bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of pixel-based and object-based classification methods in detecting land use/land cover dynamics
Authors: Kesgin B.  , Esbah H.  , Kurucu Y.
Published: February 2025

Due to the complex spatial structure of the earth surface, obtaining a detailed and accurate land use/land cover (LULC) classification results with satellite data have still been problematic. The overall goal of this research is to compare the pixel based and object oriented image classification approaches in terms of the overall accuracies and robustness of the final classification product. An Aster image, dated 4/27/2005, with 3 bands from spectral regions of VNIR is used to perform the LULC classification for 16 different LULC classes. Ground truth data are collected from field surveys, available maps and Quickbird images.In pixel-based image analysis, supervised classification is performed by using maximum-likelihood classifier in Erdas 8.7. Object-oriented image analysis is conducted by utilizing Definiens Professional 5.0: The segmentation algorithm does not solely rely on the single pixel value, but also on shape, texture, and pixel spatial continuity. During the implementation, several different sets of parameters were tested for image segmentation, 20 was selected as a scale parameter and nearest neighbor was used as the classifier. At the end, the performance of pixel based and object-oriented classifications are compared based on the accuracy assessment results.
REDD pilot project in Cameroon – method development and first results
Authors: Hirschmugl Manuela  , Schardt Mathias  , Häusler Thomas  , Gomez Sharon  , Armathe Joseph Amagu
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a method for monitoring the implementation of the REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) process for a pilot project in Cameroon. A method was developed and tested in a test area in the transition zone between tropical evergreen forest and savannah in Cameroon. The method developed involved a series of processing steps which can be divided into three groups: (1) pre-processing steps including cloud masking, geometric and radiometric adjustment as well as topographic normalization; (2) forest masking including segmentation, classification and manual correction and finally (3) land cover classification including spectral signature analysis and training. The last part showed the most crucial problem encountered in this test phase: due to shifting cultivation, it is difficult to differentiate cropland in the stage, where it is left to bush fallow and natural bush land and secondary forest. The method and results were compared to similar studies already performed in Bolivia and Vanuatu and the differences are discussed. The results gained in the Cameroon test area showed, that 529.786 km2(equivalent to 3.45% of the forested area) was deforested between 1990 and 2000, further 88.547 km2(3.44% of the forested area) between 2000 and 2005. Further investigations will include more detailed studies on the issue of degradation and the applicability of the method for the roll-out on the whole country of Cameroon as well as on other countries in the Congo region.
Integration of Panchromatic and Multispectral Images by Local Fractal Dimension
Authors: Lillo-Saavedra M.  , Gonzalo-Martín C.
Published: February 2025

The fusion image strategies are a good solution to obtain a synthetic image with high spatial and spectral characteristics simultaneously. Some of them are based on the Wavelet Transform, computed by means of the à trous algorithm (AWT). Most of them do not differentiated between spectral bands. In this sense, a new approach that weights differently the spatial information integrated from the high resolution image in each of the fused image spectral bands by the optimization of the trade off between the spatial and spectral quality of the fused images, was proposed. The main problems of this approach are that a unique weighting factor for the whole spectral band is computed, and the need of indices, that separately measure the spectral and spatial quality of the fused images. In this work, a new strategy that tries to avoid the problems above mentioned is introduced. For that, it is proposed to determine a local weighting factor for each panchromatic pixel by means the fractal map, using the box-counting algorithm. Panchromatic and multispectral Quickbird images have been used to show the performances of this new methodology. The local quality of the final fused images has been evaluated by means of local quality maps of Q index. It has been proved that the proposed fusion strategy preserve the high frequency information of the panchromatic image in areas with a high detail, while in homogeneous areas the low frequency information of the multispectral image are conserved.
Mapping burned areas and assessing short-term fire effects with the use of object-based analysis and high resolution satellite imagery
Authors: Katagis T.  , Polychronaki A.  , Gitas I.Z.
Published: February 2025

The mapping of burned areas and the estimation of post-fire forest regeneration is very important in order to examine the vulnerability of Mediterranean forest to the increased occurrence and destructiveness of fires induced by climatic warming and the changes in the traditional land use patterns in Southern Europe. Satellite remote sensing has been widely applied in forest fire-related research and has provided satisfactory results for burned area mapping, as well as valuable information concerning the post-fire condition of affected areas. Moreover, advanced classification techniques, such as object-based methods have been successfully used for the accurate mapping of burned areas and the estimation of the vegetation recovery in fire-altered landscapes.
Evaluation of urban shape variability in Southern Italy by using LANDSAT data
Authors: Lasaponara R.  , Coluzzi R.  , Telesca L.
Published: February 2025

This study deals with the spatial characterization of urban expansion of a small town in southern Italy by using spatial fractal analysis applied to multidate Multispectral Scanner (MSS) and Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite images. The investigation was focused on Altamura town (southern Italy), for which the border was extracted from NASA Landsat images acquired in 1976 (MSS), in 1987 (TM) and 1998 (TM). The border was analyzed using the box counting method, which is a well-know technique to estimate the spatial fractal dimension. The fractal dimension is a parameter used to quantify the shape irregularity of an object. The obtained results show a certain increase of the fractal dimension indicating an increase of the irregularity degree of the border of the investigated town from 1976 to 1998. This variation is also connected with the urban expansion and the population growth.
Classification and information extraction in very high resolution satellite images for tree crops monitoring
Authors: Mougel B.  , Lelong C.  , Nicolas J.-M.
Published: February 2025

Recent access to Very High Spatial Resolution (VHSR) Satellite Images allows vegetation monitoring at metric and sub-metric scale, with individual trees now detectable. Therefore, it discloses new applications in precision agriculture for orchards and other tree crops.
Creating a viable Evolution Path towards Self-Managing Future Internet via a Standardizable Reference Model for Autonomic Network Engineering
Authors: Chaparadza Ranganai  , Papavassiliou Symeon  , Kastrinogiannis Timotheos  , Vigoureux Martin  , Dotaro Emmanuel  , Davy Alan  , Quinn Kevin  , Wódczak Michał  , Toth Andras  , Liakopoulos Athanassios  , Wilson Mick
Published: February 2025

Clearly, whether revolutionary/clean-slate approaches or evolutionary approaches should be followed when designing Future Multi-Service Self-Managing Networks, some holistic Reference Models on how to design autonomic/self-managing features within node and network architectures are required. Why Reference models?: (1) to guide both approaches towards further architectural refinements and implementations, and (2) to establish common understanding and allow for standardizable specifications of architectural functional entities and interfaces. Now is the time for harmonization and consolidation of some ideas emerging (or achieved so far) from both approaches to Future Internet design, through the development of a common, unified and “standardizable” Reference Model for autonomic networking. This paper presents this vision. We also present the design principles of an emerging Generic Autonomic Network Architecture (GANA)—a holistic Reference Model for autonomic networking calling for contributions. We describe different “instantiations” of GANA that demonstrate its use for the management of a wide range of both basic and advanced functions and services, in various networking environments.
Content Adaptation Issues in the Future Internet
Authors: Zahariadis Theodore  , Lamy-Bergot Catherine  , Schierl Thomas  , Grüneberg Karsten  , Celetto Luca  , Timmerer Christian
Published: February 2025

Future Media Internet is envisaged to provide the means to share and distribute (advanced) multimedia content and services with superior quality and striking flexibility, in a trusted and personalized way, improving citizens' quality of life, working conditions, edutainment and safety. Based on work that has taken place in projects ICT SEA and ICT OPTIMIX, and the Media Delivery Platforms Cluster of projects, we try to provide the challenges and the way ahead in the area of content adaptation.
Context-Aware Systems and Implications for Future Internet
Authors: Baker Nigel  , Zafar Madiha  , Moltchanov Boris  , Knappmeyer Michael
Published: February 2025

The ubiquity of mobile devices and proliferation of wireless networks will allow everyone permanent access to the Internet at all times and all places. The increased computational power of these devices has the potential to empower people to generate their own applications for innovative social and cognitive activities in any situation and anywhere. This wireless connection is not limited to user devices, almost any artefact from clothing to buildings can be connected and collaborate. Furthermore new sensor technologies and wireless sensor networks provides environmental intelligence and the capability to sense, reason and actuate. This leads to the exciting vision of the interconnection of artefacts embedded in our real environment, forming a society of “intelligent things” and “smart spaces”. This paper discusses the main concepts and role that context-awareness and context aware systems will play in this vision and the significance for future networks and future Internet.
Feature Interactions in a Software Product Line for E-voting
Authors: Gibson J. Paul  , Lallet Eric  , Raffy Jean-Luc
Published: February 2025

A significant number of failures in e-voting systems have arisen because of poorly specified requirements, combined with an ad-hoc approach to engineering multiple variations of similar machines. We demonstrate that e-voting is a suitable domain for leveraging state-of-the-art in software product line (SPL) engineering techniques and tools. We propose, based on examples of typical requirements, that a feature-oriented approach to e-voting domain analysis is a good foundation upon which to carry out commonality and variablity analysis. Simple analysis of our core and optional features (and their variants) leads us to believe that feature interactions are a major problem in voting systems. We conclude that a formal software product line would help to manage the composition of features in such a way as to eliminate interactions in the requirements models, before particular e-voting systems are instantiated.
Tools, Perspectives and Avatars in Blended Reality Space
Authors: Hoshi Kei  , Pesola Ulla-Maija  , Waterworth Eva L.  , Waterworth John
Published: February 2025

Blended Reality Space is our term for an interactive mixed-reality environment where the physical and the virtual are intimately combined in the service of interaction goals and communication environments aimed at health support and rehabilitation. The present study examines the effect on rated presence and self-presence of three key factors in the way blended realities may be implemented for these purposes. Our findings emphasize the importance of tangibility for presence, but suggest that presence and self-presence are unrelated phenomena. These findings will be incorporated into design principles for our planned work to develop free movement-based interactions for motor rehabilitation as well as blended-reality spaces for collaboration between hospitals, care organizations, and the home.
Controlling the Ethics of Nanorisks
Authors: Ferrar Arianna
Published: February 2025

This paper argues that the typical analysis of the questions of risks posed by emerging nanotechnologies (in particular by nanoparticles) provided by much of the current debate is in a general and consequentialist framework, which appears reductive and problematic. On the one hand, this is due to the typical epistemological features of these technologies and, on the other hand, to the metaphysical research program that serves as their background. The centrality of risks exercises a sort of control of the debate by imposing the relevant questions and excluding other important topics. Furthermore, informed by the promise of great transformative potential and by the identification of knowing with making, nanotechnologies organize their program around a rich and multi-faceted idea of control of matter and this conceptualization is important also for the understanding of risks. In this paper it will be argued that much of the current ethical discourse around these technologies, which takes the question of risk as the central question, reduces ethics to a narrow form of risk assessment and, thus, a different approach is required. Alternative approaches that emerge in the present literature will then be discussed, i.e. ethics as a more sophisticated form of prudence. Finally, the analysis of the metaphysical ideas surrounding nanotechnologies will be highlighted as a fruitful way for deepening the understanding of the ethical relevance of nanotechnologies for a renewed understanding of risks, capable of taking into account their socially constructed and situated character. For a proper analysis of the ethical and social challenges emerging from nanotechnologies, an inquiry into their socio-economic context also appears to be fundamental since technologies are not ethically neutral but are rather constructed in a social and historically situated environment.
Future available? Fiction and Nonfiction in Scenarios about Nanotechnology
Authors: Nowak Frauke
Published: February 2025

This paper links the discussion on nanotechnology to the discussion on fictionality. following the hypothesis that it could be useful to insight into this complex issue. Both nanotechnology and (non)fiction are regarded as terms marking a general challenge for thinking about the future. Documents that talk about visions, scenarios, imagination or Science Fiction with respect to nanotechnology argue more or less explicitly about fictionality. By investigating relations between nanotechnology and fiction, relying upon arguments from Science and Technology Studies and the philosophy of science, fictionality appears as a technical term bounded to terminologies that structure discussions and statements on nanotechnology. The main part of the paper presents different concepts of the relation between nanotechnology and fictions, starting from a close reading of documents from STS and the philosophy of science. Additional considerations focus on fictionality with respect to the debate on Genetically Modified Organisms. By investigating documents in an interdisciplinary semantic framework and by confronting their different propositions and conclusions, this paper tries to understand the relationship between fiction, scenarios, computer simulation and nanotechnology.
Patients Reading Their Health Records – What Emotional Factors Are Involved?
Authors: Wibe Torunn  , Slaughter Laura
Published: February 2025

In many countries, an increasing number of patients now make use of their legal right to access their health record. In this paper we shed light on the role of emotional factors involved when patients read their record. We report the preliminary results from an interview study in which eight patients who have asked for a copy of their electronic health record following a hospital stay have been interviewed. Our results show that distrust is an important emotional factor involved in asking for record access. When reading the record, several patients also discovered discrepancies between verbal communication and the written documentation, which causes irritation and resentment. Patients' reactions were due to health personnel's lack of openness in direct communication with them. We conclude that health personnel should be prepared to go more into the role as discussion partners with patients to show that their concerns are taken seriously, and that more should be done to avoid documentation errors due to weaknesses in documentation routines.
Translation of SNOMED CT – Strategies and Description of a Pilot Project
Authors: Klein Gunnar O.  , Chen Rong
Published: February 2025

The translation and localization of SNOMED CT (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms) have been initiated in a few countries. In Sweden, we conducted the first evaluation of this terminology in a project called REFTERM in which we also developed a software tool which could handle a large scale translation with a number of translators and reviewers in a web-based environment. The system makes use of existing authorized English-Swedish translations of medical terminologies such as ICD-10. The paper discusses possible strategies for a national project to translate and adapt this terminology.
Home Telehealth Electronic Health Information Lessons Learned
Authors: Charters Kathleen
Published: February 2025

Interoperability issues are critical for home telehealth applications, electronic health records, electronic medical records, and personal health records. Issues of interoperability affect clinical decision-making and clinician information synthesis. The ability to exchange data collected in the home with an electronic medical record has been positively related to improvements in process outcomes for chronic illness. However, to realize this benefit, risk must be minimized. Evaluation of interoperability challenges and their potential solutions supports data-driven risk management decisions.
Active Learning in Later Life Period
Authors: Blažun Helena  , Kokol Peter
Published: February 2025

It is well known that we are ageing more and more each day and that elderly are one of the most vulnerable population. Therefore we have to think globally how to reconnect elderly people into the active life again and to rebuild their personal challenges in connection with the society and in this way improve their quality of life. But however we have to be aware that we can not improve life of elderly people without improvement of their physical and mental activity.
Appendix to correlation between E
Authors: Papic Jovan Br.
Published: February 2025

The field where geotechnics can offer help in increasing project speed realization and minimizing their expense is to find out the parameters needed for analysis through already known parameters and earlier based correlations and equations.
Effect of silt percents on liquefaction potential and anisotropic behavior of saturated sand-silt mixtures
Authors: Ghalandarzadeh A.  , Ahmadi A.
Published: February 2025

The liquefaction potential of sand-silt mixtures is investigated in this study. There has been widespread debate over the effect of silt on the liquefaction resistance of saturated sand-silt mixtures. Some researchers have reported that by increasing the fine content the liquefaction resistance of the sand-silt mixtures increases. However, recent researches have shown that silty sands are more liquefiable than clean sands, which is in complete contradiction with the previous results. The first purpose of this study is to reveal the true effect of silt on resistance to liquefaction of sandy specimens by means of a series of load-control cyclic triaxial tests. These tests were conducted on sand-silt mixtures in various fine contents. In addition, the anisotropic behavior of the sand-silt mixtures was studied in this research by exploring the effect of the initial shear stress and stress reversal. The effect of stress reversal was studied by introducing a new parameter RC. The effect of this parameter was investigated in detail, and it was found that this parameter has a crucial role in the behavior of sand-silt mixtures.
Nonlinear vertical dynamic response of pile groups
Authors: Manna B.  , Baidya D.K.
Published: February 2025

Results of vertical vibration tests on reinforced concrete 2 × 2 pile groups in the field under varying levels of harmonic excitation are presented in the paper. Response curve obtained from the tests display marked nonlinearity as the natural frequencies decreases with increasing intensity of excitation and the vibration amplitudes are not proportional to exciting intensity. The test results were compared with the results obtained using Novak's plane strain model with dynamic interaction factor approach using both linear elastic solutions and nonlinear solutions. To account for the nonlinearity in the response of the piles, the concept of boundary zone was introduced for yielding of soil around the piles. In this nonlinear model, the natural frequency of pile was decreased with increasing exciting moment due to the nonlinear behavior of the surrounding soil. A considerable increase in resonant amplitudes was found in nonlinear model as the damping of pile was reduced due to the lack of bond between the pile and the surrounding soil. A reasonable match was obtained by introducing a weak boundary zone to approximately account for the nonlinear soil behavior adjacent to the pile and for pile-soil separation. The influence of boundary zone parameters and the depth of separation between the pile and the soil on the nonlinear dynamic response of piles are also investigated in this study.
Critical uncertainties in the analysis of piles in liquefying soils
Authors: Haskell J.J.M.  , Cubrinovski M.  , Bradley B.A.
Published: February 2025

The simplified analysis of piles in liquefying and laterally spreading soils is burdened by uncertainties. Key parameters affecting the pile response, such as the stiffness degradation and lateral displacement of the soil, cannot be uniquely defined, but rather vary over a wide range. In this paper a simplified, pseudo-static analysis method is used to model the soil-pile system and explore the effect of uncertainties on the predicted pile response. The strength and stiffness of the liquefied soil, and the load from any overlying nonliquefied crust are found to govern the pile response, and their relative importance reflects the mechanism of soil-pile interaction.
Dynamic stiffness of soft soils from PDA tests
Authors: Rodriguez J.A.  , Velandia E.
Published: February 2025

The results from large strain dynamic bearing capacity of piles built in very soft soils in the city of Bogotá are used to obtain dynamic shear modulus of the soils at large strains in the field. This data is very useful for a better understanding of the dynamic soil behavior of these soils for seismic response analysis. The method is illustrated with results from one site where down hole and dynamic cyclic triaxial data was available to compare with the results from the PDA tests. The method seems to provide a field measurement of dynamic shear modulus of these very soft soils that have proven otherwise very difficult to test in the laboratory due to the difficult in obtaining representative undisturbed samples.
The formation of the bearing capacity of piles Notion de capacite de charge des pieux
Authors: Mets M.  , Ruben T.
Published: February 2025

In order to evaluate the bearing capacity of piles, it is important to understand the behavior of piles under growing pressure.
The Asaoka method revisited
Authors: Mesri G.  , Huvaj-Sarihan N.
Published: February 2025

The Asaoka method is a useful tool for interpreting and extrapolating field settlement observations. The graphical procedure to estimate end-of-primary (EOP) settlement and coefficient of consolidation is simple, however, mathematical deduction of the method by Asaoka is not. The Asaoka method is deduced here using simple algebra for one-dimensional compression with and without vertical drains. The Terzaghi theory of one-dimensional consolidation, and the Barron equal strain theory of consolidation modified to include effects of smear, well resistance and vertical water flow through soil, are used. The Asaoka graphical procedure is applied to settlement observations at Skå-Edeby test area I with three spacings of sand drains and area IV without vertical drains. The Asaoka method is not recommended for predicting secondary settlement.
Vertical vibration of suction caissons in floating structures offshore Niger Delta
Authors: Ejezie S.U.  , Kabari B.
Published: February 2025

The vertical vibration and dynamic stability of suction caissons used as anchors for deepwater floating structures are investigated using the “Lumped Parameter System” of foundation vibration analyses. Load conditions corresponding to variable wave steepness are examined, while geotechnical characteristics typical of the Niger Delta offshore are considered for different caisson geometry (size). The Diffraction theory, which is normally applicable for computation of wave forces on large floating structures, is used here to determine the forces. Results obtained from analyses show that with increasing mass of caisson the amplitude of vibration decreases while the induced dynamic force on the surrounding soil increases. Beyond a certain magnitude of caisson mass however, it is observed that there is no further significant decrease in the amplitude of vibration. Another important observation is that there is appreciable reduction in the amplitude of vibration when several smaller units of suction caissons are used instead of a single massive unit. Amplitudes of vibration of groups of 2, 4, 6, 10 and 20 caissons units are respectively observed to be of the order of 67, 41, 32, 23 and 23% of the amplitudes of vibration of the corresponding single massive units. Beyond a certain maximum equivalent number of caissons, there is no further reduction in the amplitudes of vibration of the units.
Special aspects related to the behavior of piled raft foundation
Authors: El-Mossallamy Y.M.  , Lutz B.  , Duerrwang R.
Published: February 2025

The quick growth of main cities in the last two decades all over the world led to a rapid increase in the number and height of high rise buildings even in unfavourable subground conditions. Since the 80's, a new foundation technique, the so-called piled rafts, has been developed and used extensively in order to reduce the maximum as well as the differential settlements and the associated tilting of the buildings. The analysis of piled raft is a very interesting example of the soil-structure interaction that requires the co-operation between the geotechnical and structural engineers to reach the most economic foundation system. Some aspects of behavior of piled rafts will be discussed.
Characteristics of Lateral Rigidity of Offshore Piles in Incheon Marine Clay
Authors: Kim Youngho  , Jeong Sangseom  , Kim Sooil
Published: February 2025

The load distribution and deformation of offshore piles in Incheon grand bridge are investigated, based on experimental tests and a numerical analysis. Special attention is given to the consideration of flexural rigidity in laterally loaded piles. Rigid- and flexible- pile analyses were conducted for comparison. A framework for determining the soil spring (p-y curves) is proposed from field and laboratory model tests. A numerical analysis that takes into account the proposed p-y curves was performed for major parameters on pile flexibility such as pile diameter, the length and the subgrade soil reaction. Based on the analysis, it is shown that there are significantly differences in bending moments and lateral displacements in flexible piles rather than rigid piles. Through the comparative studies, it is found that the p-y curves influences much more on the behavior of a flexible pile than of a rigid pile and thus the magnitude and distribution of the p-y curves highly influences on the pile behavior when the pile is designed as a flexible pile.
Pseudo-dynamic analysis of reinforced soil wall-effect of kinematics of sliding mass considering linear backfill response
Authors: Narasimha Reddy G.V.  , Madhav M.R.  , Saibaba Reddy E.  , Mittal Satyendra
Published: February 2025

The failure surface in most cases intersects the reinforcement layers obliquely in most reinforced soil structures, subjecting the reinforcement to an oblique force instead of axial force by the sliding mass resulting in an additional bond resistance and a decrease in net destabilizing force significantly. The pseudo-dynamic method that considers the seismic inertia force based on the effect of phase difference in shear and primary waves propagating through the reinforced backfill is studied here instead of the approximate pseudostatic seismic earth pressure. This paper presents a more rational analysis of internal stability of reinforced soil structures considering the effect of kinematics of the sliding mass.
Seismically induced lateral earth pressures: a new approach
Authors: Al-Atik Linda  , Sitar Nicholas
Published: February 2025

Methods for evaluating the seismically induced lateral earth pressures gradually evolved from the seminal Japanese work performed in the 1920's. The resulting design procedures suggest large dynamic loads during strong ground motion. However field evidence from recent major earthquakes fails to show any significant problems with the performance of retaining structures designed for static earth pressures only. Results of a series of centrifuge experiments performed by the authors indicate that seismically induced lateral earth pressures are significantly less than those estimated using the most current design methods based on the Mononobe-Okabe assumptions. Specifically, the data show that the earth pressure distribution remains roughly triangular, increasing with depth, and the maximum dynamic moments on the retaining structure are to a large extent caused by the moment of inertia of the structures themselves. Therefore, a new approach based on direct consideration of the inertial forces due to the mass of the structure and a limited contribution by dynamic earth pressures is being proposed.
Construction of reinforced retaining structures using tire treads
Authors: Yoon Y.W.  , Kim K.S.  , Heo S.B.  , Yoon G.L.
Published: February 2025

Reuse of waste tires in construction site has advantages not only in the consumption of large quantities but also in substitution of commercial geosynthetics for soil improvement. Field pull-out tests were carried out for Tirecell which was made of treads without both sidewalls. As a result, pull-out characteristic of Tirecell was better than geocell. And Tirecell applied to reinforced retaining structures as reinforcement material instead of geocell and confirmed its reinforcing effect.
A bridge foundation resisting sliding soil mass
Authors: Szavits Nossan A.  , Szavits Nossan V.  , Stanić B.  , Mihaljević I.
Published: February 2025

Two viaducts for a new motorway in northwestern Croatia were constructed over a very gently sloping valley. Soil investigations indicated a long landslide consisting of a medium to highly plastic clay layer slowly sliding over very gently sloping and stable marl. The foundation of each viaduct pier was designed as a parallel pair of reinforced concrete diaphragm panels extending through the sliding mass into the stable marl bedrock to resist the thrust of the sliding soil. During the construction of the viaduct foundations, several instruments were installed and readings taken on a regular basis. Almost two years after the viaduct completion, no measurable movements of foundation piers were recorded, although the slope did not yet reach its equilibrium. A three dimensional soil-structure interaction analysis was performed, using a simple elastic-plastic soil model, to verify the stability of the deep foundation. The results of the analysis generally comply with recorded measurements.
Geotechnical aspects of reinforcement alternatives of the Afsluitdijk
Authors: Wichman B.G.H.M.  , Knoeff J.G.  , de Vries G.
Published: February 2025

In the Netherlands, the Afsluitdijk connects the edge of the North Holland coast and the Friesland coast, protecting the land around the IJssellake from flooding. The dike, a national historic monument has a length of 30 km and was build from 1929 till 1933. In the years following, only limited parts of the dike have been raised.
Undrained shear strength gain with consolidation at soft and sensitive soil sites
Authors: Roy D.  , Singh R.
Published: February 2025

Staged construction and ground improvement are two strategies adopted in constructing high embankments at sites underlain by soft and sensitive soils. Usually the gain in shear strengths are estimated from poorly documented local experience database and an elaborate scheme of construction monitoring is implemented to ensure the pace of construction does not lead to remolding and progressive failure. A procedure based on the well known SHANSEP approach has been proposed herein for estimation of undrained shear strength as a function of embankment height and rate of construction. To illustrate its use, the procedure was utilized in predicting the embankment response at three soft soil sites. One of these embankments performed satisfactorily while the others failed during construction. Use of the undrained shear strengths in limit equilibrium slope stability assessments was found to provide results which were in qualitative agreement with the observed embankment behavior.
Finite Element Method (FEM) for verifications in geotechnical design
Authors: Heibaum Michael  , Herten Markus
Published: February 2025

Verifications in geotechnical design according to national and European standards are mostly based on limit state models like slip circle or sliding wedges – and the safety factors are related to these models. To use numerical models like the FEM it has to be checked, to what extent the results coincide. Numerical methods such as the FEM enable failure patterns to be forecast from deformations occurring close to the point of failure instead of assuming a priori a limit state geometry for a particular verification. Also boundary conditions can be considered much more in detail. In addition, one single FE calculation is able to provide not only the effects of the actions for ultimate limit state design (ULS) but also those needed for serviceability limit state design (SLS). Obviously there are possibilities and limitations of the FEM for verifications in geotechnical design according to standards, here concentrating on the new European standard EN 1997-1 (EC 7).
A simple method for evaluating fragility of rock slope
Authors: Sumi T.  , Yashima A.  , Sawada K.  , Moriguchi S.
Published: February 2025

There are large number of dangerous slopes in Japan because of geographical, geological and climate conditions. Due to the limitation of the budget, it is impossible to carry out disaster-prevention measures for all dangerous slopes. Therefore, it is necessary to propose an efficient screening technique to extract high-risk slopes. This study presents a method for evaluation of discontinuous rock slope. Main features of this method are as follows; 1) stability of triangular pyramid and wedge shaped blocks can be evaluated; 2) three modes of failure, i.e. rockslide, rockfall and toppling are taken into account; 3) stability analysis is based on limit equilibrium theory; 4) friction angle, cohesion and tensile strength of joint are taken into account; 5) pore-water pressure and seismic force can be applied to the block; and 6) conditions of stability blocks are evaluated with simplified vector formulas. The proposed method is applied to the practical design for a cut slope in Gifu prefecture, Japan. The reduction in the shear strength of discontinuous planes due to weathering and stress release is taken into account. The rockbolt system as the countermeasure is employed based on the stability analysis.
Structural behaviour of a collar construction made of frozen soils in a deep excavation
Authors: Brassinga H.E.  , Oung O.
Published: February 2025

For the renewal and extension of the Central Metro Station in Rotterdam, the construction of a retaining wall made of frozen soil as a collar around the existing tunnel turned out to be the optimal solution. The water tightness and structural stability of the frozen soil wall and its connections to the diaphragm walls of the building pit was strongly required. This paper describes the results of laboratory tests on frozen soil samples and the results of 2D FEM calculations to determine the forces in the frozen soil wall. The effects of creep are taken into account for the determination of the long term effects.
Performance of a block-faced geogrid wall using fine-grained tropical soils
Authors: Riccio M.  , Ehrlich M.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the results of an instrumented block-faced geogrid wall built in São José dos CamposSPBrazil. Fine-grained tropical soils were used as a backfill for the wall construction. The performance of the wall was good. Laboratory tests were carried out to determine the parameters. The wall height at the instrumented section was 4.2m. Monitoring was carried out for two months, including during the construction period. Reinforcement tension was measured through load cells at different locations in four different layers. A specific device was designed and used for monitoring vertical and horizontal internal loads on the blocks that composed the wall face. Topography, inclinometers and magnetic settlement plates were used for the measurement of internal and external movement. Total pressure cells at five different locations near the foundation level measured vertical stress. Comparisons between theoretical and measured values of tension in the reinforcement are also presented.
Using MEMS based RH sensor to measure high total suction
Authors: Arab M.G.  , Zapata C.E.  , Marinho F.A.M.
Published: February 2025

It is well known that suction is one of the stress state variables that control the behavior of soils and some porous materials. This paper presents a sensor based on Micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology that allows the detection of changes in relative humidity (RH) within the soil. By using thermodynamic concepts, the RH can be converted to total suction. The sensor delivers a quick response time, no hysteresis and it is not affected by temperature. The MEMS sensor exhibited a much faster response to changes in relative humidity (total suction) when compared with the non-contact filter paper technique. The MEMS sensor was also used to measure high total suction in two clayey soils and proved to improve the SWCC fit.
Backfill materials for Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE): African Experience
Authors: Smith Andrew C.S.  , Dison Leon
Published: February 2025

Since 1975, Reinforced Earth (Pty) Ltd (RESA), based in South Africa has been carrying out MSE projects in South Africa itself and also in African countries outside its borders. The company has acquired experience of diverse types of backfill, which are often derived from weathered residual soils rather than transported gravels found extensively in Europe and North America. Experience in the use of industrial waste materials has also been gained. This paper reviews the types of backfill used and concentrates on the problems encountered. It also discusses methods of locating sources of suitable material and the possibility of formulating a revised and wider range of backfill specifications for MSE structures.
Ground improvement for a large above ground storage tank using cutter soil mix columns
Authors: Ameratunga J.  , Brown D.  , Ramachandran M.  , Denny R.
Published: February 2025

Deep soil mixing (DSM) has been used in European and Asian countries for a few years but was introduced only recently in Australia. DSM is frequently used to improve soft compressible clays where traditional methods such as surcharging and wick drains are not feasible due to either stability reasons or time and/or space constraints. Bridge abutments and road embankments are classic examples where DSM is traditionally used. This paper presents a case study where deep soil mixing was carried out using Cutter Soil Mixing (CSM) equipment. CSM columns were used to support a 53.5m diameter, 20m high, large storage tank instead of founding on deep piles. Analyses using analytical and numerical methods provided confidence that the settlement criteria imposed by the client could be achieved. Numerical analyses were simplified by adopting 2-D axi-symmetric conditions and converting CSM columns into equivalent “doughnuts”. Although laboratory tests were carried out to assess the strength of the mix for different cement volumes, sensitivity studies were carried out numerically to assess the effects due to variations in column strength before finalising the design. Further strength testing was carried out during and following installation to confirm actual strength gain. To improve the stress transfer to the CSM columns, “pile caps” were formed during the installation process. These caps were formed by pre-excavating one metre deep at each column location and using the overflow of cementitious/soil materials to form the cap. This environmentally friendly innovation avoided the removal of excess cementitious material from CSM operations. Settlements were monitored during water testing and results indicated the successful completion of the project.
Scale up of BioGrout: a biological ground reinforcement method
Authors: van Paassen L.A.  , Harkes M.P.  , van Zwieten G.A.  , van der Zon W.H.  , van der Star W.R.L.  , van Loosdrecht M.C.M.
Published: February 2025

BioGrout is a new soil improvement method based on microbiologically induced precipitation of calcium carbonate. Bacteria, which are able to convert urea into ammonium and carbonate, are injected in the soil, followed by a solution containing urea and calcium chloride. The produced carbonate precipitates with calcium. The calcium carbonate crystals form bridges between the sand grains, which increases the strength of the sand mass. The remaining ammonium chloride is extracted. In the laboratory, we proved the prospect of BioGrout as soil improvement method with sand column experiments. The next challenge was to establish homogeneous strengthening over larger soil volumes. We evaluated the new technology in a step-wise scale-up approach. First, biogrouting was applied in sand filled boxes of 1 cubic meter, simulating a single point injection. Recently, we used a large scale sand box (100 m3) in which the sand was treated over a distance of 5 m using screens of injection and extraction wells. The tests showed that it was possible to turn sand biologically into sandstone (UCS up to 12 MPa) using conditions and techniques as encountered in practice. Special attention is paid to the distribution of the calcium carbonate content and geomechanical parameters within the grouted sand bodies.
Effect of stress level on permanent deformation for fine-grained compacted soils and the re-evaluation of the natural proportionality model
Authors: Perez N.  , Garnica P.
Published: February 2025

One of the frequent distresses on the roads is rutting or permanent deformation cumulated on the pavement surface. Once the permanent deformation reaches certain level, the quality of the ride will decrease greatly and the operation costs will increase. The authors have presented some researche relative to permanent deformation and resilient modulus mainly for clayey soils. This paper presents results on permanent deformation obtained from compacted samples of a silty soil (ML). The results show how the accumulation of permanent deformation is influenced if the load is applied in steps or if the maximum stress level is applied. It is discussed the practical implications in pavement construction. Finally, some curves of permanent deformation of the same soil are used to demonstrate the suitability of the natural law model to fit experimental data. It is suggested that permanent deformation in subgrade soils can be limited if the stress level is controlled during compaction.
Deep soil improvement technique using combined deep mixing and jet grouting method
Authors: Lemanza W.  , Lesmana A.
Published: February 2025

When dealing with deep soil improvement, there are two widely known methods, Deep Soil Mixing and Jet Grouting. The Combined Deep Mixing and Jet Grouting method (DMJG) is a relatively new technique integrating the two traditional methods into a single operation to form a solid treated column. This integration has resulted in a larger treatment column diameter, which could not be easily achieved by either of the conventional methods carried out individually. This advantage has led to a faster, cheaper and more efficient means of soil improvement. The construction procedure, treatment parameters and results of a case study in Singapore are presented in this paper.
Le jet grouting en soutènement de fouilles
Authors: Massonnet Roger
Published: February 2025

Les parkings souterrains en milieux urbains nécessitent la réalisation de fouilles à ras des mitoyens. Les soutènements des terres et des ouvrages ne doivent pas réduire l'espace utile. Une solution est alors la création d'un “mur poids” au moyen d'injections par colonnes de jet grouting judicieusement disposées, permettant l'exécution de fouille en une seule phase dans la continuité des façades existantes. Les paramètres de sols, les charges et caractéristiques du traitement par jet grouting doivent être préalablement définis. Il faut ensuite vérifier par contrôles la bonne adéquation des hypothèses avec la réalisation.
Geo Risk Scan – a successful geo management tool
Authors: van Staveren M.Th.  , Bles T.J.  , Litjens P.P.T.  , Cools P.M.C.B.M.
Published: February 2025

Ground conditions appear a major source of cost and time overruns in infrastructure projects, which recent Dutch research confirms. As an answer to these cost and time overruns, the application of well-structured and ground-related risk management has rapidly evolved in recent years. The Geo Risk Scan proves to be an effective tool for quickly providing information about the degree and the quality of geotechnical risk management in infrastructure projects. This paper describes the Geo Risk Scan, as well as its application within five projects. The evaluation of the five projects resulted in six main lessons. These lessons may help project owners, engineers, and contractors to manage their construction projects.
Comparison of aging effects on cyclic shear strength of undisturbed and remolded tailing sands
Authors: Moffat R.  , Ormazabal M.
Published: February 2025

Increase in cyclic strength due to aging of sands is reflected in the higher number of cycles necessary to reach liquefaction. Results are reported from cyclic triaxial tests on reconstituted and undisturbed block samples from the Ovejeria tailing dam. Observations on the change on the cyclic stress ratio caused by aging effects during a period of time between 0 to 5 months enable the characterization and comparison on the cyclic behavior on remolded specimens and in situ samples. The new laboratory data is compared with selected data reported in the literature confirming the relevance of aging effect and a qualitative difference between reconstituted and undisturbed samples. Preliminary observations indicate that cyclic strength of undisturbed samples obtained directly from the tailing dam cannot be compare directly with the strength of reconstituted specimens by moist tamping with the same age.