lowest mean absolute error of 0.419. Its predictive stability was further demonstrated by minimal and balanced over- and under-predictions across the entire permeability range. External validation using an independent dataset and laboratory permeability tests confirmed its generalizability. In conclusion, this study presents a generalized and interpretable formula that advances the understanding of flow behavior and improves practical permeability estimation in granular soils.
{"title":"Symbolic regression-based prediction of coefficient of permeability for granular soils","authors":"Yerim Yang , Hangseok Choi , Younseo Kim , Kibeom Kwon","doi":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108593","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108593","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Predicting the coefficient of permeability in granular soils is critical for effective groundwater flow analysis. However, existing predictive models are often constrained by limited datasets and a lack of interpretable formulations. This study developed a predictive formula for the coefficient of permeability in saturated granular soils using symbolic regression applied to a large-scale global database (CG/KSAT/7/1278) comprising 1278 samples. Exploratory data analysis identified both individual and combined effects of grain size and volumetric state parameters on soil permeability, guiding the selection of key predictors. Symbolic regression systematically explored functional forms and optimized coefficients, resulting in a closed-form expression based solely on grain size parameters. Compared with ten existing models, the proposed formula achieved superior predictive performance, including the lowest mean absolute error of 0.419. Its predictive stability was further demonstrated by minimal and balanced over- and under-predictions across the entire permeability range. External validation using an independent dataset and laboratory permeability tests confirmed its generalizability. In conclusion, this study presents a generalized and interpretable formula that advances the understanding of flow behavior and improves practical permeability estimation in granular soils.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11567,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Geology","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 108593"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146072697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108590
Jinwoo Kim , Minseop Kim , Seok Yoon , Jin-Seop Kim
Water retention behavior of bentonite is essential for the analysis of engineered barrier systems in deep geological repositories for high-level radioactive waste. Despite being a popular choice, the van Genuchten model requires labor-intensive calibration for each material and dry density condition and cannot propagate engineering-scale uncertainties from in-situ buffer evolution and mineralogical heterogeneity. This study proposes a unified van Genuchten-type model in which the fitting parameters are expressed as empirical functions of effective water retention density (EWRD). EWRD, defined as effective montmorillonite dry density normalized by specific surface area, incorporates the combined effects of dry density, montmorillonite content, and microstructure within a single porosity framework. A comprehensive set of over 200 confined wetting data points for seven Na- and Ca-type bentonites revealed that the van Genuchten parameters and collapse onto unique trends when plotted against EWRD, confirming its dominant control on water retention. For validation, the predictive ability of the unified model for dry density variation was first tested by successfully reproducing the unconfined wetting of FEBEX bentonite, after a simple correction of bias calculated from initial test conditions. Second, additional data were generated for two batches of Bentonil-WRK differing in montmorillonite content by ∼10% for cross-validation. Excellent agreement between model prediction and experiments was observed, demonstrating reliable extrapolation across mineralogical heterogeneity. By preserving the form of the classical van Genuchten model, the proposed approach can be readily implemented in existing hydro-mechanical codes, providing informed estimates of water retention curves across various buffer designs and operation scenarios.
{"title":"A unified van Genuchten-type water retention model for compacted bentonite","authors":"Jinwoo Kim , Minseop Kim , Seok Yoon , Jin-Seop Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water retention behavior of bentonite is essential for the analysis of engineered barrier systems in deep geological repositories for high-level radioactive waste. Despite being a popular choice, the van Genuchten model requires labor-intensive calibration for each material and dry density condition and cannot propagate engineering-scale uncertainties from in-situ buffer evolution and mineralogical heterogeneity. This study proposes a unified van Genuchten-type model in which the fitting parameters are expressed as empirical functions of effective water retention density (EWRD). EWRD, defined as effective montmorillonite dry density normalized by specific surface area, incorporates the combined effects of dry density, montmorillonite content, and microstructure within a single porosity framework. A comprehensive set of over 200 confined wetting data points for seven Na- and Ca-type bentonites revealed that the van Genuchten parameters <span><math><mi>α</mi></math></span> and <span><math><mi>n</mi></math></span> collapse onto unique trends when plotted against EWRD, confirming its dominant control on water retention. For validation, the predictive ability of the unified model for dry density variation was first tested by successfully reproducing the unconfined wetting of FEBEX bentonite, after a simple correction of bias calculated from initial test conditions. Second, additional data were generated for two batches of Bentonil-WRK differing in montmorillonite content by ∼10% for cross-validation. Excellent agreement between model prediction and experiments was observed, demonstrating reliable extrapolation across mineralogical heterogeneity. By preserving the form of the classical van Genuchten model, the proposed approach can be readily implemented in existing hydro-mechanical codes, providing informed estimates of water retention curves across various buffer designs and operation scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11567,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Geology","volume":"364 ","pages":"Article 108590"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146071636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108588
Yu-xiao Wang, Guang-yin Du, Tao Ma, Yong-min Xiong, Yu Xiao
Gravelly soils extensively developed in Quaternary deposits challenges for engineering geological investigations due to strong heterogeneity, leading to discontinuous profiling, stratigraphic misinterpretation, and greater investigation cost and longer duration. In such cases, conventional cone penetration testing (CPT), although effective in fine-grained soils, is inapplicable to gravelly deposits because of equipment limitations. To overcome the limitations, an enhanced CPT system was proposed and applied to achieve efficient penetration and high-resolution subsurface profiling in coarse deposits. Field investigations were then conducted using this system, and the acquired data, validated against borehole data, were analyzed to develop an engineering classification framework for gravelly soils based on CPT-derived indices. Results show that conventional CPT-based approaches have difficulty distinguishing gravelly soils from fine- or sand-dominated soils, whereas incorporating cone resistance, friction ratio, and their fluctuation characteristics enables clear discrimination. Based on response patterns of CPT, three engineering-relevant gravelly soil can be further classified into three types: gravel-rich, sand-interbedded, and fine-interlayered. This work fills a critical gap in CPT-based investigation of gravelly soils, offering an effective approach that improves the efficiency and accuracy of engineering geological investigation in gravelly strata.
{"title":"Engineering geological classification of gravelly deposits based on enhanced CPT","authors":"Yu-xiao Wang, Guang-yin Du, Tao Ma, Yong-min Xiong, Yu Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108588","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2026.108588","url":null,"abstract":"Gravelly soils extensively developed in Quaternary deposits challenges for engineering geological investigations due to strong heterogeneity, leading to discontinuous profiling, stratigraphic misinterpretation, and greater investigation cost and longer duration. In such cases, conventional cone penetration testing (CPT), although effective in fine-grained soils, is inapplicable to gravelly deposits because of equipment limitations. To overcome the limitations, an enhanced CPT system was proposed and applied to achieve efficient penetration and high-resolution subsurface profiling in coarse deposits. Field investigations were then conducted using this system, and the acquired data, validated against borehole data, were analyzed to develop an engineering classification framework for gravelly soils based on CPT-derived indices. Results show that conventional CPT-based approaches have difficulty distinguishing gravelly soils from fine- or sand-dominated soils, whereas incorporating cone resistance, friction ratio, and their fluctuation characteristics enables clear discrimination. Based on response patterns of CPT, three engineering-relevant gravelly soil can be further classified into three types: gravel-rich, sand-interbedded, and fine-interlayered. This work fills a critical gap in CPT-based investigation of gravelly soils, offering an effective approach that improves the efficiency and accuracy of engineering geological investigation in gravelly strata.","PeriodicalId":11567,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Geology","volume":"100 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146048046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}