bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontology as a Logic of Intensions
Authors: Duží Marie  , Číhalová Martina  , Menšík Marek
Published: February 2025

We view the content of ontology via a logic of intensions. This is due to the fact that particular intensions like properties, roles, attributes and propositions can stand in mutual necessary relations which should be registered in the ontology of a given domain, unlike some contingent facts. The latter are a subject of updates and are stored in a knowledge-base state. Thus we examine (higher-order) properties of intensions like being necessarily reflexive, irreflexive, symmetric, anti-symmetric, transitive, etc., mutual relations between intensions like being incompatible, being a requisite, being complementary, and so like. We also define two kinds of entailment relation between propositions, viz. mere entailment and presupposition. Finally, we show that higher-order properties of propositions trigger necessary integrity constraints that should also be included in the ontology. As the logic of intensions we vote for Transparent Intensional Logic (TIL), because TIL framework is smoothly applicable to all three kinds of context, viz. extensional context of individuals, numbers and functions-in-extension (mappings), intensional context of properties, roles, attributes and propositions, and finally hyper-intensional context of procedures producing intensional and extensional entities as their products.
Ontology Representation and Inference Based on State Controlled Coloured Petri Nets
Authors: Wang Ke  , Liu James N.K.  , Ma Wei-min
Published: February 2025

Many automatic or semi-automatic extraction techniques have been proposed for building domain ontologies in recent years but the correctness, consistency and completeness of the extracted ontologies is often either not considered or is not formally verified. The issue of detecting potential anomalies in an ontology has not to date been adequately addressed. In this paper we propose a formal technique for ontology representation and inference, based on which an automatic technique for ontology verification can be developed so as to be able to detect and identify potential anomalies in an ontology. The technique makes use of a State Controlled Coloured Petri Net (SCCPN), which is a high level net that combines a Coloured Petri Net and a State Controlled Petri Net. This work presents a formal definition of SCCPN for modeling ontologies and the mapping between them as well as formulating the ontology inference in SCCPN with specified inference mechanisms.
Ab initio and DFT study of the static dipole (hyper)polarizabilities of benzaldehyde and thio-benzaldehyde molecules in gas phase
Authors: Soscún Humberto
Published: February 2025

The results of ab initio and density functional theory DFT calculations of dipole moments and electronic contributions to static dipole (hyper)polarizabilities of benzaldehyde and thiobenzaldehyde molecules in gas phase are presented. These properties were evaluated at the SCF, MP2, MP4 and DFT (B3LYP) levels of theory with a selection of basis sets that include polarization and diffuse functions on the C, O, S and H atoms: 6-31+G(d,p) (A), 6-311++G(3d,3p) (B), 6-31+G(d*,p) (C) and the Sadlej (D) basis sets, using HF/A, MP2/A and B3LYP/A optimized geometries under the Cs symmetry restriction. The C basis set has been optimized in terms of the maxima second hyperpolarizability at HF level. Both MP2 and MP4 methods, performed at full electron configuration, have shown to perform well in the calculation of such properties.
Declarative-knowledge-based reconfiguration of automation systems using a blackboard architecture
Authors: Haage Mathias  , Malec Jacek  , Nilsson Anders  , Nilsson Klas  , Nowaczyk Sławomir
Published: February 2025

This article describes results of the work on knowledge representation techniques chosen for use in the European project SIARAS (Skill-Based Inspection and Assembly for Reconfigurable Automation Systems). Its goal was to create intelligent support system for reconfiguration and adaptation of robot-based manufacturing cells. Declarative knowledge is represented first of all in an ontology expressed in OWL, for a generic taxonomical reasoning, and in a number of special-purpose reasoning modules, specific for the application domain. The domaindependent modules are organized in a blackboard-like architecture.
Moment-Induced Displacement of Offshore Foundation in the Niger Delta
Authors: Ejezie S.U.  , Akpila S.B.
Published: February 2025

The rotational displacement of offshore shallow foundations on clay due to moment loading has been studied in the Niger Delta Environment. Wave characteristics were deduced from available meteorological and oceanographic data while moments were evaluated from horizontal forces which impact on circular piles of 1.0-2.0 m diameter. The rotational displacement on an equivalent square foundation breadth B ranging from 9.9 m to 17.73 m, typical of circular foundation diameters of 10-20 m, was subsequently evaluated. Undrained shear strength su, of the sub-seabed was obtained from both field and laboratory tests. It is observed that rotational displacement θm1, reduces with increase in foundation breadth B, and Poisson ratio for a given applied moment M. It also reduces as M/B ratio reduces with increasing μ. A dimensionless plot of the ratio of moments to undrained shear strength, foundation breadth and rotational displacement gave values of 18.66 and 37.33 at μ = 0 and 0.5 respectively.
The behaviour under excavation of the Luanda's sandy formation: case studies
Authors: Nobre Duarte  , Pina João  , Xavier Baldomiro
Published: February 2025

The aim of this paper is to describe the geotechnical solutions that are being applied in the sandy formation of the city of Luanda. For that purpose the author will describe the case study of the excavation, the retaining wall and the foundation solution of two buildings over twenty storeys high and with several underground floors. Besides the constructive solutions, such as diaphragm walls as the retaining wall system, ground anchors, struts, jet-grouting slab and top-down slabs as the stabilization system, raft and combined pile raft foundation as the foundation system and injections as ground treatment, special emphasis will be given to the geological description and the ground behaviour during excavation.
The Use of a Sedimentological Technique for Assessing the Engineering Performance of Sands in Roads
Authors: Paige-Green Philip  , Pinard Michael
Published: February 2025

Although sands cover vast areas of southern Africa, their use as road materials in an untreated state has been generally avoided. An investigation into the properties of various sands has indicated, however, that they can be used as subbase and even base course materials in low volume roads if carefully selected and tested. The investigation has shown that by expressing the particle size distribution of the sands as the mean particle size and standard deviation around this mean using the sedimentological Phi scale, it is possible to differentiate between sands that are likely to perform well and those that will not. The paper discusses this process and its application to selected sands from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique.
Characterization of Pozzolanic Geomaterial for the Construction of Pavement Structures of Songwe Airport in Tanzania
Authors: Omindo Paul  , Mukabi John  , Tesha Prosper  , Sidai Vincent  , Kotheki Sylvester  , Ngigi Leonard
Published: February 2025

Pozzolanic geomaterials are commonly classified as latent cementitious natural or artificial material containing silica in a reactive form. ASTM 618-94a describes pozzolana as a siliceous and aluminous material which in itself possesses little or no cementitious value but will, in finely divided form and in the presence of moisture, chemically react with calcium hydroxide at ordinary temperatures to form compounds possessing cementitious properties.
Reducing the cost of road construction through targeted geotechnical and geophysical investigations – a case study of road section re-design in the Hwereso valley of Ghana
Authors: Akayuli C.F.A.  , Nyako S.O.  , Yendaw J.A.
Published: February 2025

The Hwereso valley that is crossed by a section of the main highway linking the north and south of Ghana, is a 2.0km wide flood plain formed by tributaries of the Hwere River in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Prior to its reconstruction in 2004, as part of the general upgrading of the Accra-Kumasi highway, this section of the road was subjected to perennial flooding and pavement failures as a result of an incompetent clay sub grade. The original road upgrade design recommended the construction of a bridge with piled foundation across the Hwere and an embankment across the valley. Through detailed geotechnical investigation targeted at this section of the road during the construction stage, the soil profile along the centerline of the road was defined in detail and a complete characterization of the subsoil soil materials undertaken. The depth to bedrock was determined from seismic refraction surveys. Based on the results of these detailed investigations, the drainage structures and foundation design were revised to a large, single bay box culvert with 3No helper pipe culverts. The idea of a 2km long embankment across the valley was abandoned and subsoil drainage system consisting of French drains was adopted to eliminate accumulation of water around the culverts inlets. The redesign enabled the project to avoid the expensive piling exercise and large volume earthworks of the embankment construction recommended in the initial upgrade design thereby making savings in the project cost and construction time
The Value of Slope Failure Back-analysis in Open-pit Slope Design: A Case History from the South African Coalfields
Authors: Selomane Mmathapelo  , Van Rooy Louis
Published: February 2025

A case study is presented on the back-analysis of a slope failure at an open-pit coalmine that is believed to be a progressive failure where failure in one material triggered failure through another. Back-analysis, using the method of slices was performed to obtain material properties at failure with the aim of redesigning future slopes. The back-analysis included sensitivity and probabilistic analyses using 2D limit equilibrium slope stability analysis software. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the material property with the most significant influence on the stability of the slope. A probabilistic analysis was performed to determine the probability of the proposed new slope geometry to fail during future mining activity.
Investigation of the compound behavior of geogrid reinforced soil
Authors: Ruiken A.  , Ziegler M.  , Vollmert L.  , Höhny S.
Published: February 2025

This paper deals with the compound behaviour of geogrid reinforced soil, investigated with large scale laboratory tests. The main focus is set on the earth pressure and the basic mechanical behaviour of the compound material. The test apparatus developed for this purpose allows investigating geogrid reinforced soil under plane strain conditions as it is the case for major applications, e.g. retaining structures or unpaved roads. With a highly sophisticated instrumentation of the test apparatus the displacement dependant development and distribution of the earth pressure as well as the connection loads of the geogrids at the facing have been determined for variously geogrid reinforced specimens. Furthermore, the kinematic behaviour of the reinforced soil has been obtained using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method giving an insight into the mechanical behaviour of the compound material.
Finite element analysis of the Saint-Alban embankment failure with an anisotropic undrained strength model
Authors: Andresen L.  , Saygili G.  , Grimstad G.
Published: February 2025

The stress conditions and rotation of principal stresses underneath a foundation varies depending on the location along the potential slip surface. Soft clays are typically inherently anisotropic; thus, geotechnical structures (e.g. embankments, sheet pile walls, etc.) on soft clay foundations should be designed by accounting for the variations in the available undrained strength along the slip surface. This paper presents a finite element analysis of the construction and failure of the St. Alban test embankment. This instrumented test embankment was constructed on soft Champlain clay to investigate its failure conditions. The elastoplastic NGI – ADP anisotropic shear strength model is used to model the clay foundation. Comparisons of the NGI – ADP predictions with the field observations reveal that accurate estimations of the embankment failure height and reasonable estimates of the deformations are obtained.
Studies of behavior of the temporary dam at the Dniester PSPP
Authors: Galat V.  , Taranov V.
Published: February 2025

The comprehensive studies on different aspects of ensuring safety of the upper reservoir's dam of the Dniester Pumped Storage Power Plant (PSPP) are described in this paper.
Maximum relative density of clean sand as a function of median grain size and compaction energy
Authors: Patra C.R.  , Sivakugan N.  , Das B.M.  , Atalar C.
Published: February 2025

For granular soils with less than 12% fines, relative density (Dr) is probably a better indicator for end product compaction specification than relative compaction. Relative density is a function of maximum (emax), minimum (emin), and in-situ (e) void ratios of the soils. Past investigators have shown that emax– emincan be correlated with the median grain size (D50). With that background, laboratory compaction tests were conducted on 55 clean sand samples (percent on fines ≤ 5%). The compaction tests consisted of standard Proctor, reduced standard Proctor, modified Proctor, and reduced modified Proctor tests. The energy of compaction was thus varied from 360 kN-m/m3to 2700 kN-m/m3. Based on the laboratory test results, the relative densities of compaction at maximum dry unit weight have been determined. These relative densities have been correlated with the median grain size (D50) and energy of compaction (E).
Slope stability analysis based on autocorrelated shear strength parameters
Authors: Tietje O.  , Fitze P.  , Schneider H.R.
Published: February 2025

The stability of a slope is governed by the spatial average of the shear strength over the extent of the failure surface. In Eurocode the average soil properties are taken into account by defining the characteristic soil parameter as being “a cautious estimate of the value affecting the occurrence of the limit state” and further stating that this value should be based on, among other factors, “the extent of the zone of ground governing the behaviour of the geotechnical structure at the limit state being considered”.
Comment construire un immeuble dans un glissement de terrain actif à Monaco
Authors: Blondeau F.  , Lavisse J.
Published: February 2025

Un projet de réaménagement de l'hôpital de Monaco prévoyait la réalisation d'une fouille et la construction d'un immeuble dans un glissement de terrain actif, sans stabilisation de ce dernier.
Analysis of sliding hazard in wider area of Brus landslide
Authors: Mihalić S.  , Krkač M.  , Arbanas Ž.  , Dugonjić S.
Published: February 2025

The middle and northern part of the Istrian Peninsula, placed in the north-western part of the Croatian Adriatic coast, are com-posed of Paleogene flysch rock complex. Flysch zone in the northeast part of peninsula is placed in the bottom of the mountain massif of ?ićarija which is composed mostly of carbonate rocks. The superficial deposits on the flysch slopes are formed by mixing coarse-grained siltstone detritus and silty to clayey soil material as a product of weathering and erosion of flysch be-drock. These slope deposits are potentially unstable due to unfavorable hydrology conditions, and mass movements are frequent. Typical landslides are mainly shallow rotational sliding of retrogressive type with slip surface formed on the contact of the su-perficial deposits and flysch bedrock. The Brus Landslide, which occurred in April 2005, is an atypical translation type of sliding in flysch formation, overtaking siltstone and sandstone layers in flysch bedrock. The Brus Landslide was caused by unfavorable bedding orientation, stream erosion in the toe of the slide and unfavorable hydrogeological conditions caused by long-term rain period before sliding. Taking into account similar geological and morphological conditions in wider area of the Brus Landslide, a possibility of occurrence of similar landslides was analyzed. Description and genesis of the Brus Landslide is presented in the paper. For the wider area of the Brus Landslide, landslide hazard is analyzed by means of spatial analysis of geological and geomorphological conditions. The result of analysis is shown in the form of landslide susceptibility map that depicts zones of potential translational block sliding.
Evaluation of alternative methodologies to minimize movements of a diaphragm wall close to buildings
Authors: de Santos C.  , Ledesma A.  , Lloret A.  , Alonso E.E.
Published: February 2025

In the framework of the construction of the high-speed railway passing through Barcelona, a large excavation (21m depth) has made to about 2 m of a building. The excavation was done in the quaternary material typical of the Barcelona plain which consists mainly of low plasticity and slightly cemented compact clays. This material due to its high stiffness can be considered as a “hard soil”. In order to minimize movements, several methodologies were considered: change in the thickness of the diaphragm walls, increasing the length of the diaphragm walls and location of struts. The predictions of movements were performed using PLAXIS code, considering model parameters estimated from pressuremeter tests and resonant column. The smallest displacements were obtained if struts were placed in advance just below the maximum excavation level. Those struts had only 3 m thickness below the maximum excavation depth, and were built every 5.5 m in horizontal direction. The measured movements were somewhat lower than expected and the building suffered no damage. The paper demonstrates that struts below the maximum excavation level constitute a safe design when movements induced to buildings are a major concern.
Grain size distribution and particle shape effects on shear strength of sand – gravel mixtures
Authors: Casini F.  , Brauchli S.  , Herzog R.  , Springman S.M.
Published: February 2025

This paper focuses on the grain size distribution and shape effects on shear strength of three sand - gravel mixtures from Switzerland. A total of 28 direct shear tests in a large direct shear box apparatus have been performed to investigate the strength and dilatancy of sand - gravel mixtures. A relation between the grain size characteristics, the shape and the shear resistance has been found. For each mixture, the void ratio extent (emax−emin), and angle of repose, ϕcvare determined following the standard ASTM procedure. The experimental results are analysed in terms of the frictional and dilatant contributions to the strength of mixtures as a function of the grain size distribution, shape effects and their relative density. The particle shape effects are evaluated using the criteria used by Cho et al. (2006) for natural and crushed sands. The results show the dependency of the dilation gradient on the grain size distribution and the shape of the particle. The minumun and maximum void ratios are also dependent on the grading and the shape of the particles. The shear tests are interpreted in terms of friction angle as function of the dilation angle both evaluated from the tests at peak value and at the end of the shear phase. A useful empirical equation has been developed to evaluate the friction angle at constant volume and the gradient of dilation.
Time-dependent rock behaviour in tunnelling
Authors: Athanasopoulos S.D.  , Nomikos P.P.  , Sofianos A.I.
Published: February 2025

The rock mass viscous behaviour during tunnel construction is discussed. Initially, a brief introduction to the squeezing phenomenon and its association with the related one of creep is provided. Then, existing simplified models of rheological rock mass behaviour are presented and analysed. The range of the viscoelastic rock parameters identified in the literature for weak rocks is also given and results obtained from existing viscoelastic closed form solutions for tunnelling, are compared to numerical results. Finally, numerical simulation using a combined viscoelastic-plastic model is presented.
Analysis of jacking force data for microtunnels in glacial till at Kilcock, Ireland
Authors: Curran B.G.  , McCabe B.A.
Published: February 2025

Although the application of microtunnelling to pipeline construction has grown considerably in Ireland in recent times, there is very little published guidance on the jacking forces that might be expected in Irish ground conditions. In this paper, relevant experience from jacking records for a Sewerage Improvement Scheme project in Kilcock, Co. Kildare, Ireland is presented. Data from almost 0.9km of pipe-jacked tunnels constructed below the water table at depths between 2.4m and 4.4m in largely greenfield conditions are examined. Topics discussed in this paper include the separation of jacking force into friction and face components, lubrication and stoppages.
Evaluation of the clogging potential in mechanical tunnel driving with EPB-shields
Authors: Feinendegen M.  , Ziegler M.  , Spagnoli G.  , Fernández-Steeger T.
Published: February 2025

During mechanical tunnel driving in fine-grained soil or soft rock the excavated material often sticks to the cutting tools or conveying system which may cause great difficulties in the construction process: High energy demand, blocking or breakdown of excavation tools, clogging of screw or band conveyors, problems in stability during the re-use caused by lower shear resistance of the (possibly conditioned) excavation material, etc.. The extent of these problems and the possible reasons are quite various with different geological (mineralogy, mountain water inflow, etc.) and operational (advance mode, stand stills, etc.) conditions. In a joint research project of RWTH Aachen University together with industrial partners the acting processes are investigated in particular for the method of Earth Pressure Balanced (EPB) shield tunnelling and new methods for their quantification and manipulation are developed. Main topic of this paper is the development of a new classification scheme for the clogging potential, which is based on the so called “cone pull-out test” as a new laboratory test to detect the adhesion/clogging propensity of a soil or rock already in the preliminary phase of a project and to quantify these as far as possible. The results for some selected clays, amongst others from current and past tunnelling projects, will be presented. Furthermore, recent findings about new manipulation techniques to modify the mechanical behaviour of clays and thus reduce adhesion and/or clogging will be presented.
Investigation tunnels Aicha-Mauls at Brenner Base Tunnel – progress of works and results
Authors: Quick H.  , Michael J.  , Bergmeister K.  , Facchin E.
Published: February 2025

The Brenner Base Tunnel is an indispensable element of the trans-border European priority scheme TEN Project No. 1 comprising a roughly 2,200 km long high-speed railway route between Berlin/Germany and Palermo/Italy. According to the latest planning the Brenner Base Tunnel will be 55 km long, including the directly following deviation tunnel of Innsbruck the entire tunnel construction will be 62,7 km long and hence the longest tunnel of the world. Between 2007 and 2010 two investigation tunnels, Aicha and Mauls, were build. Their construction is an integral part of the safety, maintenance and dewatering concept.
Assessment of overbridge openings on the London Underground tunnel network
Authors: Schroeder F.C.  , Higgins K.G.  , Wright P.  , Potts D.M.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents soil-structure interaction analyses of overbridge openings on the London Underground tunnel network. In agreement with observations, the three dimensional analyses show a satisfactory performance of these assets for a number of different conditions, whereas two dimensional approaches indicated that overbridges should be under significant distress.
Multi-utility tunnels (MUT) in Frankfurt am Main technical challenges and innovative perspectives
Authors: Thaher M.  , Siedentopf W.  , Becker J.  , Lindemann T.
Published: February 2025

In huge cities as Frankfurt (Main) a considerable part of the underground supply infrastructure is becoming continuously more and more in need of modernization. Additionally, long term planning has to consider an expected extension of supply systems. This and the consecutively necessary restructuring of the existing supply systems lead in the future to area-wide constructions within the urban area of Frankfurt. Therefore concrete possibilities for realization of accessible Multi-Utility Tunnels MUT with attractive cost saving potential due to synergy potentials are expected. Despite high launching costs, man accessible MUT represent an economical alternative due to considerably lower lifetime consequential costs. In addition man accessible MUT are environmentally preferable compared to conventional piping in form of Single-Utility Tunnels SUT respectively conventional Single-Utility Installations (SUI). The city administration of Frankfurt and the public supply company Mainova AG are cooperating on future oriented Utility Tunnel (UT) projects to cope with these challenging conditions. In this contribution the future chances and challenges as well as actual difficulties concerning technical, economical and ecological efficiency are discussed in comparison. It is much more effective to concentrate as many utilities as possible in as few tunnels as possible.
Underground expansion of Drents Museum
Authors: Peters M.G.J.M.  , van Leeuwen N.P.
Published: February 2025

The Drents Museum in Assen is being enlarged by an extensive and complex underground expansion. The museum is located at a historical rich site in the heart of the town. In the Middle Ages it was the site of a Cistercian nunnery of which only the Abbey church is left. Next to the Abbey other buildings are located that together host the Drents Museum. The excavations which are necessary for the expansion, have to meet to strict deformation and vibration requirements to prevent damage to the existing buildings. By carrying out different sheet piling tests and rediction analysis (FEM), both the sheet pile design and execution phases could be engineered taking into account environmental criteria. FEM predictions and test measurement data correspond well and are used for final design and detailed engineering.
UCS estimation for Maastricht limestones by Needle penetration testing
Authors: Ngan-Tillard D.J.M.  , Engin H.K.  , Verwaal W.  , Mulder A.
Published: February 2025

The Needle Penetration Test (NPT) is used to estimate the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the Maastrichtian limestones. In parallel to UCS testing, NPT has been conducted for the future A2 tunnel in Maastricht, the Netherlands on borehole cores ranging from very weak calcarenite to carbonate sands. NPT results are correlated to UCS values and clustered to give a qualitative material strength estimation. The spatial distribution of the very low NPT values is tentatively related to the occurrence of faults. Then, the relationships between UCS and NP resistance observed in the laboratory for calcarenites are analysed. The spreading of the results is related to the material microstructure. An accurate UCS estimation cannot be derived from a single NPT value. To get an insight on the processes taking place during NP testing, the total needle resistance and shaft friction have been recorded and microstructural damage has been observed. Final damage consists of crushing and compaction, related to high stresses, rather than de-bounding of grains, observed in UCS testing. Despite this difference in damage type, resistance to needle penetration and UCS values are related.
Case study: The design & performance of a raft foundation on Mercia Mudstone
Authors: Miller M.  , Vaziri M.  , Miller R.
Published: February 2025

The St David's 2 development is a new retail and residential complex in the heart of Cardiff, South Wales. The substructure includes a basement with a footprint area of approximately 100m x 290m. Following ground investigation it was ascertained that the basement would found on Mercia Mudstone of Grades II and IV. It was proposed that the structure would found on a raft foundation which would bring significant cost and programme savings compared to a piled foundation. A steel pile retaining wall solution was adopted using a ‘Super Crush System’ to penetrate the mudstone and overlying gravels. Owing to difficulties achieving the undisturbed embedded depth required for the applied loads, an envelope within which the raft design had to comply was adopted. Finite Element Analysis was undertaken to predict settlement and bending within the raft. A combination of Winkler Spring and half-space analysis was used in an iterative process to allow for the production of ‘intelligent springs’. Monitoring of the raft settlement was undertaken to provide a comparison to predicted settlements.
Dynamic axial response of drilled piers in stiff sandy clays
Authors: Wang G.  , Sitar N.
Published: February 2025

A prototype pier load test program was performed to study the load-deformation and energy dissipation characteristics of the response of drilled piers under static and dynamic axial loads. The field tests consisted of six fully instrumented drilled concrete piers 61-76 cm in diameter and 5.8-9.1 m in length. The piers were constructed on a stiff sandy clay site adjacent to the UC Berkeley campus. Dynamic Fundex Pile Load Test (PLT) was performed on each pier, followed by static compression or tension test and a second PLT. The field tests revealed that the stiffness and capacity of a soil-pier system depend significantly on the loading rate. For the type of piers and soil considered in the field test, the increase in dynamic stiffness versus static stiffness is about 20-40% at almost all displacement levels. The ultimate dynamic capacity increases about 30% compared with the static case. The multiple PLTs conducted on the same drilled pier also indicated that a pier may experience up to 50% stiffness and strength degradation when subjected to full load reversal. The test program showed that the PLT test is a fast, innovative method to get useful site-specific information for seismic design of the pier foundation.
Application of the impact-echo method to determine the dynamic Young's modulus of soil
Authors: Vusatiuk A.
Published: February 2025

A new method for determination of dynamic elastic parameters of the soil under the lower end of the pile, such as soil deformation modulus and soil stiffness coefficient, is proposed on the basis of the impact echo-method. Soil dynamic elastic behavior is necessary to calculate the settlements and vertical displacements of pile foundations according to regulations of normative documents of Ukraine and European Union. An advantage of the analyzed method is the possibility to determine the soil dynamic elastic characteristics in natural conditions on the site in order to verify and specify the calculations of the pile field according to the 2ndgroup of the ultimate limit states.
Contribution for the dissemination of rockfill dam with bituminous concrete core solution in Portugal
Authors: Faustino V.L.  , Caldeira L.  , Maranha das Neves E.
Published: February 2025

The present work is based on the MSc thesis with the same name, defended in IST in 2009 [1]. This work addresses, firstly, a reflection about rock-fill dams with bituminous concrete core. It aims to contribute to the understanding and divulgation of this type of impervious solution, regarding its application, for the first time, in Portugal. It is initially presented a brief history of this type of dams built to date and about their first appearance. The specificities of bituminous concrete cores are addressed and observation and structural behaviour are also addressed. It is subsequently developed the practical component of the work, the design at preliminary level of the Torno river rock-fill dam with bituminous concrete core. From the compiled information and the conducted studies, it may be concluded that the rock-fill dams with bituminous concrete core are suitable solutions from the technical point of view, with remarkable results of structural behaviour, which may constitute an alternative dam type solution.
Overcoming limitations of data availability regarding airport and aircraft ground processes
Authors: Appel Holger S.  , Büker Kerstin  , Kellner Sebastian  , Alers Tim
Published: February 2025

Quality input data is essential for airport and aircraft ground process simulations. Depending on the simulation approach, the data is subject to different levels of accuracy and levels of detail. While macroscopic simulations work fine with average passenger numbers only, microscopic simulations require accurate and detailed data. The need of such data sets for the analysis of innovative process adjustments was identified during a research project by the authors as well as the lack of such information in public sources. Therefore the core part of this paper is a simplified approach for structuring and gathering the needed information for detailed process step simulations.
Internal deformation of soil during consolidation in radial drainage condition
Authors: Kim Jun-Young  , Jang Eui-Ryong  , Yune Chan-Young  , Chung Choong-Ki
Published: February 2025

The analytical solutions under radial drainage to predict the consolidation behavior of soils with vertical drains generally assume that clayey soils are compressed only in vertical direction. However, soils are also deformed in radial or horizontal directions as consolidation progresses, as proposed by many experts. The radial deformation during consolidation can induce additional excess pore pressure in a soil mass and cause differential settlement and slowed settlement rate. It also can result in unequal void ratio distribution after consolidation, following unexpected deformation behavior. A new consolidation apparatus, which can visually observe and take images of a specimen by using digital camera, was developed. Consolidation test under radial and vertical drainage condition was performed using the new consolidation apparatus and digital image analysis technique was adopted to analyze the consolidation deformation of the specimen. Deformations were successfully measured by suggested method at 420 points of the specimen during the whole consolidation process. Finally, deformation patterns of the specimen were estimated and horizontal deformations were clearly observed as consolidation progressed. Also, void ratio variations measured at the end of consolidation confirmed the radial deformation.
A case study on causes and countermeasures of a largely deformed geotextile-reinforced soil retaining wall
Authors: Hur Jinsuk  , Jung Minsu  , Shibuya Satoru
Published: February 2025

The horizontal displacement more than 16cm occurred on the facing of a 20m high reinforced soil retaining wall that was under construction for the purpose of the alignment improvement of the existing national highway located in Hyogo, Japan. In this paper, the causes of the excessive deformation, together with the numerical examination into countermeasures are in detail described. First, various site investigations and laboratory tests were carried out to manifest the current state of the reinforced soil retaining wall. Second, the deformation behavior of the wall was simulated by performing numerical analysis. Finally, an appropriate countermeasure to prevent further development of the wall deformation was proposed by predicting the stress-strain behavior of the reinforced soil retaining wall with the remedial work.
Strength-Deformation Characteristics of a Compacted Soil over a Wide Strain Range
Authors: Miura M.  , Takahashi M.  , Kawajiri S.  , Torii N.  , Shibuya S.  , Kawaguchi T.
Published: February 2025

An embankment failure often occurs in the events of earthquakes and/or rainfall attacks. In the stability and deformation analysis of embankment, it is important to manifest the effects of dry density, ρdas well as the degree of compaction, Dc(= ρd/ ρdmax× 100) on stress-deformation characteristics of the fill material. However, the effects of Dcon the stress-deformation characteristics over a wide strain range are not well known for the well graded fill materials such as silty sand. In this study, the effects of compaction conditions in term of Dcon strength and deformation properties over a wide strain range were examined by means of triaxial compression test on a silty sand. A fully digitized triaxial apparatus was employed for the testing. Note that the axial deformation was measured locally by using a pair of proximity transducers. A triaxial specimen was prepared using a metal mould of 20cm high and 10cm in diameter, in which the soil sample having the water content at woptwas compacted statistically to Dcof 85, 90 and 100%.
Effects of grain size distribution characteristics on compaction and deformation-strength characteristics of gravelly fill materials
Authors: Shibuya Satoru  , Uemoto Yuya  , Hashimoto Yosuke  , Kawajiri Shunzo
Published: February 2025

It involves many difficulties to employ a large-scale triaxial apparatus in an attempt to manifest deformation and strength characteristics of coarse-grained soil. Instead, the deformation and strength characteristics of in-situ coarse-grained soil may be estimated based on the results of the shear test using a smaller-sized specimen whose grain size distribution is adjusted being compatible with the specimen size in the laboratory. In the current practice in Japan, the degree of compaction Dcis usually employed in use for the density control, hence implicitly the strength control, for the embankment construction. On the other hand, the compaction curve of such a smaller-sized sample is likely different from that of the original fill material comprising much larger grains. Therefore, the compaction and shear characteristics of both the original and the grain-size adjusted samples should be manifested in order to estimate the strength of in-situ embankment. In this paper, the effects of grain size distribution on compaction as well as the deformation-strength characteristics were examined in a series of drained triaxial compression test, in which two types of coarse grained fill materials (i.e., angular- and round-shaped gravels) were tested.
Applications of high speed photography and X-ray computerised tomography (Micro CT) in dynamic compaction tests
Authors: Nazhat Yahya  , Airey David
Published: February 2025

Dynamic compaction is an efficient ground improvement technique for loose granular soils. The improvement is achieved by controlled high energy tamping. Its effects vary with soil properties, energy input and the pattern of treatment. However, the depth and extent of soil improvement are both difficult to predict and to quantify. To provide data on the mechanics of dynamic compaction high speed digital photography coupled with X-ray computerised tomography (Micro CT) and digital image correlation analysis has been used in model compaction tests conducted on dry sand under plane strain conditions. The high speed digital photography suggests that compaction (shock) bands are responsible for the densification beneath the impact, and a series of photographs are included to show the evolution of these bands. To verify that these bands were not an artefact of the photography X-ray computerised tomography (Micro CT) was utilised to quantitatively measure the void ratio in the vicinity of a compaction band. This attempted verification was not conclusive because of some limitations of the Micro CT procedure which are discussed.
Analysis of the Abrasion and Crushing of Unsaturated Sands using Acoustic Emission
Authors: Caicedo B.  , Vallejo L.  , Martinez A.
Published: February 2025

Granular materials forming part of geotechnical structures like flexible pavements or embankments experience abrasion and crushing as a result of static and dynamic loads applied during the compaction process or during operation. Despite of the research that has been conducted to date on how to evaluate abrasion and crushing and what effect they will have on the engineering properties of these granular materials, most of the experimental techniques to evaluate crushing are based on destructive measurements made after testing. In this paper the Acoustic Emission technique is used as a tool to asses crushing in a non destructive way. The results show that there is a close relationship between the acoustic emission and the development of plastic strains. Also the results show that the acoustic emission in granular materials is the results of both: sliding between particles, and crushing.
Effects of water-induced deterioration of grains on stiffness and strength of granular soils
Authors: Aziz M.  , Towhata I.  , Yamada S.
Published: February 2025

In recent decades, crushed soft rocks are increasingly used as an economical substitute of granular soils for embankment construction and fill material. Generally, the durability characteristics of crushed rocks are determined by simple slaking tests more or less with a qualitative approach. However, for long-term performance analysis and risk assessment, there is a strong need to incorporate in conventional stress-strain models the time-dependent loss of strength parameters of such granular soils upon submergence in a more quantitative way.
Strength properties of soil wall materials for seismic performance evaluation
Authors: Araki Hiroyuki  , Lee Jina  , Sato Takeshi  , Koseki Junichi
Published: February 2025

A rammed earth technique is a traditional architectural technique to build soil structures by compressing clay, sand, gravel, in a form. The walls built with the rammed earth technique are seen sometimes in historical heritages, and are attracting interest in construction projects of a modern housing due to their advantages in recent years. However, the mechanical properties, especially tensile and shear strengths, of rammed earth materials have not been fully investigated. Therefore, the mechanical properties of two kinds of rammed earth materials are evaluated by conducting a series of unconfined compression test, unconfined tension test and drained triaxial compression test in this study. As for a rammed earth material without quick lime, the unconfined compression strength increases with decrease of the water content; the unconfined tension strength is approximately 10 % of the unconfined compression strength; the drained triaxial compression tests show that peak strength increases with the confining stress, while the stiffness is rather independent of the confining stress.
Numerical analysis of the underreamed pile under vertical loading in sand
Authors: Yang Wu  , Yamamoto Haruyuki
Published: February 2025

The underreamed pile is preferred in construction for its merit of economic and relative large bearing capacity. With more and more high-level stress demand tendency, large scale of the earthwork appears in the geotechnical and coastal engineering, the pile dipped much deeper into the soil layer. The sand around the pile especially the particles enclosing the tips will crush due to the higher confining stress. That makes the bearing capacity calculation more complex, in the mean while, the sand failure condition around the pile tip will become more puzzled. Geo-materials such as sand naturally exhibit intensive nonlinearity and dilatancy characteristics. It is urgent to employ the numerical analysis method within magnitude stress region to work out pile bearing capacity problem. Finite element approach is adopted to estimate that underreamed pile possesses larger bearing capacity than straight pile with special reference with particle crushing phenomena. In this study, the constitutive model considering particle crushing is established and employed to respond stress-strain relation under high level compression state. The validity of proposed model is verified by triaxial compression test. Through the normalized load-displacement and soil behavior around underreamed pile analysis, the numerical computational value show good agreement with test results.
A Distributed Norm Compliance Model
Authors: Gómez-Sebastià Ignasi  , Alvarez-Napagao Sergio  , Vázquez-Salceda Javier
Published: February 2025

Norms can be used in the scope of distributed computational systems to provide reliable contexts of interaction between parties where acceptable behaviour is specified in terms of regulations or guidelines. These have been explored in various formalisations, and many are the theoretical frameworks that allow to implement and operationalise them. However, when applying these frameworks to complex, heterogeneous scenarios with multiple agents involved, the performance of norm compliance systems may suffer due to bottlenecks, not only in the number of events received, but also on the number and the complexity of the norms being verified. In this paper we present a formal method to distribute norms through a distributed normative monitoring system, based on production systems for maximum efficiency, and a grounding on Strongly Connected Components.
Depth of Valleys Accumulation Algorithm for Object Detection
Authors: Bernal Jorge  , Sánchez Javier  , Vilariño Fernando
Published: February 2025

This work aims at detecting in which regions the objects in the image are by using information about the intensity of valleys, which appear to surround objects in images where the source of light is in the line of direction than the camera. We present our depth of valleys accumulation method, which consists of two stages: first, the definition of the depth of valleys image which combines the output of a ridges and valleys detector with the morphological gradient to measure how deep is a point inside a valley and second, an algorithm that denotes points of the image as interior to objects those which are inside complete or incomplete boundaries in the depth of valleys image. To evaluate the performance of our method we have tested it on several application domains. Our results on object region identification are promising, specially in the field of polyp detection in colonoscopy videos, and we also show its applicability in different areas.
Parallel and Serial Components in Human-Like Intelligence
Authors: Fahlman Scott E.
Published: February 2025

The human mind can do many amazing things. Of particular interest are a set of cognitive abilities such as simple inference and recognition that are computationally very demanding, but that we humans perform without any perceptible delay or any sense of mental effort – this despite the fact that our brains use slow, millisecond-speed components. In this position paper, I present a brief inventory of human mental operations that exhibit this kind of surprising efficiency. I suggest that we humans accomplish these feats by (a) avoiding the computationally intractable forms of these problems and (b) by applying massively parallel processing, though perhaps of a very simple kind. This is not a new suggestion – some of these ideas were first developed in my mid-1970s work on NETL [1]. However, I believe that a renewed focus on the parallel vs. serial components of mental processing can help us both in understanding human intelligence and in achieving human-like performance in our AI systems.