bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical modeling and field assessment of embankment stabilized with vertical drains and vacuum preloading
Authors: Indraratna Buddhima  , Rujikiatkamjorn Cholachat  , Sathananthan Iyathurai
Published: February 2025

This study presents an analytical model of radial drainage with vacuum preloading using compressibility indices and varying horizontal permeability and considers the influence of linearly distributed vacuum pressure along the drain. An analytical solution based on the Cylindrical Cavity Expansion theory is used to evaluate the extent of the smear zone along the drain length and predict the performance of an embankment stabilized with vacuum-assisted prefabricated vertical drains at the New Bangkok International Airport (NBIA). Here, a significantly reduced height of sand surcharge could be applied because excess pore pressure was reduced by vacuum preloading. The performance of the embankment was evaluated under different vacuum pressure conditions during which the suction head could not be maintained in the field due to probable air leaks. In the analysis, therefore, the magnitude of applied vacuum pressure was based on field measurements and adjusted accordingly. The settlement predictions based on the writers' solutions were compared and agreed with the available field data. The results also indicate that the efficiency of the vertical drains depends on the extent of the smear zone, the magnitude and distribution of vacuum pressure and the extent of air leak protection provided in the field.
Deformation of embankments on soft ground – Better computer simulation resulted from in-put data closer to the reality
Authors: Ohta H.  , Takeyama T.  , Mizuta T.  , Nabetani M.  , Nishida Y.
Published: February 2025

The mechanical behaviour of 5 pre-loading highway embankments placed on very uniform soft Ariake Clay is analysed by employing the soil/water coupled finite element programme DACSAR coded by Iizuka and Ohta (1987) incorporating an elasto-viscoplastic constitutive model proposed by Sekiguchi and Ohta (1977). A series of computer simulation confirms that a set of input data closer to the reality results in the better performance of the computer simulation especially in calculating the lateral movement of subsoil beneath the toe of the embankments.
Improvement of loose sandy soil foundation by compaction piles
Authors: Bicalho Katia Vanessa  , Castello Reno Reine
Published: February 2025

Some case histories of densification of loose sandy soils using compaction piles are analyzed. The sandy soils were improved to support heavily loaded structures using shallow foundations. The technique used was deep compaction through compaction piles driven with Franki-type equipment, and shallow compaction by vibratory plate. Results of the compaction processes are presented and discussed to provide guidance for future projects. The analysis includes distance from the compaction pile, initial relative density, time delay for results verification after compaction, and depth. The results of densification demonstrate the method is efficient.
Densification and plastic behaviour of soils under the pile base
Authors: Mecsi J.
Published: February 2025

The paper focuses on a model developed for determining the changes in the stress/strain conditions of soils in the surroundings of the base of a pile, using the newly expanded cavity concept.
Geotechnical aspects of construction on loessial soils
Authors: Zocenko N.L.  , Matveyev I.V.  , Rosenfeld I.A.  , Shokarev V.S.  , Kornienko N.V.
Published: February 2025

The assessment of construction properties of the loessial collapsible soils spread on the most of the territory of Ukraine is given. The classification of difficulty of construction is presented, which is performed on the basis of comparison of possible deformations of soil foundations and values of ultimate deformations of the designed buildings. The main construction methods on loessial soils are described including soil compaction by hydroblast and results of their application in practice. It is recommended to perform monitoring on the most of the buildings constructed on loessial soils.
Ground improvement and reinforcement in four dikes on soft soil
Authors: Justo J.L.  , Durand P.  , Soriano C.  , Saura J.  , Marco J.M.
Published: February 2025

The final stretch of the Low Guadalquivir Canal includes an irrigation control pond, closed by four homogeneous embankments, three of which are placed on marshland. Figure 2 shows the final design that incorporates the following elements: a geotextile with a stiffness of 8333 kPa at the base, band shaped drains and upper sand blankets, a chimney drain and widened berms. During 1157 days measurements have been taken at topographical stakes, settlement plates, piezometers and inclinometers placed within and below the embankments. Several rheological models have been employed to interpret the measured displacements and pore pressures.
Réflexions sur la conception des colonnes ballastées
Authors: Magnan J.P.  , Droniuc N.  , Canepa Y.  , Dhouib A.
Published: February 2025

La conception des colonnes ballastées ne se réduit pas à l'application des formules associées à une théorie. L'amélioration des sols par ce procédé s'apprécie par rapport à un état initial sans traitement, dont l'évaluation est très importante pour le succès du projet. La première partie de la communication discute des biais possibles de la reconnaissance géotechnique. Le mode d'exécution des colonnes est un autre paramètre majeur de la conception. La communication l'examine sous le double point de vue du refoulement des sols naturels par le ballast et de la relation entre la résistance du sol et le diamètre réel des colonnes.
Geotechnical analyses of Taipei International Financial Center (Taipei 101) Construction Project
Authors: Lin D.G.  , Woo S.M.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the results of series of numerical analyses using various simulation schemes to investigate the behavior of piled raft foundation, the possible effect of micro-pile installation on reducing ground movements and the creep deformation of deep excavation in TIFC (Taipei International Financial Center) Construction Project (or Taipei 101 project). The project possesses a large deep excavation area of 152.2m×m, 5-story basement of 21.7m deep and 101-story steel reinforced concrete tower building of 508m high. In addition to the pile loading tests in the TIFC jobsite which consists of 3 compression piles and 2 extension piles, there totally128 boreholes were drilled for sampling and a series of high quality laboratory tests and field tests were conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of soil stratum. Moreover, a well-organized instrumentation system was also established to monitor various ground responses and structural performances during the excavation.
Elastic and creep settlements of rock fills
Authors: Athanasiu Corneliu  , Simonsen Arne Schram  , Soereide Ole Kristian  , Tistel Joar
Published: February 2025

Rock fills are widely used to ensure a proper foundation ground for large industrial plants, airports and other structures where very strict tolerances are required for the magnitude of settlements, differential settlements and rotations. With these very strict requirements (allowable settlements within few centimeters) for the whole life time of the structures, the estimation of elastic and particularly of creep settlements of the rock fills becomes a crucial issue in the foundation design. The few settlement measurements on rock fill embankments and dams, available in literature, were used to develop a simplified method of creep and elastic settlement calculation and to estimate preliminary settlement parameters for foundation design of Troll Onshore Plant at Kollsnes (As Norske Shell), Snøhvit LNG Plant at Hammerfest (STATOIL) and Ormen Lange Onshore Terminal at Aukra (Norsk Hydro), in Norway. Due to uncertainties in creep parameters, settlement measurements has been performed at Kollsnes rock fill over a period of 11 years. These are used to verify the assumptions and parameters of the proposed method. The comparison between predicted and measured settlements shows a fairly good agreement for the creep settlements of the fill under own weight.
Back analyses of Maroon embankment dam
Authors: Mahin Roosta R.  , Tabibnejad A.R.
Published: February 2025

Maroon dam is one of the largest embankment dams in Iran, which is located in south west of the country. Because of the importance of this dam, a complete monitoring program with a regular observation has been done during and after construction. To evaluate the stability of the dam body at present and at loading conditions which may be experienced in future, a large amount of data obtained from instrumentation system has been processed carefully and are used for back analyses with numerical method. Aim of these back analyses is to estimate strength and deformation parameters of different embankment material zones. The back analyses are performed at end of construction and after reservoir filling. For instance, changes in displacement, pore pressure and stress in specific points of dam body are compared with those histories obtained from back analyses.
Raft and piles foundation of a silo
Authors: Geffen S.  , Birnbaum I.
Published: February 2025

A study of an instrumented silo foundation, constructed in 1996, was undertaken. The foundation was composed of a doughnut shaped raft supported by 20 piles, which were embedded over the entire length in plastic clay having a high water table. The clay extended to a depth of more than 200 meters. The constructed pile length was 21 to 22 m, with a diameter of 1.1 m. Ten of the piles were instrumented with strain gages, spaced at depths of 2 m, 10 m, and 20 m. The raft was based on a well compacted granular soil (kurkar). The head of the piles penetrated approximately 200 mm into the raft, unconnected, in order to enable independent vertical uplift movements. Four pressure cells were placed between the raft and the compacted granular fill. Measurement points for the vertical relative movement between the instrumented pile heads and the raft, as well as elevation points for monitoring the vertical movements of the silo wall, were placed at 8 locations, symmetrically arranged. Systematic measurements for the last 8 years, since the first filling of the silo, were performed. The applications of live loads were recorded on a daily basis and were processed numerically computerized and as diagrams. Early computations for the prediction of load distribution between the raft and the piles were performed by several methods. Observations based on measured data showed large discrepancies during the first 2 years. In the last 6 years, load distribution between the raft and the piles and load transfer along the piles showed steady trends and approached the early predictions.
Piled raft with different pile length for medium-rise buildings on very soft clay
Authors: Tan Y.C.  , Chow C.M.  , Gue S.S.
Published: February 2025

Conventional piled foundation is usually designed to provide adequate load carrying capacity and to limit the overall settlement (and hence controlling differential settlement) within tolerable limit. As such, the piles are often of the same length and size. In this paper, a design approach is presented in which the foundation of a medium rise building (5-storeys) is designed using skin-friction piles of different length. The design objective is to control the differential settlement at the onset rather than limiting the overall settlement. The design utilises the interaction between piled raft and soil in order to produce an optimum design which satisfies both the serviceability and ultimate limit states. The presence of the deep deposit of highly compressible soft clay also poses major challenge in the design as negative skin friction, excessive differential settlement and bearing capacity failure associated with such soft materials need to be addressed. A monitoring scheme on the structures has been successfully implemented and the monitoring results have demonstrated that the foundation system coupled with a properly planned temporary surcharging of the earth platform is very effective. The monitoring results will also allow for further improvement and refinement of design.
A new concept for rockfill dams – protecting the surrounding environment
Authors: Kudou A.  , Nishigaki M.  , Torii T.  , Asada S.
Published: February 2025

To meet the increasing demand for electric power and also preserve the environment, more and indeed new concepts for hydroelectric dams are been proposed. For pump-storage rockfill dams, the saturated-unsaturated hydraulic properties of construction materials are important considerations. This paper reports the results of a series of laboratory tests that were carried out on the hydraulic properties of coarse materials. A new method for determining the saturated-unsaturated coefficients of permeability of coarse materials in the laboratory and an evaluating system for rockfill dams under non-Darcy flow conditions due to rapid drawdown are proposed.
Dewatering at the Port of Ngqura: A case study
Authors: Vermeulen N.J.  , Day P.W.
Published: February 2025

Southern Africa's first Industrial Development Zone is taking shape near the city of Port Elizabeth. The Coega IDZ is a purpose-built industrial estate for local and international industrial developers. The new international deepwater port of Ngqura forms a vital component of the Coega IDZ. Its three mass concrete quay walls were constructed in a dewatered excavation on the beach next to the Coega River mouth.
GIS aided slope instability analysis of the highway slope based on shear strength
Authors: Bhattarai P.  , Tiwari B.  , Marui H.  , Aoyama K.
Published: February 2025

Deterministic slope stability analysis for 3D potential failure surfaces was done using GIS and the analyses of the potential slope failure area were done for a catchment of 16 Km long highway highway sector in Nepal. This study provides the guidelines for the use of soil strength parameters in the 3D deterministic analysis and mapping. About 80% of the existing slope failures were observed within the very high and high instability potential zones proposed by this study. Recommendation was done for 10 critical highway locations and 3 critical bridge sites, which are threatened by various types of mass movement activities.
Development of geotechnical earthquake engineering in Japan
Authors: Towhata I.
Published: February 2025

Japan is one of the regions which are most prone to natural hazards. Among such disasters as indeced by heavy rainfalls, typhoons, and volcanic actions, earthquakes have been causing a variety of bad consequences in the history. Under this hard natural environment, technologies have developed historically and in modern times in a variety of directions in order to prevent or mitigate natural hazards. The earliest examples of those developments are the famous seismic coefficient method of seismic design and Mononobe-Okabe earth pressure theory. Repeated strong earthquakes in densely populated area have kept showing new kinds of problems. Under many disasters, it was often possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of new mitigative technologies. Problems related with soil liquefaction is one of the examples of this type. Starting with the assessment of liquefaction potential and prevention of the onset of liquefaciotn, geotechnical engineering in the recent decades is shifting to the performance-based approach in which the consequence of liquefaction is assessed and, if the consequence is not allowable, it is mitigated. This situation has provided significant research topics, which are extremely difficult, and important achievements have been accomplished. The latest problem to be solved is the introduction of broader viewpoints in which the seismic resistance of individual structurea is studied and determined so that the seismic vulnerability of the whole public may be minimized. This would be a combination of geotechnical engineering and regional economic planning.
Void redistribution research with 1-g and centrifuge modeling
Authors: Malvick E.J.  , Kutter B.L.  , Boulanger R.W.  , Kabasawa K.  , Kokusho T.
Published: February 2025

A U.S.-Japan cooperative research project enabled researchers from Chuo University in Tokyo and University of California in Davis to collaborate on a project studying the effects of void redistribution and water film formation on shear deformations due to liquefaction in layered soils. It has been shown that softening associated with void redistribution can contribute to liquefaction-induced lateral spreading and flow slides. Examples are presented of 1-g model tests at Chuo University and centrifuge tests at UC Davis. Common findings are summarized and differences are discussed. The key implication of these complementary testing programs is that the residual shear strength of liquefied soil in the field is not solely a function of the pre-earthquake state of the soil, but rather is dependent of those conditions affecting void redistribution and water film formation.
Large-diameter cyclic triaxial tests for seismic safety assessment of an earth dam
Authors: Brenner R.P.  , Wieland M.  , Malla S.
Published: February 2025

Large-diameter(300 mm) cyclic triaxial tests were conducted on morainic, non-plastic soil taken from the core of the 117 m high Mattmark dam in Switzerland with the objective to provide an estimate of excess pore pressure development and the deformations under cyclic loading caused by the strongest possible earthquake in that region.Variables considered were anisotropic consolidation stresses, cyclic stress amplitude and number of cycles as derived from a dynamic response analysis of the dam. The results indicated that the build up of excess pore pressures remained small but the deformations produced by cyclic loading could be substantial, i.e.exceeding 5 %.Analysis of seismic settlement,however, showed that the safety of the dam is not compromised.
On the prediction of dynamic behaviour using numerical and physical modelling
Authors: Haigh Stuart  , Coelho Paulo  , Madabhushi Gopal
Published: February 2025

Both physical and numerical modelling have their advantages and disadvantages in predicting the behaviour of structures on liquefiable soils under earthquake loading. Whilst it can be seen that as a designer, numerical techniques offer the quickest and cheapest route to a safe design, in order to have confidence in the results gained from any numerical code, its results must be checked against those from a physical prototype, whether that is a centrifuge test or a full-scale experiment. In order for this test to be unbiased, numerical analyses should be carried out before the tests in a so-called Class A or ‘blind’ prediction of the behaviour.
Stability of loose CDG fill slopes subjected to uni-axial and bi-axial earthquakes in a centrifuge
Authors: Van Laak P.A.  , Ng C.W.W.
Published: February 2025

The seismic stability, potential flow slide and liquefaction of loose CDG fill slopes are investigated using a unique hydraulic bi-axial shaking table in a centrifuge. The modelling procedures and test results of a series of model slopes subjected to uni-axial and bi-axial shaking with a prototype peak ground acceleration (pga) up to 0.30g in the centrifuge will be described and reported.
Stress distribution of rockfall events on galleries
Authors: Chikatamarla R.  , Laue J.  , Springman S.M.
Published: February 2025

Rockfall galleries are built to protect local infrastructure and lifelines against rockfall events. They are covered usually with a soil layer, sometimes for aesthetical reasons but also for protection against impact from rockfalls and snow avalanches. The effect of the impact has been quantified in a research project by investigating the properties of the cover (cushion) material. The stress distribution caused by a rockfall event is measured in centrifuge model tests by means of a tactile multipoint pressure transducer on the gallery below the cushion material as well as point load measurements at supports and strain gauges to determine bending of the gallery slab. The technique of measuring stress distribution under a soil layer is adapted from bio-medicine and the car industry to soil mechanics. Features of these pressure sensors will be discussed in relation to the response to a rockfall event and for different types and thicknesses of cushion material. Numerical modelling has also been carried out using LS DYNA. Knowledge gained can be used for formulation of guidelines for the gallery design.
Large scale monitoring during Amsterdam metro construction; risk control, procedures and experiences
Authors: Haasnoot J.K.  , Bhageloe G.S.  , Braakman S.  , Kaalberg F.J.
Published: February 2025

The new North/South metro line is being constructed in Amsterdam. The construction of three deep station boxes started in 2003 right in the historic inner city of Amsterdam. The sensitive structures surrounding the station boxes are automatically monitored by a system of robotic total stations and prisms. A dedicated geographical information system automatically checks on an hourly basis whether individual measuring points have exceeded limit values. The limit values are based on the results of full scale trials and FEM calculations. The paper deals with the deformation risk control of deep station boxes in a sensitive historic environment. The large amount of monitoring data, daily several thousands of measuring points are checked for exceeding trigger values, requires special analyses. Once limit values are exceeded clear and comprehensive procedures are defined to inform geotechnical engineers to take action. In the paper these procedures and the experience with such an extensive system are presented.
Geotechnical protection techniques for buildings adjacent to site territories
Authors: Krivosheyev P.I.  , Grigor'ev G.M.  , Tregub A.S.  , Moskalina I.N.  , Petrakov A.A.
Published: February 2025

Maintenance and protection measures for buildings adjacent to near-site territories are divided into several groups. To major groups we can refer the mining measures, like establishing a coal pillar, filling in the mined-out space with rough, harmonic undermining together with mutual strain absorbing by simultaneous beds mining; the construction measures like compartitioning of the buildings into bays, changing the stability of buildings' foundations and bearing structures and adjustment of tilted carcass height. This paper presents measures aimed to diminish the exposure to structure's base. Generally, such measures are taken at the foundation-basement part of the building or at the foundation-soil contact line.
Conditions for the use of the observational method in geotechnical engineering
Authors: van Baars S.
Published: February 2025

Information observed during construction can be used to optimise the rest of the construction or structure. In this article nine general conditions are named for the implementation of the Observational Method in geotechnical engineering. The most important general condition is that the uncertain field condition (the observational data) must be clear to measure. The problem of brittle behaviour is related to this point. If a project fulfils all general conditions, a financial risk analysis is necessary to find out if the Observational Method is profitable. In this article a simplified approach for a risk analysis is given, inclusive two examples, which show that the success of implementation varies strongly per geotechnical discipline.
Settlement of building foundations based on field pile load tests
Authors: Zhang Limin  , Xu Yao
Published: February 2025

Serviceability limit requirements are an important concern in pile foundation design. In places such as Hong Kong, where depths of competent founding soils/bedrock vary greatly, the pile lengths can vary from a few meters to over 100 m. Following the current practice of pile design and acceptance, the settlement of pile foundations can be considerably different from one site to another. The objective of this paper is to evaluate ranges of the settlement of buildings supported by driven pile foundations. Settlement measurements from full-scale static load tests on a large number of piles are reported. From the load-displacement curves of these load tests, the distributions of the settlement of single piles under the intended design load, twice the design load, and the failure load are determined. The settlements of single piles at the intended design load vary from less than 10 mm for relatively short piles to about 30 mm for long piles and the settlements at twice the design load vary from 18 mm to 85 mm. The single pile settlement follows approximately a lognormal distribution. The settlement of a pile group is then obtained by multiplying the single pile settlement by a group settlement ratio that is defined as the ratio of the pile group settlement to the single pile settlement under the same load per pile. The distribution of the settlement ratio for freestanding pile groups in sand is established based on data from some field and model pile group tests. The results show that considerable pile group settlement can occur even if all individual piles satisfy specified acceptance criteria. Settlement problems may be particularly serious for buildings supported by very long piles or piles founded on undulating bedrocks.
Maximum shear modulus and incrementally nonlinear soils
Authors: Holman Terence P.  , Finno Richard J.
Published: February 2025

Experimental results of a small strain testing program on block samples of compressible Chicago clays are presented, including bender element tests and drained axisymmetric directional stress probes employing internal measurements of axial and radial deformation and axial loads. Bender element propagation velocities and stiffness are measured during K0reconsolidation and creep, and are related primarily to the mean normal effective stress p'. The results of the stress probes indicate that the secant shear stiffness is directionally dependent at all strain levels between 0.001% and 0.1% under axisymmetric conditions. Because bender elements induce dispersive axisymmetric flexural waves into a soil column, the frequency of the input must be carefully selected so that the measured propagation velocity is representative of a shear wave velocity.
Influence de la répartition granulométrique sur le comportement mécanique d'un sol
Authors: Reiffsteck Ph.  , Nguyen Pham P.T.
Published: February 2025

La difficulté de mesurer leurs propriétés mécaniques est une des caractéristiques des sols hétérogènes. La compréhension du comportement de ces sols passe par la connaissance de l'influence de la fraction granulométrique sur les paramètres mécaniques. Cette communication présente une série d'essais effectuée sur un sable et des billes de verre de quatre diamètres mélangés en différentes proportions. Ces essais sont complétés par une étude de différents mélanges de kaolinite et de sable. L'analyse des résultats des résistances au cisaillement conduit à proposer l'interprétation suivante: les matériaux dont la courbe granulométrique est creuse, présentent un optimum de densité plus élevée et donc un engrènement meilleur des particules. De ce fait, on peut observer pour ces matériaux une résistance au cisaillement supérieure. Il semble qu'il en soit de même pour le comportement en déformation.
Evaluation of penetration tests and their correlations in gravelly soils
Authors: Kulhawy Fred H.  , Chen Jie-Ru
Published: February 2025

All penetration tests are useful for site exploration and soil property characterization, but most have limited applicability in gravelly soils. In these soils, the following dynamic tests dominate: Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Large Penetration Test (LPT), and Becker Penetration Test (BPT). Although the SPT is most appropriate in sandy soils, it still is used in gravelly soils. To overcome this limitation, several large-scale penetration tests have been developed in the USA, Canada, Japan, and Italy, and they are categorized by configuration of the testing equipment into LPT and BPT. This paper surveys these tests and their basic procedures. Then correlations linking the SPT to the LPT and BPT are explored, resulting in design recommendations.
Versatile site characterization by seismic piezocone
Authors: Mayne P.W.  , Campanella R.G.
Published: February 2025

Site investigations require the collection of geostratigraphic information about the soil layering and consistency, as well as a suite of soil properties and parameters for use in analytical and numerical calculations for design. The seismic piezocone test with dissipation phases (SCPTÙ) offers an optimal means to obtain up to five independent readings on soil behavior within a single sounding (qt, fs, ub, t50, Vs). Therefore, this test should be adopted as the minimum level of effort during geotechnical site exploration as site-specific delineation of soil strata is accomplished along with rational means to measure the in-situ small-strain stiffness and estimate strength, stress history, frictional characteristics, and permeability through site specific or global correlations.
Statistical criteria of determination of homogenous geotechnical layers
Authors: Młynarek Zb.  , Tschuschke W.  , Wierzbicki J.  , Wołyński W.
Published: February 2025

The problem of determination of homogenous layers in respect of geotechnical parameters has fundamental meaning for the acceptation of the foundation design for any building. The determination of layers is carried out on the basis of results of in situ tests, supplemented by some laboratory tests. The main task in the determination of homogenous layers is grouping data obtained from the above mentioned tests. In the past, the most popular approach was to use the intuition of geotechnical engineers, supported by basic statistical calculations. The limitation in the use of more advanced methods was caused by the complicated procedure of calculations and the complex nature of subsoil. The determination of homogenous layers can be treated as a one dimensional task, related to one parameter (for example during the analysis of the CPTU profile), but also as a two or three dimensional task, related to several parameters (mapping subsoil at a certain level of σv0). So far the use of cluster analysis was regarded to be either a one dimensional task (Hegazy & Mayne 2002) or a two dimensional task (Młynarek & Lunne 1987). This paper presents the procedure of determination of homogenous layers in post glacial sediments. The basic parameters for cluster analysis were normalized CPTU parameters: Qtand Rf.
Determination of soil bearing pressures using a modified Plate Load Tester in the Nigerian Niger Delta
Authors: Clifford Teme S.  , Eton Godwin
Published: February 2025

The determination of the bearing capacity of sub-soils using the conventional Plate Load Testing Techniques usually involves firmly grouted heavy reaction piles, H-beams, extremely heavy dead weights, slow-moving barges and tug-boats that are not only time – consuming but very expensive to employ. A Modified Plate Load Tester that comprises a 0.4064meter (16.00 inch) square base, a 0.2032meter (8.00 inch) diameter and 0.762m (2.50 feet) long cylindrical steel stem with a receptacle for load bearing at its top, two (2) 254mm-range dial gauges for settlement measurements, two (2) magnetic dial gauge holders, two (2) 1.22-meter long, 0.051-meter diameter steel rods driven 0.75 meter into the ground for dial gauge support and sixteen (16) equal weights of 160.00 kg each, has been devised. This technique has been successfully employed for the determination of the load bearing capacity of sub-soils for emplacement of 300.00 kPa INO ATM & INO LP Separators at an Oil Flow Station in the Freshwater Swamps of the Niger Delta at Ogboinbiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State of Nigeria. Field investigations indicated that the in-situ silty-clayey lateritic soils have undrained shear strength parameters of φu=6°−10° and undrained cohesion intercept (cu) = 24.00 – 32.00 kPa, natural moisture content (w) = 36.5% ; and consistency limits of LL = 38.5%; PL = 11.6 – 13.8% . Using this modified Plate Load Tester, and testing at four (4) points situated within a designated area of 12m x 16m, the bearing capacity values of the soils which had earlier been improved upon by vibro-flotation, ranged from 431.82 to 462.57 kPa. These values were all above the designed bearing capacity of 300.00 kPa required for the placement of the Separators at the project site. This paper describes in detail the design and fabrication of the modified Plate Load Tester, its field applications using the procedures of ASTM D1194-72, field data acquisition, analysis and computations. The advantages and disadvantages of this Plate Load Testing technique over the conventional technique are also discussed.
A Swinging Plane Model for soil liquefaction analysis
Authors: Park S.-S.  , Byrne P.M.  , Wijewickreme D.
Published: February 2025

A simplified constitutive model called a Swinging Plane Model is presented for monotonic and cyclic soil response including liquefaction. This model is based on two mobilized planes: a plane of maximum shear stress, which swings, and a horizontal plane which is spatially fixed. By controlling two mobilized planes, the model can simulate the principal stress rotation effect associated with simple shear from different K0states, which can significantly influence soil behaviour. The proposed model gives a similar skeleton behaviour for soils having the same mean stress, regardless of K0conditions as observed in laboratory tests. The soil skeleton behaviour observed in cyclic drained simple shear tests, including compaction during unloading and dilation at large strain is captured in the model. Undrained monotonic and cyclic response is predicted by imposing the volumetric constraint of the water on the drained or skeleton behaviour. This constitutive model is incorporated into the dynamic coupled stress-flow finite difference program FLAC (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua). The model was first calibrated with drained monotonic and cyclic simple shear tests on Fraser River sand, and verified by comparing predicted and measured undrained monotonic and cyclic behaviour of Fraser River sand.
Student-t Process Regression with Dependent Student-t Noise
Authors: Tang Qingtao  , Wang Yisen  , Xia Shu-Tao
Published: February 2025

Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) is a powerful non-parametric method. However, GPR may perform poorly if the data are contaminated by outliers. To address the issue, we replace the Gaussian process with a Student-t process and introduce dependent Student-t noise in this paper, leading to a Student-t Process Regression with Dependent Student-t noise model (TPRD). Closed form expressions for the marginal likelihood and predictive distribution of TPRD are derived. Besides, TPRD gives a probabilistic interpretation to the Student-t Process Regression with the noise incorporated into its Kernel (TPRK), which is a common approach for the Student-t process regression. Moreover, we analyze the influence of different kernels. If the kernel meets a condition, called β-property here, the maximum marginal likelihood estimation of TPRD's hyperparameters is independent of the degrees of freedom ν of the Student-t process, which implies that GPR, TPRD and TPRK have exactly the same predictive mean. Empirically, the degrees of freedom ν could be regarded as a convergence accelerator, indicating that TPRD with a suitable ν performs faster than GPR. If the kernel does not have the β-property, TPRD has better performances than GPR, without additional computational cost. On benchmark datasets, the proposed results are verified.
Dialog-Based Online Argumentation
Authors: Krauthoff Tobias  , Baurmann Michael  , Betz Gregor  , Mauve Martin
Published: February 2025

In this position paper we propose a novel approach to online argumentation. It avoids the pitfalls of unstructured systems such as asynchronous threaded discussions and it is usable by any participant without training while still supporting the full complexity of real-world argumentation. The key idea is to let users exchange arguments with each other in the form of a time-shifted dialog where arguments are presented and acted upon one-at-a-time. We highlight the key research challenges that need to be addressed in order to realize such a system and provide first solutions for those challenges.
Perspectives on the Formal Representation of the Interpretation of Norms
Authors: van Doesburg Robert  , van Engers Tom
Published: February 2025

Methods for the formal interpretation of normative sources in natural language, e.g. Statute Law and regulations form a neglected part of the field of AI and Law. In our view a frame-based approach is best suited for making formal specifications for normative systems that can be traced back to normative sources. The adequacy of the Flint-language to perform this task, is being compared with that of two existing frame-based solutions.
Arxiv-Based Commenting Resources By and For Astrophysicists and Physicists: An Initial Survey
Authors: Marra Monica
Published: February 2025

This paper results to be the first, though absolutely initial, overview of commenting platforms and other web 2.0 resources which were born for and within the astrophysical research community, from 2004 to 2016. Additional experiences, chiefly in the physics domain, were added for a total of twenty-one tools, inclusive of four items in the specific area of epijournals – plus four supplementary resources which have been simply mentioned or anyway much more synthetically described due to their specific features –, thus casting some light onto an unexpected richness and consonance of endeavours. These experiences rest on the contents of the pioneering database ArXiv, which adds to its universally recognized merits that of setting the grounds for web 2.0 resources, and research behaviours, to be put in place. These resources were surveyed substantially through the method of empirical evidence, partly routed by the web resources examined and by some of the literature, and are accounted for in a time sequence for their essential features. Most of the experiences retrieved are UK- and US-based, but other countries have been involved, such as Italy, the Netherlands and China. Final remarks are sketched. The results integrate the previous studies according to which the web 2.0 is presently of limited use for scholarly communication within the astrophysical community. Collaterally, some aspects of ArXiv's recent pathway towards partial inclusion of web 2.0 features are touched upon. The centrality of the scholarly literature for web 2.0 interactivity in astrophysics and – more presumably – in some other branches of the physics domain emerges as a plausible hypothesis and as a promising research suggestion. Further investigation is not only needed, but also absolutely hoped for.
Formulating Evaluation Model to Assess the Effectiveness of Coordination Processes in Global Software Development Projects
Authors: Subbarao Anusuyah  , Naz'ri Mahrin Mohd
Published: February 2025

Well-coordinated development is assumed to not only produce software faster, but also to produce software of higher quality and at lower cost. Development of indicators for each coordination processes and strategies will lead to coordination effectiveness. The aim of this study is to formulate an Evaluation Model to Assess the Effectiveness of Coordination Processes in Global Software Development (GSD) Projects which consist of coordination processes, coordination strategies, indicators related to the identified coordination processes and coordination strategies in GSD-base software development organizations. This model formulation consist of four processes namely indicators consolidation, indicators validation, indicators description, and indicators categorization. Generally, this model will be a guideline for project managers to assess the coordination processes effectively between collocated and distributed team in GSD environment. By using this proposed model, project managers could assess and manage the coordination processes and the coordination strategies more effectively in GSD projects.
Air Quality Simulations and Forecasting of Along-Route Ship Emissions in Realistic Meteo-Marine Scenarios
Authors: Orlandi Andrea  , Guarnieri Francesca  , Busillo Caterina  , Calastrini Francesca  , Coraddu Andrea
Published: February 2025

In the present study, scenario simulations are performed by integrating ship performance prediction models with meteo-marine forecasting and pollutants emissions transport models. By considering the detailed simulation of seakeeping and powering performance of a ship along predefined routes, in different realistic meteo-marine conditions, the concentration of the emitted pollutants and their fate in the atmosphere are analysed. The relationship between the increase of pollutants emissions due to adverse meteo-marine conditions and the corresponding pollutant diffusion characteristics of the ensuing atmospheric dynamics is investigated. In this paper the authors report the results of the first part of the study, finalized to better comprehend the numerical implementation details of an integrated system aimed at forecasting the powering performance and corresponding pollutant emissions impact based on realistic meteo-marine conditions and ship data.
Time Domain Assessment of Vertical Motions of Planing Hulls
Authors: Pennino Silvia  , Begovic Ermina  , Bertorello Carlo  , Scamardella Antonio
Published: February 2025

Planing hull forms seakeeping assessment is a fundamental step for successful design of fast patrol boats, pleasure craft, SAR vessels where these are commonly used. Operating in high speed regime leads to hydrodynamic lift and displaced volume diminution, consequently the boat experiences the changing of trim, rise of centre of gravity and wetted surface decreases. Standard linear model, for planing hulls seakeeping assessment, based on the linear free surface condition and small changes in wetted surface are not applicable at all. This work is focused on the description and validation of a numerical code for the calculation in time domain of planing boats vertical motions. The code has been developed by the authors according to Zarnick's theory for monohedral hull in full planning regime advancing in regular waves. The obtained numerical results have been compared with experimental data presented in Begovic et al. [1] and in Begovic et al. [2], reporting have, pitch and accelerations at CG and at bow. The comparison of numerical and experimental data is given for one model speed in wide range of tested wave frequencies.
On the Stability of Underwater Glider at Balancing Motions Modes
Authors: Sukhorukov Andrey L.  , Titov Maksim A.
Published: February 2025

This study determines hydrodynamic characteristics of underwater glider based on the numerical solution of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Examined are the methodological aspects for determination of rotary derivatives coefficients for underwater object hydrodynamic forces and moments based on the “sliding computational meshes” mechanism implemented in many software packages of fluid mechanics. Main development stages of the calculation model for solving similar tasks are indicated. The non-stationary calculation of the viscous fluid flow past an underwater object resulted in the determination of velocity and pressure fields in the stream. Obtained are the relations that allow the coefficients of rotary derivatives of hydrodynamic forces and moments to be determined based on the preset values of hydrodynamic impacts.
Predicting Physical Activity and Functional Fitness Levels Through Inertial Signals and EMD-Based Features in Older Adults
Authors: Galán-Mercant Alejandro  , Moral-Munoz Jose A.  , Ortiz Andrés  , Herrera-Viedma Enrique  , Tomás Teresa Maria
Published: February 2025

Older adults are related to a reduction in the physical functionality, as a result of a musculoskeletal system degeneration. In that way, physical exercise has been stated as a suitable intervention to prevent such health problems. Therefore, an adequate assessment of the physical activity and functional fitness levels is needed to plan the individualized intervention. A broad test used to assess the functional fitness level is the 6-minutes walk test (6MWT). It has been previously measured using accelerometer sensors. In views of this background, the main aim of the present study is to use the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method to predict the physical activity and functional fitness levels of the older adults through the acceleration signals recorded by a smartphone during the 6MWT. A total of 17 participants were recruited. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and BMI), physical activity, and functional fitness levels from each participant were recorded. Consecutively, the EMD method was applied to determine the prediction. According to the results, the proposed method can predict the physical activity and functional fitness levels with high accuracy, even using only one cycle. Thus, the approach described in the present work could be implemented in future m-health systems to identify the physical activity profile of the older adults.
The Mouse and the Ball
Authors: Kutz Oliver  , Troquard Nicolas  , Hedblom Maria M.  , Porello Daniele
Published: February 2025

We discuss steps towards a formalisation of the principles of an agentive naïve proto-physics, designed to match a level of abstraction that reflects the pre-linguistic conceptualisations and elementary notions of agency, as they develop during early human cognitive development. To this end, we present an agentive extension of the multi-dimensional image schema logic ISL based on variants of STIT theory, thus replacing the temporal dimension of ISL with an action-agnostic theory of agency. To begin grasping the notion of ‘animate agent’, we apply the newly defined logic to model the image schematic notion of ‘self movement’ as a means to distinguish the agentive capabilities of a mouse from those of a ball. Finally, we outline the prospects for employing the theory in cognitive robotics.
Scale-Iterative Optical Flow Reconstruction from Multi-Channel Image Sequences
Authors: Kalitzin Stiliyan  , Geertsema Evelien  , Petkov George
Published: February 2025

We propose a novel algorithm for optical flow reconstruction, the Spectral Optical Flow Iterative Algorithm (SOFIA). It uses local structural information in color images. The reconstructed flow carries the total information contained in the images and the singularity of the inverse problem is potentially reduced when the spectral components are not mutually redundant. In addition, the method is extended to provide smoothening functionality by averaging the structural information represented by the structural tensor in local neighborhoods, avoiding thus gradient cancellation effects present when the image is directly smoothened. An iterative multi-scale scheme is proposed where the optical flow vector reconstructed at coarser scales is used to generate the source image for the reconstruction at finer scales. The algorithm is quantitatively validated with recorded images transformed with generated synthetic displacement vector fields. The dependence of reconstruction accuracy on the parameters of both the images and the vector deformation fields is presented.