[Objective] The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) can effectively reflect the relationship between soil water suction (matric potential) and water content, yet conventional testing methods pose challenges for the calibration of in situ soil hydraulic parameters. A more convenient, economical and reliable in situ testing approach is required for the rapid evaluation of in situ soil water status and hydraulic characteristics. [Methods] This study integrated soil dielectric theory with a soil water characteristic curve model and, by considering clay mineral composition, bound water, and free water, derived and established an evaluation model for the soil equivalent dielectric constant-matric suction characteristic curve (SEDCC). For model verification, remolded red clay samples with an average dry density of 1.2 g/cm³ were prepared from six regions of Yunnan Province. The prediction accuracy of the SEDCC curves for red clay across different regions was then systematically analyzed, and the feasibility of indirectly evaluating the SWCC of red clay using dielectric theory parameters of electromagnetic waves was further discussed. [Results] The results showed that the water retention characteristics of red clay were influenced by formation conditions, mineral composition, pore structure, and climatic environment, resulting in regional differences in the fitting accuracy of the Fredlund model. Volumetric water content was the key factor driving changes in matric suction and the equivalent dielectric constant. Using volumetric water content as a bridge, the equivalent dielectric constant gradually decreased as matric suction increased. By fitting the correlation between the equivalent dielectric constant and matric suction using the SEDCC model, the fitting accuracy of the SEDCC model in all regions was greater than 95%. An approximately symmetric relationship was observed between the matric suction inversion curve of red clay and the dielectric theory prediction curve. However, this relationship was still influenced by regional differences. By comparing the predicted values from the dielectric theory inversion curve with the measured values obtained by the filter paper method, it was found that the change trends of the soil water characteristic curves derived from the two were basically consistent, with an average relative error of 6.42%. [Conclusion] Therefore, the SEDCC curve proposed based on dielectric theory can fully reflect the coupling relationship between the soil equivalent dielectric constant and matric suction, indicating that the equivalent dielectric constant is a feasible indirect indicator for evaluating matric suction in red clay. Compared with traditional methods, this model is efficient, convenient, and nondestructive, and it shows potential for indirectly inverting the soil water characteristic curve using dielectric theory, thereby providing a convenient approach as well as theoretical model support and reference for the rapid and accurate detection of soil hydraulic parameters using electromagnetic wave techniques.

[Objective] The integrated support structure of precast piles with dentiform curtains can effectively reduce the earth pressure acting on the support structure and enhance its overall performance. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the load-reduction characteristics of the dentiform walls in this structure, reveal the key mechanisms of load reduction, and provide a theoretical reference for the design and calculation of this novel composite support technology. [Methods] Based on the load-reduction mechanisms of the dentiform walls in an integrated support system of precast piles with curtains, a cycloidal slip surface conforming to the actual sliding failure mode of the soil behind the walls was introduced. A calculation method for the load-reduction effect of the dentiform walls under soil sliding conditions was developed using the horizontal thin-layer differential theory. Based on the validation through calculation examples, the impact of key parameters—including dentiform wall structural parameters (spacing, width, thickness), soil strength parameters (cohesion, internal friction angle), and soil-wall interface strength parameters (soil-wall cohesion, soil-wall external friction angle)—on the load-reduction effect of earth pressure was further analyzed. [Results] When the dentiform wall spacing decreased from 3 m to 1.2 m, the load-reduction ratio increased from 23.77% to 44.02%. When the dentiform wall width increased from 0.5 m to 3 m, the load-reduction ratio increased from 17.16% to 46.34%. When the dentiform wall thickness increased from 0.4 m to 1.0 m, the load-reduction ratio only increased from 32.66% to 36.66%. When soil cohesion (c) increased from 1 kPa to 16 kPa, the load-reduction ratio increased from 28.14% to 59.86%. When the soil internal friction angle increased from 16° to 31°, the load-reduction ratio increased from 20.43% to 42.68%. When the soil-wall interface cohesion (c₁) increased from 0.6 kPa to 9.6 kPa, the load-reduction ratio increased from 27.41% to 50.41%. When the soil-wall interface external friction angle increased from 9.6° to 18.6°, the load-reduction ratio increased from 30.33% to 36.21%, with the rate of increase gradually slowing down. [Conclusion] The developed calculation method effectively solves the problem that earth pressure is difficult to quantitatively analyze when the integrated support system of precast piles with curtains has dentiform walls. The dentiform walls exhibit a significant load-reduction effect, with the load-reduction ratio of earth pressure from the sliding soil behind the walls reaching over 50%. Decreasing the dentiform wall spacing and increasing its width can both significantly enhance the load-reduction effect. Since the walls have a certain width, the contact area between the back of the dentiform walls and the sliding soil mass is limited, and increasing the wall thickness does not lead to a notable improvement in the load-reduction effect. Increases in both the cohesion and internal friction angle of the soil behind the walls can significantly raise the load-reduction ratio of the dentiform walls. Therefore, on sites with better soil conditions, adding dentiform walls is more beneficial for improving the performance of integrated support of precast piles with curtains. The increase in the strength of the soil-wall interface also contributes to a higher load-reduction ratio of the dentiform walls, but the increase in soil-wall cohesion has a relatively more significant impact.

[Objective] To investigate the drag reduction effect of residual layers in periodic debris flows, we quantitatively revealed the amplification effect of the impact of subsequent waves due to the presence of residual layers. We propose evaluation indicators centered on the impact force ratio F^* (amplification of subsequent wave impact relative to the first wave) and the momentum ratio R (amplification of total momentum flux relative to the head momentum flux), aiming to elucidate the dynamic mechanisms responsible for the increased destructiveness of subsequent waves. [Methods] Using a mesoscale flume, we examined debris flows with three different solid contents (40%, 50%, and 60%). Sensors measured flow height, normal stress, shear stress, and pore water pressure. Considering that the movement of subsequent waves over residual layers can be approximated as quasi-steady hydraulic jumps, we calculated unit width impact forces from post-jump velocities and water depths based on momentum conservation. Dimensionless indicators F^* and R were constructed to quantify the amplification effects of multi-wave impacts and intra-wave momentum due to residual layers. [Results] (1) Higher solid content resulted in thicker residual layers, which tended toward a quasi-equilibrium state of erosion and deposition under multiple wave actions. (2) The presence of residual layers altered the flow regime of subsequent waves, with the initial wave typically exhibiting the highest Froude number (Fr). Subsequent waves showed an overall decrease in Fr, indicating a shift from inertia-dominated to gravity-dominated flow control. Increased solid content significantly reduced liquefaction and mobility, as indicated by decreased liquefaction degree λ with increasing solid content, suggesting enhanced effective stress and reduced fluidity. This change influenced the interaction intensity between subsequent waves and residual layers. (3) Residual layers significantly amplified the impact forces of subsequent waves, showing an “increase then stabilize” trend. Under all solid contents tested, impact forces generally exhibited a “rapid increase followed by stabilization”, consistent with the thickening and stabilization process of residual layers. Impact force ratios F^* were greater than 1 for subsequent waves, indicating amplified peak impact forces under identical release conditions. (4) Momentum analysis revealed that R stabilized in later waves, aligning with the trend of F^*. As R>1 indicated total momentum flux exceeding head momentum flux, the share of momentum carried by thicker residual layers drove stronger impacts of subsequent waves, especially pronounced under higher solid contents and thicker residual layers. [Conclusion] (1) In periodic debris flows, the formation and stabilization of residual layers constitute the primary processes leading to enhanced destructiveness of subsequent waves. Even if release conditions are identical for each wave, significant increases in impact loads can occur due to residual layer influences. (2) The indicator system F^* (for comparing external manifestations across waves) and R (characterizing internal momentum distribution within a single debris flow wave) provides a concise assessment framework with clear physical meanings: residual layers amplify impacts by contributing “hidden momentum”, thereby influencing destructiveness amplification. (3) Engineering practices focusing solely on the first wave’s impact for protective structure verification may underestimate the destructiveness amplification effects of multi-wave events. It is recommended to consider the influence of residual layers in designing check dam scales, dam heights, and safety factors.

[Objective] This study aims to propose a new grouting technology to effectively solve the anti-seepage problem of fully-strongly weathered granite strata by optimizing grouting technology and material mix proportion, and to investigate the anti-seepage effects of frequency-pressure grouting technology in such strata. [Methods] An anti-seepage project of fully-strongly weathered granite strata in the upper reservoir of a pumped-storage power station under construction was taken as the research object. An equilateral triangle hole layout was adopted, and five groups of grouting tests (A, B, C, D, E) were conducted sequentially in Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ holes. The influences of grouting technologies (constant-pressure grouting and frequency-pressure grouting), grouting hole spacing (60, 120, 180 cm), and grouting materials (pure cement slurry and cement-bentonite mixed slurry with five water-to-cement ratios of 5∶1, 3∶1, 2∶1, 1∶1, and 0.5∶1) on the anti-seepage effects of grouting in such strata were compared and analyzed. The grouting effects were further evaluated using permeability tests, single-hole ultrasonic tests, single-hole shear wave velocity tests, and borehole color television tests. [Results] Field grouting trials demonstrated that frequency-pressure grouting technology significantly optimized the grouting effect of fully-strongly weathered granite strata through dynamic pressure adaptation and precise flow control, and it was superior to traditional constant-pressure grouting in terms of permeability coefficient control, material cost efficiency, and fracture filling integrity. Cement-bentonite mixed slurry had better controllability than pure cement slurry, especially in addressing leakage during grouting, and it also greatly reduced the large grout consumption caused by grout leakage and the extended construction period caused by multiple waiting times for grout to set. For fully-strongly weathered granite strata with low strength and loose soil, water pressure tests could not be completed, and only water injection tests were conducted to assess permeability before and after grouting. Single-hole shear wave velocity tests could reflect the density of strata before and after grouting to some extent. Grouting spacing in the range of 60-180 cm had no significant effect on the grouting outcomes, whereas the use of frequency-pressure grouting technology effectively improved the compactness of strata and notably increased shear wave velocity. After frequency-pressure grouting treatment, the permeability coefficient of fully-strongly weathered granite strata decreased from the order of magnitude of 10^-3 to 10^-5, indicating a great improvement in anti-seepage capacity. This demonstrated the feasibility of applying frequency-pressure grouting technology for anti-seepage treatment of fully-strongly weathered granite strata, and it could partially or completely replace the traditional cut-off wall scheme, thereby simplifying anti-seepage treatment, reducing construction cost, and minimizing strata excavation. [Conclusion] Compared with traditional grouting methods, frequency-pressure grouting can smoothly adjust grouting pressure and inflow rate according to the characteristics of the grouted strata and real-time grouting feedback, which can avoid excessive fracturing of low-strength strata, uncontrolled grout diffusion, and excessive grout consumption. This technology can be applied to anti-seepage treatment of fully-strongly weathered granite strata. Combined with cement-bentonite mixed slurry, this technology can effectively solve problems such as grout leakage and excessive grout consumption encountered with traditional grouting methods.

[Objective] This study focuses on water content as the key controlling factor to clarify the time-dependent patterns of thixotropic strength recovery of Zhanjiang Formation structural clay under different initial water contents. The microscopic mechanism is interpreted through three pathways: pore structure evolution, particle reorganization, and water action. The findings are expected to provide experimental evidence and theoretical support for predicting strength recovery and evaluating the stability of thixotropic clay foundations. [Methods] Remolded Zhanjiang Formation structural clay specimens were prepared and subjected to a 150-day thixotropy test. Specimens at different thixotropic durations were investigated using macroscopic and microscopic tests. For macromechanical testing, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted on cylindrical specimens. Direct shear tests were conducted on ring-knife specimens to obtain UCS, cohesion (c), and internal friction angle (φ), which were used to evaluate thixotropic evolution. A thixotropic strength ratio was defined as A_t = m_t/m₀, and two indicators—A_t(q) (based on UCS) and A_t(τ) (based on cohesion)—were used to compare recovery characteristics among different strength parameters. For microstructure, fabric evolution was observed using an SEM. Pore parameters, including porosity (M) and abundance (C), were extracted to quantitatively analyze pore structure evolution. Particle parameters, namely probability entropy (H) and distribution fractal dimension (D), were used to quantitatively characterize particle orientation/orderliness and aggregation degree, respectively. [Results] (1) Stage-dependent recovery: Both UCS and cohesion (c) increased with thixotropic duration and showed two stages: a rapid and significant recovery phase during 0-30 d, followed by a slower, stable phase during 30-150 d. The increment during 100-150 d was small, indicating near-stabilization, after which the test was terminated. (2) Dual effect of water content: At the same thixotropic duration, UCS generally decreased with increasing water content, reflecting weakened particle contacts and bonding and thus reduced instantaneous strength. However, higher water content resulted in a faster strength recovery rate, especially at early stage, indicating that water promoted the kinetics of self-adaptive structural adjustment during thixotropic process. (3) Indicator-dependent differences: Cohesion exhibited a higher thixotropic strength ratio and faster recovery within 1 d, suggesting that shearing promoted directional particle alignment and optimized the friction-bonding interface, making c more sensitive to structural rebuilding than UCS. (4) Coordinated micro-parameter evolution: As thixotropic duration increased, M and c decreased continuously. Pores shifted from “large and numerous inter-aggregate pores” to “small and fewer intra-aggregate pores”, while the overall pore shapes remained mainly quasi-equant but became denser. Additionally, H and D decreased synchronously, indicating enhanced particle orientation/orderliness and increased aggregation. These changes were most significant within the first 30 d, consistent with the rapid macroscopic recovery stage. SEM observations revealed a transition from an “open flocculated-dispersed” fabric to a “closed flocculated-aggregated” fabric. Pores between and within aggregates decreased, while particle contacts and continuity of force-transfer paths improved, thereby supporting strength recovery. [Conclusion] The thixotropic strength recovery of Zhanjiang Formation structural clay exhibits distinct time-stage characteristics and strong sensitivity to water content. Recovery generally progresses through a rapid phase (0-30 d) and a stable phase (30-150 d). Higher water content reduces the strength level but significantly accelerates the strength recovery rate. Cohesion exhibits a higher thixotropic strength ratio than UCS because shear-induced particle orientation facilitates more effective structural reconstruction. Microscopically, synchronous decreases in M/C and H/D indicate pore reduction, particle ordering, and aggregation densification. Water enhances particle activity by altering relative particle positions and expanding migration pathways, thereby accelerating self-adaptive adjustment and strength recovery during thixotropic process. Innovations included: (1) parallel comparison of UCS and rapid direct shear parameters within a single thixotropic framework, revealing the cohesion recovery advantage caused by shear-induced particle orientation; (2) linking the macroscopic two-stage recovery pattern with the coordinated evolution of M, c, H, and D, forming an evidence chain of “structural rearrangement—aggregation densification—strength recovery”; and (3) demonstrating that higher water content, while reducing instantaneous strength, accelerates recovery by enhancing particle mobility/activity.

[Objective] The accurate prediction of pipe roof deformation is critical for ensuring construction safety in ultra-shallow buried tunnels. Existing analytical methods frequently oversimplify the complex interaction mechanisms between the pipe roof and surrounding soil, particularly neglecting the load transfer mechanism, stress release effects during excavation, disturbance-induced soil weakening, and the time-dependent behavior of initial support systems. This study aims to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework that integrates these multiple effects into a unified model. The primary objectives include: establishing a vertical load equation that incorporates both the soil arching effect at the tunnel crown and the circumferential micro-arching effect between pipes; utilizing the Pasternak elastic foundation beam theory to simulate soil-structure interaction more accurately; introducing variable subgrade coefficients and a load release coefficient to represent stress redistribution and excavation disturbances; and ultimately formulating a reliable method for predicting pipe roof deformation under realistic construction conditions. The proposed model seeks to provide a practical and theoretically sound tool for design optimization and risk mitigation in pipe-roofed tunnel projects. [Methods] The research methodology combined theoretical derivation, numerical discretization, and empirical validation. First, the vertical load acting on the pipe roof was calculated by considering dual arching effects: the soil arching above the tunnel crown, modeled based on Terzaghi’s trap-door theory with inclined slip surfaces, and the micro-arching between adjacent pipes, with the load distribution derived assuming a parabolic arch axis between pipe contact points. The pipe roof was then modeled as an Euler-Bernoulli beam resting on a Pasternak elastic foundation, accounting for shear interaction between adjacent soil springs, offering a significant improvement over traditional Winkler-based models. To capture the construction-phase effects, the longitudinal span of the pipe roof was divided into five distinct zones: a fully enclosed support zone, an unenclosed support zone, an unsupported zone, a plastically disturbed zone, and an elastically disturbed zone, each with specific definitions of subgrade modulus and stress release rate. The governing differential equation was discretized using the finite difference method, with virtual nodes introduced to handle boundary conditions, and solved programmatically using MATLAB. The model was calibrated and validated against field monitoring data from a real-world ultra-shallow tunnel project, with additional comparative analysis against existing analytical models to demonstrate its superior performance. A detailed parametric study was conducted to evaluate the influence of the subgrade coefficient in front of the face, the excavation advance length, and the length of the unenclosed support segment. [Results] Validation against field data showed excellent agreement, with the predicted maximum deflection of 22.1 mm differing by only 5% from the measured value of 23.2 mm, confirming the model’s accuracy. The deformation curve generated by the proposed method was wider and smoother than those from existing theories, more accurately reflecting the continuous beam behavior of the pipe roof and aligning closely with monitoring results. Parametric analysis revealed that increasing the subgrade coefficient (k₀) of the soil in front of the excavation face from 10 MPa/m to 90 MPa/m significantly reduced the maximum deformation from 33 mm to 17 mm, although the marginal benefit diminished beyond 90 MPa/m. In contrast, the excavation advance length (s) had an exponential impact on deformation. Increasing s from 1.0 m to 3.0 m caused the maximum deflection to approach 160 mm, far exceeding the typical control limit of 20 mm and severely threatening face stability. The length of the unenclosed support segment (b) was found to have a negligible effect on deformation. Furthermore, the load transfer capacity of the pipe roof was observed to be highly sensitive to all three parameters under high overburden ratios (H/B). Excessive increases in k₀, s, or b under these conditions led to a significant transfer of load onto the soil in front of the face, increasing the risk of face instability. [Conclusion] This study successfully develops a multi-effect coupled analytical method for predicting pipe roof deformation in ultra-shallow buried tunnels. The integration of the soil arching effect, micro-arching effect, stress release, excavation disturbance, and support delay into a single model provides a more realistic and accurate representation of mechanical behavior than previously available methods. It emphasizes the effectiveness of improving the soil modulus in front of the tunnel face and strictly controlling the excavation advance length to manage deformation, while indicating that minimizing the unenclosed support length has limited benefits. However, the current study does not consider shear forces between differential elements, soil stiffness hardening, or small-strain behavior. Future research should incorporate these aspects to further enhance the model’s comprehensiveness and accuracy for a wider range of geotechnical conditions.

[Objective] Existing grouting theories and engineering experience are mostly based on hydrostatic or weakly flowing water conditions, making it difficult to accurately describe the diffusion and evolution characteristics of grout under dynamic water-flow environments. It is necessary to systematically reveal the diffusion mechanisms of grout in water-flowing fractures so as to provide theoretical support for grouting design under complex water inrush conditions in water-sealed caverns. In response to engineering conditions involving stable flowing water in a single fracture, this study aims to: (1) reveal the influence mechanisms of fracture geometric characteristics and construction parameters on grout diffusion behavior; (2) quantitatively analyze the controlling effects of key factors on grout diffusion distance, diffusion time, and sealing efficiency; and (3) clarify the relative importance of different influencing factors in the grouting of water-flowing fractures, thereby providing a basis for optimization of grouting parameters and construction decision-making for water-sealed caverns. [Methods] Based on the grout-water two-phase flow theory, a numerical model of grouting in a single fracture with flowing water was established using the finite element method. Variations in water flow velocity within the fracture and the driving effect of grouting pressure were comprehensively considered, and the diffusion, advection, and deposition processes of grout within the fracture were simulated. Through parametric comparative analysis, the effects of fracture aperture, fracture inclination, grouting pressure, flowing water velocity, and fracture boundary extent on the evolution of grout diffusion were systematically investigated. On this basis, a sealing efficiency index was introduced to comprehensively evaluate the grouting performance under different working conditions. [Results] Under flowing water conditions, the grout diffusion pattern, stabilization time, and final sealing performance within fractures were jointly controlled by multiple coupled factors. (1) Fracture inclination had a significant inhibiting effect on grout diffusion. As the fracture inclination increased, the coupling between the gravitational component and the flowing water direction was enhanced, causing the grout to more easily deviate along the down-dip direction. As a result, the ability of grout to migrate against the water flow was weakened, and the diffusion range was markedly restricted. (2) The time required for grout diffusion to reach a stable state increased significantly with an increase in the extent of the fracture domain, because a larger boundary extent provided a greater seepage space for grout diffusion. In contrast, increasing grouting pressure effectively accelerated the advance of the grout diffusion front and shortened the stabilization time, exhibiting a pronounced accelerating effect. (3) In terms of diffusion distance, the effective diffusion distance of grout was inversely proportional to fracture boundary extent and flowing water velocity. Higher flowing water velocity resulted in stronger scouring and transport effects on the grout, thereby reducing its retention capacity within the fracture. Conversely, increases in fracture aperture and grouting pressure facilitated the grout in overcoming water flow resistance, enabling longer diffusion distances and more sufficient fracture filling. (4) Comparative analysis of the influence degrees of various factors indicated that fracture aperture had the most significant effect on grout sealing efficiency, followed in descending order by flowing water velocity, grouting pressure, and fracture boundary extent. This demonstrated that fracture geometric characteristics and hydrodynamic conditions were the key factors controlling the success or failure of grouting under flowing water conditions. [Conclusion] Overall, in strong flowing water environments, relying solely on increasing grouting pressure does not significantly improve grouting performance, and comprehensive design must be carried out by jointly considering fracture aperture characteristics and groundwater hydrodynamic conditions. For areas with larger fracture apertures and higher flowing water velocities, measures such as staged grouting or advance water reduction should be preferentially adopted to enhance grout retention and sealing capacity within fractures.

[Objective] This study aims to investigate the influence of super-large-diameter double-circular pipe jacking construction on the settlement deformation of underground pipelines. Taking the water quality assurance project of Tiegang-Shiyan Reservoir in Shenzhen as the background, and based on the modified Peck formula, this study uses a combination of numerical simulation and field monitoring to systematically analyze the effects of multiple factors such as pipeline burial depth, material, pipe diameter, pipe jacking spacing, and spatial position. [Methods] The variable normalization method was used to analyze the influence degree of each factor on the pipeline, and the safety performance of the pipeline was evaluated. [Results] When the jacking pipes vertically crossed under the pipeline, the induced settlement range was the smallest, indicating a relatively reasonable construction method. When the pipeline burial depth, material, or pipe diameter was changed, the stratum displacement field ultimately showed a “V”-shaped distribution. However, when the spacing between the two jacking pipes increased to 1.5 times the jacking pipe diameter (i.e., 6 m), the displacement field shape transformed into a “W”-shaped pattern, and the influence range of pipeline deformation significantly expanded. Sensitivity analysis showed that the spacing between the two jacking pipes was the most significant factor affecting pipeline settlement (sensitivity=0.54), while pipeline diameter had the least influence (sensitivity=0.06), and pipeline burial depth had a moderate influence (sensitivity=0.40). Furthermore, the safety state of the sewage pipeline was evaluated using the allowable joint rotation angle. The calculated joint rotation angle under field monitoring conditions was 0.54°, which was lower than the standard control value of 1.15°, indicating that the pipeline joints remained in a safe state during construction and did not suffer damage due to uneven settlement. [Conclusion] Currently, there is considerable research on settlement deformation of underground pipelines caused by single-line pipe jacking construction, but research on the influence of super-large-diameter double-line pipe jacking with shallow burial depth is limited. This study clarifies the influencing mechanisms of key construction parameters, providing theoretical basis and data support for engineering practices involving large-diameter pipe jacking undercrossing existing pipelines.

[Objective] In recent years, the increasing number of buildings constructed on soft ground has made the treatment of soft soil foundations particularly important. Investigating the strength variation characteristics of silt foundations under different types of stabilizing agents and curing ages,as well as exploring a preliminary method for identifying the strength level of non-standard soil samples obtained in the field,is of great practical significance for engineering applications. [Methods] Representative silty soil layers from the Zhongshan area were selected. Cement-only mixing tests were first conducted to optimize cement content (ratio of cement mass to the mass of treated wet soil). Subsequently,silt was stabilized using lignosulfonate acid (LA),triethanolamine (TEA),and alkali-activated sodium silicate (AS) as stabilizing agents,respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were then carried out to analyze the microstructures and stabilization mechanisms of untreated and stabilized soils. Finally,ArcGIS was used to construct independent elevation models from the SEM images of untreated and stabilized soils and to process them into three-dimensional images. Scatter plots were plotted in double-logarithmic coordinates,and the soil porosity and particle fractal dimension were further calculated and analyzed. [Results] 1) Using the unconfined compressive strength of specimens as the evaluation index,under the same curing age, the cement content was positively correlated with the unconfined compressive strength. Before a curing age of 7 days, the unconfined compressive strength increased rapidly; during 7-14 days, the growth rate slowed down; and from 14 to 28 days, the unconfined compressive strength continued to increase. Considering economic cost and code requirements, the optimal cement content was 18% of the wet soil mass. 2) At certain mixing ratios, single incorporation of LA, TEA, and AS all enhanced the strength of cement-stabilized soil and could be used as stabilizing agents. Based on the optimal contents of the three stabilizers, ternary mixing stabilization tests were conducted. The results showed that single incorporation of AS exhibited better stabilization performance than the other single-additive groups and the ternary mixing group. When the cement content was 18% and the AS content was 0.9%, the unconfined compressive strength of the stabilized soil reached a maximum value of 2.39 MPa. 3) SEM tests indicated that the specimens of the 18S blank group failed to generate sufficient gel-like hydration products (C-S-H) and needle-like Aft crystals. As a result, limited cementitious material existed between soil particles, and numerous pores were observed. After stabilization with 18S-0.9AS, a large amount of gel-like C-S-H hydration products and needle-like Aft crystals were rapidly generated, which interwove to form a large-area spatial network structure and initially formed a skeleton. This process led to particle bonding and aggregation and filled the interparticle pores. Overall, the 18S-0.9AS group exhibited the best stabilization effect. 4) Three-dimensional SEM images of untreated and stabilized soils were constructed and processed using ArcGIS. Data calculation and analysis showed that the untreated soil had 97 663 226.34 pore pixels, accounting for 53.22% of the total image pixels (porosity), with a fractal dimension of 1.399 8. The 18S-0.9AS stabilized soil had 50 153 642.75 pore pixels, accounting for 27.27% of the total image pixels (porosity), decreased by 25.95 percentage points compared with the untreated soil. The fractal dimension of this group was 1.853 5, and the unconfined compressive strength reached the maximum value of 2.39 MPa. [Conclusion] 1) The larger the particle fractal dimension of a specimen, the more complex the particle structure, the higher the surface roughness, the lower the porosity, and the higher the compressive strength. 2) The porosity of specimens and the compressive strength exhibit a nonlinear decreasing relationship, whereas the particle fractal dimension and the compressive strength exhibit a nonlinear increasing relationship. 3) When standard specimens cannot be obtained at construction sites, the compressive strength of specimens can be preliminarily inferred by using the porosity and particle fractal dimension of non-standard specimens, based on the physical significance and correlations of fractal dimensions among different specimens.

[Objective] Microwave-assisted rock breaking technology shows promising application potential in hard rock tunneling. The effectiveness of microwave irradiation on rocks is significantly influenced by their microstructure, particularly the mineral particle size distribution. Existing studies mostly focus on single mineral components or simple binary combinations, whereas systematic investigations into how the heterogeneity of complex mineral particle size distributions in natural rocks affects the microwave rock breaking remain limited. This study aims to quantify the heterogeneity of mineral particle size distribution through experiments and numerical simulations, and to reveal its influence mechanisms on the thermal-physical response, damage evolution, and mechanical property degradation of rocks. [Methods] Seven groups of standard granite specimens (Φ50 mm × 100 mm) with different mineral particle size heterogeneity coefficients were selected and subjected to microwave irradiation tests. Surface temperature variations of the specimens during irradiation were monitored, longitudinal wave velocities before and after irradiation were measured, and the peak strengths were obtained through uniaxial compression tests. Image processing techniques were used to extract the surface mineral distributions of the specimens, and quantitative indicators characterizing the heterogeneity of particle size distributions were defined and calculated. Using COMSOL software, a multi-physics numerical model coupling electromagnetic fields, heat conduction, and solid mechanics was established. The model precisely reconstructed the real mineral distributions with different heterogeneity coefficients, and simulated and analyzed the dynamic evolution process of the temperature fields, stress fields, and plastic damage zones of the specimens under microwave irradiation. [Results] (1) Thermal response: under identical irradiation conditions, the heterogeneity of mineral particle size distribution significantly affected the thermal response of the specimens. With the increase of heterogeneity, the temperature rise of the rock became more pronounced. The specimen with the highest heterogeneity (H=0.78) exhibited a final temperature approximately 44 ℃ higher than that of the most homogeneous specimen (H=0.34).(2) Damage and weakening: with increasing heterogeneity coefficient, the number of microwave-induced surface microcracks increased significantly. The reduction in longitudinal wave velocity intensified, with a maximum difference reaching 30%. The uniaxial compressive strength loss rate increased from 11.2% to 29.6%, with a maximum difference of 18.4%. These results indicated that the more heterogeneous the mineral distribution was, the more severe the internal damage induced by microwaves and the more significant the weakening effect on macroscopic mechanical performance became.(3) Mechanism: stronger heterogeneity led to more intense temperature gradients and thermal stress concentrations at the interface between strong microwave-absorbing minerals (such as potassium feldspar) and weak microwave-absorbing minerals (such as quartz). This was because specimens with higher heterogeneity contained larger potassium feldspar particles, which had stronger microwave absorption capacity, resulting in a rapid local temperature rise. Both the area proportion of the critical tensile stress zones (>15 MPa) and the area proportion of the plastic zones increased monotonically with the increase of the heterogeneity coefficient. The plastic zones first appeared at the contact interface between potassium feldspar and quartz and expanded over time. [Conclusion] The heterogeneity of mineral particle size distribution is a key microstructural factor controlling the effectiveness of microwave-assisted rock breaking. The defined quantitative heterogeneity coefficient can effectively predict the outcomes of microwave irradiation: rocks with higher heterogeneity are more likely to experience uneven heat accumulation and large interfacial thermal stresses under microwave irradiation, thereby leading to more extensive microcrack initiation, more significant wave velocity reduction, and more significant strength loss. This study identifies the potassium feldspar-quartz interface as the preferential site for damage initiation.

[Objective] As a new type of support anchor, the Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) screw anchor is increasingly used in engineering practice due to its simple construction, light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Previous calculation formulas for uplift bearing capacity of screw anchors mostly based on artificially defined boundaries between shallow and deep embedment, resulting in large differences in critical embedment depth ratio H/D (where H is the embedment depth and D is the anchor plate diameter) given by different scholars. This study aims to propose a calculation formula for uplift bearing capacity based on the generalized unified failure surface morphology, providing theoretical support for the design of GFRP screw anchors in engineering practice. [Methods] Using finite element numerical simulation software ABAQUS, numerical simulations of the uplift performance of GFRP screw anchors under different embedment ratios were conducted. The maximum uplift bearing capacity of vertical GFRP screw anchors in soil and the evolution of the failure surface morphology of anchored soil were investigated. [Results and Conclusion] (1) The load-displacement curves of GFRP screw anchor during uplift in anchored soil could be divided into three stages: the elastic stage, the local plastic stage, and the penetration failure stage. In the elastic stage, the load and displacement showed linear relationship, with the slope of the curve representing the equivalent stiffness of the anchor plate-soil system. In the local plastic stage, plastic deformation occurred in the local soil zone, deformation of the anchored soil gradually increased, system stiffness decreased, load-displacement relationship became non-linear (indicated by a gradually decreasing curve slope), and the interaction between the GFRP screw anchor and the anchored soil began to exhibit non-linear characteristics. In the penetration failure stage, the resistance of the anchored soil reached its ultimate value, cracks in the anchored soil became interconnected, the soil failure surface formed, and the curve entered a stable phase where the load no longer changed with displacement increase. The uplift bearing capacity factor N_γ showed a trend of initial increase followed by gradual stabilization with embedment ratio, which matched well with experimental results from other scholars, thereby verifying the simulation’s validity. The turning point occurred near H/D=9, suggesting that an embedment ratio H/D=9 could be considered as the critical embedment ratio distinguishing shallow from deep embedment. (2) Numerical simulation showed that during uplift, the anchored soil could be divided into three zones based on stress state: conical active zone formed by compaction above the GFRP screw anchor, passive zone extending outward along screw anchor edge influenced by extrusion from soil within failure surface, and transition zone between active and passive zones in plastic state. The soil within the failure surface consistently extruded the soil outside failure surface. Except for the outermost region, which might be in a state of at-rest earth pressure, the soil on the failure surface was generally in a state of passive earth pressure. With increasing embedment ratio, the failure surface morphology of the anchored soil underwent a dynamic evolution from “trumpet” shape➝“goblet” shape➝“light bulb” shape. No distinct “critical embedment ratio” between shallow and deep embedment for GFRP screw anchors existed. (3) By integrating the maximum uplift bearing capacities obtained from numerical simulations and the evolution patterns of the failure morphology in the anchored soil, a generalized unified failure surface model that did not require distinguishing between shallow and deep embedment for the soil anchored by GFRP screw anchors was proposed. This model was derived by introducing a cubic term based on the “trumpet” shape (with inclined linear boundaries) failure surface. On this basis, a calculation formula for the uplift bearing capacity under different embedment depths of GFRP screw anchors was derived, and the formula was compared and validated with numerous experimental results from domestic and international studies. The results demonstrated that the proposed calculation formula could effectively predict the maximum uplift bearing capacity under different embedment depth ratios.

[Objective] To explore the impact of freeze-thaw environments on the strength of guar gum-modified loess, direct shear test, unconfined compression strength test, Brazilian splitting test, and bender element small-strain test are conducted to examine the strength degradation and deterioration characteristics of guar gum-modified loess before and after freeze-thaw cycles. [Methods] In this experiment, cationic guar gum was selected for specimen preparation. The specimens were subjected to freeze-thaw cycles in a sealed environment. In the bender element tests, a single-pulse sine wave was used as the input signal at a frequency of 1 kHz. The initial arrival method was adopted to determine the travel time, from which the wave velocity was calculated. [Results] After freeze-thaw cycles, the tensile strength, uniaxial compressive strength, and shear strength of guar gum-modified loess decreased, but all remained greater than that of untreated loess subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. The strength degradation of guar gum-modified loess after freeze-thaw cycles was influenced by the coupling effects of water content and guar gum content, with water content having a more pronounced effect than guar gum content. Microscopic analysis revealed that guar gum formed filamentous cement by bonding with water molecules, which linked soil particles and restrained their movement. Consequently, the strength of the modified loess was notably enhanced. However, during the freeze-thaw cycles, the simultaneous damage of the above-mentioned cement and loess particles was the main reason for the more pronounced strength degradation of guar gum-modified loess than that of untreated loess. The shear wave velocity of loess modified by guar gum before and after freeze-thaw cycles was measured using bender element tests. The functional relationships of shear wave velocity with compressive strength and tensile strength of loess were established, revealing a good correlation with uniaxial compressive strength. [Conclusion] The research findings systematically reveal the influence of freeze-thaw action on guar gum soil stabilization technology, and a novel method is proposed to evaluate the strength degradation of modified loess with wave velocity. This provides environmentally friendly materials and new insights for soil stabilization in the loess regions of northwestern China, while offering a theoretical basis for the further application of guar gum in geotechnical engineering.

[Objective] This study investigates how soluble salts in clay redistribute under an applied direct-current electric field during electro-osmotic drainage and how the redistribution affects dewatering and consolidation efficiency. The study quantifies the spatiotemporal evolution of salt content through bulk electrical conductivity, distinguishes the individual effects of salinity and water content on conductivity, and infers ion-migration trends and their implications for the combined dewatering and desalination performance of saline clays. [Methods] Laboratory conductivity calibrations were conducted on remolded clay across practical ranges of water content and soluble-salt concentration. Based on these data, an empirical relationship was established that linked soil bulk conductivity to pore-fluid salinity while explicitly incorporating water content, enabling the conversion of measured conductivities into estimates of salt content. Subsequently, a one-dimensional electro-osmotic consolidation test was conducted. Segmented voltage, local conductivity, cumulative drainage, and current were monitored and recorded. Using this calibration, time-lapse conductivity profiles were processed to reconstruct salt-content distributions and their evolution. This method could provide a framework to monitor and interpret coupled ionic transport and water removal during electro-osmosis. [Results] Calibration showed that conductivity increased with both salinity and water content. However, when water content was considered, salinity accounted for a larger share of the variance in bulk conductivity. Accordingly, conductivity served as a reliable in-situ indicator of salt content during electro-osmosis. The electro-osmotic test revealed a distinct zonation of salt content consistent with electromigration toward the cathode. At the anode, salt content declined rapidly during the first 2 hours and then stabilized at approximately 2.0 g/L until the end of the test. In the mid-section, salt content also decreased over the first 2 hours, showing the smallest reduction among the three regions, followed by an increase and subsequent decline. By 6 hours, it temporarily exceeded the initial salinity. This peak reflected the convergence in the middle zone of cation fluxes migrating from anode to cathode and anion fluxes moving in the opposite direction. After 6 hours, the mid-section salinity decreased progressively and, at the end of the test, fell below that of the anode region. The cathode experienced the most pronounced change, showing a continuous decline throughout energization. By 8 hours, the cathodic zone had nearly approached a salt-free state. During electro-osmosis, the soil potential field was strongly modulated by both water content and salinity, producing spatially differentiated potential distributions that evolved over time. Water content and drainage rate exhibited non-uniform dynamics among regions and ultimately formed a moisture gradient of Anode < Middle < Cathode. Salinity exerted a pronounced control on potential pathways and transmission efficiency. Therefore, its evolution should be incorporated explicitly in design to optimize treatment outcomes. The combined evidence demonstrated that electro-osmotic drainage in saline clay could achieve two outcomes simultaneously: accelerated consolidation and effective removal of soluble salts. The latter mitigated adverse effects of high salinity on subsequent construction, including corrosion risk and strength variability, thereby improving the suitability of the treated ground. [Conclusion] This study delineates the migration and distribution patterns of soluble salts in high-salinity clays under electro-osmotic drainage, offering a new perspective for treatment and practical guidance for engineering application. Operationally, a critical point is reached when salinity in the cathodic zone drops to a very low level. Continuing energization beyond this point leads to sharply diminished drainage efficiency and disproportionately increased energy consumption. At the design stage, measuring soil electrical conductivity and conducting pre-tests to characterize the salinity-moisture relationship are recommended, thereby informing the required energization time. In practice, continuous conductivity monitoring provides a comprehensive indicator of overall dewatering progress. Wider adoption of these insights is expected to facilitate broader and more effective application of electro-osmosis in geotechnical engineering.

[Objective] This study systematically investigates the influence of particle shape on the mechanical properties of soil-rock mixtures, with a particular focus on strength and deformation characteristics. It aims to address the current knowledge gap regarding the specific mechanisms through which particle shape affects the mechanical behavior of such materials. By establishing quantitative relationships between shape parameters and mechanical response, the study aims to provide a scientific basis for predicting and controlling the settlement of soil-rock mixture subgrades in engineering practice. [Methods] High-strength α-hemihydrate gypsum powder was utilized to fabricate rock-like particles with controlled shapes. The Brazilian shape parameter (Y) was employed to quantitatively characterize particle morphology. A series of consolidated-drained triaxial tests were conducted using a medium-pressure triaxial apparatus to systematically evaluate the mechanical properties of soil-rock mixtures containing particles with different shape coefficients. The testing program included comprehensive measurements of peak deviatoric stress, internal friction angle, cohesion, and other shear strength parameters under different confining pressures. Microstructural analysis was performed to observe particle breakage patterns and stress transmission mechanisms. [Results] The experimental results revealed significant shape-dependent mechanical behavior. As the particle shape coefficient Y increased, the peak deviatoric stress of the specimens initially increased and then tended to stabilize. With increasing Y, the internal friction angle and initial shear angle φ₀ gradually decreased, while the cohesion exhibited a corresponding increase. The increment of shear angle Δφ showed a non-monotonic trend, first decreasing and then increasing. The shape coefficient was found to alter the stress transmission path within the particle skeleton, leading to preferential breakage of large-sized particles. When Y increased from 0.63 to 0.73, the failure mode transitioned from edge damage to localized rupture, and ultimately to complete fragmentation. Ellipsoidal particles (Y≥0.69) exhibited stress concentration at the long-axis ends, resulting in localized fracture concentrated in the shear band region. In contrast, near-spherical particles demonstrated uniform stress distribution and exhibited surface spalling. [Conclusion] This study successfully establishes the quantitative relationship between particle shape and mechanical properties of soil-rock mixtures, revealing the underlying mechanisms of shape effects. The findings demonstrate that particle shape significantly influences the strength, deformation, and failure characteristics through its control on stress transmission and particle breakage patterns. The study provides a scientific basis for the prediction and design of soil-rock mixture subgrade settlement, offering practical guidance for engineering applications. Future research should focus on extending these findings to field-scale conditions and developing predictive models that incorporate shape effects for improved design accuracy.

[Objective] During the parameter inversion process of groundwater models, frequent calls to the forward model result in excessive computational demand and prolonged processing time, which severely limits their practical applicability. To address the high time consumption in groundwater model inversion, this study proposes a coupled inversion algorithm capable of rapidly identifying unsteady permeability coefficients. [Methods] The proposed algorithm coupled the parameter inversion process with reduced-order model training, where the reduced-order model was employed instead of the original model for parameter inversion calculation, thereby reducing total inversion time. During the iteration process, the sum of squared errors between the reduced-order model calculation values and observations was used as the objective function, and an improved differential evolution algorithm with strong global search capability was employed as the optimization method for parameter inversion. In each iteration, the parameters that best matched the observations were identified as optimal, and snapshots of these optimal parameters were calculated to train the reduced-order model, thereby enhancing the inversion accuracy in the next generation. To enable the reduced-order model to accurately capture the time-domain response characteristics of the original model, a uniform snapshot strategy was employed to collect time-step snapshots. Based on the characteristics of the coupled inversion algorithm, the relative error of the reduced-order solution corresponding to the optimal parameters was calculated at all nodes within the time domain, and iteration was terminated when the maximum error fell below a preset threshold. [Results] Taking a two-dimensional pumping well model as an example, the proposed method was compared with an inversion approach based on the original model. The results indicated that: (1) For unsteady seepage parameter inversion, compared with the optimal time snapshot strategy, using a uniform snapshot collection strategy to construct the reduced-order model could achieve higher computational accuracy, while the reduced-order model had a lower average order. (2) While maintaining inversion accuracy comparable to that of the original model, the proposed algorithm could reduce computational time by approximately 95.37%. (3) Near the optimal parameters, the reduced-order model obtained by the proposed method showed almost identical responses to the original model. However, the error increased significantly when moving away from the optimal solution. (4) The effects of observation error, mesh density, and inversion dimensionality on the inversion accuracy of the proposed algorithm were consistent with those of the original model, but the computational time of the proposed algorithm was less than 5% of that of the original model. (5) The proposed algorithm was less affected by the order of the original model, and the increase in the computational time was proportionally smaller than the increase in model order, indicating higher computational efficiency for high-order models than for low-order ones. (6) Compared with low-dimensional inversion problems, the proposed algorithm exhibited greater time-saving efficiency in handling high-dimensional cases, suggesting stronger robustness against the curse of dimensionality. (7) Under different convergence accuracies, the proposed algorithm could consistently reproduce the results of the original model without a significant increase in computational time even as accuracy improved. [Conclusion] The proposed coupled inversion algorithm in this study, as a deterministic finite element-based inversion framework, innovatively couples the training process of the reduced-order model with the parameter inversion process and significantly improves the computational efficiency of parameter inversion.Characterized by a simple structure,ease of implementation, and no need for posterior error calculation,the algorithm has significant engineering application value and promising prospects for broad application.

[Objective] This study aims to establish a field-based method that uses heavy dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT) energy index P_index to quantify relative density (D_r) of sandy-cobble soil and to link D_r to deformation moduli E₅₀ and E_ur, thereby overcoming the long-standing difficulties of retrieving undisturbed samples and calibrating parameters for this material. [Methods] (1) A Φ600 mm × 600 mm calibration chamber was fabricated to enable precise reconstitution of specimens at D_r=0.40, 0.55, 0.70, and 0.85. (2) A series of 63.5 kg DCPTs were performed, and penetration resistance-depth curves were analyzed to extract P_index. (3) Triaxial consolidated-drained and unloading-reloading tests were conducted on the same D_r specimens to obtain E₅₀ and E_ur. (4) A three-tier Bayesian-Bootstrap model “P_index-D_r-modulus” was developed and coded into PLAXIS-Hardening-Soil model. (5) The method was validated using field monitoring data of an adjacent excavation. [Results] (1) P_index decreased with D_r following a power law (R²≥0.93). When D_r increased from 0.40 to 0.85, P_index dropped by 62%, outliers decreased by 47%, and repeatability error remained <3%. (2) E₅₀=112.4 D_r^1.87 MPa and E_ur=318.6 D_r ^1.64 MPa. E_ur/E₅₀ decreased exponentially from 2.8 to 2.1. (3) Ten-fold cross-validation yielded a mean absolute error of D_r =0.028. The relative errors of the predicted E₅₀ and E_ur were <8% and <7%, respectively. (4) FE simulations using the predicted moduli yielded an average relative displacement error of 6.1% compared to 18.4% (Mohr-Coulomb) and 12.7% (Modified Mohr-Coulomb), and the maximum vertical displacement deviation of the station reduced from 5.2 mm to 1.7 mm. (5) The proposed method was applicable to sandy-cobble layers in the upper and middle reaches of the Yongding River alluvial fan, western Beijing (D_r=0.35-0.90, cobble content ≤70%). [Conclusion] The study presents the first continuous field method linking DCPT impact energy, relative density, and deformation moduli for sandy-cobble soil without undisturbed sampling. The compact power-exponential model can be directly implemented in commercial software, providing in-situ parameters for deformation analysis of excavations and tunnels in such formations. The significant improvement in deformation prediction accuracy provides immediate advantages for risk control and support optimization during tunnelling or excavation near existing metro structures.

[Objective] Reverse-graded deposits are prone to geological disasters under rainfall conditions. To comprehensively understand their seepage characteristics and disaster-causing mechanism, the indoor seepage test is conducted using typical deposits as the research object. The variation patterns of permeability across different deposit layers and the migration characteristics of fine particles were studied under different fine particle contents, dry densities, and infiltration heads. [Methods] Based on the Taheman deposit landslide, constant-head seepage experiments were performed using a seepage erosion device under different fine particle contents, dry densities, and infiltration heads. The influences of external hydraulic conditions and reverse-graded deposit characteristics on the permeability of each deposit layer were analyzed, and the migration patterns of fine particles within each layer were revealed. [Results] Fine particle content, dry density, and infiltration head exerted the greatest influence on the permeability variations in the upper rock-soil layers, followed by the middle rock-soil layers, with the least influence on the lower rock-soil layers. Higher fine particle content facilitated the accumulation and deposition of fine particles in the upper and middle rock-soil layers, resulting in a decrease in the soil permeability. Under varying infiltration heads, the permeability of the upper layers exhibited either an increase or decrease, while the middle and lower layers consistently showed permeability decline. Regardless of influencing factors, the permeability of the lower layers uniformly decreased. Fine particles(<0.075 mm) had obvious migration, loss, and deposition processes in the middle and upper rock-soil layers. The lower the soil layer was, the smaller the particle size of the fine particles it could retain. [Conclusion] The middle and upper parts of reverse-graded deposits exhibit weaker erosion resistance, where fine particles are prone to migration and loss, leading to reduced permeability. The erosion resistance of the middle section is stronger than that of the upper part, while the lower section demonstrates the highest erosion resistance. Fine particles are easily subject to deposition and accumulation, which reduces permeability. Factors such as fine particle content, dry density, and infiltration head have the greatest impact on permeability variations in the upper section, followed by the middle section, with the least effect on the lower section. When the seepage direction is top-down, significant particle migration occurs between the upper and middle layers, but fewer fine particles migrate and deposit into the lower layers. The ability to retain fine particles decreases with proximity to the lower part of the deposit. Due to the coarse-upper and fine-lower structure of reverse-graded deposits, particle migration and loss characteristics vary with different seepage directions, warranting further investigation in subsequent experiments.

[Objective] Rock material typically exhibits nonlinear strength characteristics under complex loading conditions, and stress-drop can be observed during shear failure while retaining part of the residual strength. To investigate the mechanical properties of carbonaceous shale, conventional triaxial compression tests were conducted, and a new rock damage model was established based on continuum damage mechanics to describe the stress-strain curves. [Methods] The proposed model first utilized a nonlinear exponential strength criterion to describe the micro-elements of rocks, considering the material heterogeneity, and assuming the micro-element strength followed a Weibull distribution. The damage variable was derived from the accumulated failure proportion of micro-elements. Subsequently, the model employed a modified Lemaitre equivalent strain assumption to capture the stress-drop effect and residual strength, allowing for the entire stress-strain curve to be represented. Model parameters were determined using the extremum method. Finally, the model’s predictions were compared with conventional triaxial compression test results from different rock types to verify its validity. [Results] Results showed that the established rock damage model accurately described the entire stress-strain relationship of rock samples under various confining pressures. During the post-peak deformation stage, the shear strength of the rock samples dropped rapidly and eventually approached the residual strength due to the stress-drop effect, and the rock samples became fully damaged. The comparisons also suggested that the exponential strength criterion was generally suitable for various rocks; however, both the axial strain corresponding to peak strength and the residual strength varied approximately linearly with confining pressure. [Conclusion] The established exponential damage model of rock has good prospects for theoretical application.

[Objective] Due to the excellent load-bearing performance, geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) composites have been widely adopted in the construction of load-bearing GRS bridge abutments. Unlike conventional gravity or cantilever retaining walls, GRS abutments are required to bear significantly higher vertical loads transferred from the superstructure. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the ultimate bearing behavior of GRS composites to ensure the safety and reliability of the structures. [Methods] In this study, a series of plane strain model tests were conducted to evaluate the ultimate bearing capacity of GRS composites. Nine groups of tests were designed and conducted using geotextile as the reinforcement material, incorporating four types of backfill material gradations and three reinforcement spacings. The gradation of the backfill materials primarily varied in particle size distribution within the range of 1-8 mm, while the reinforcement spacing was set at 20 cm, 25 cm, and 33.3 cm. The test results were compared with those of unreinforced soil and analytical predictions based on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) design guidelines. [Results] The experimental results demonstrated that reinforcement significantly enhanced the ultimate bearing capacity of GRS composites. Under the same backfill material condition, the incorporation of reinforcement led to significant increases in ultimate bearing capacity compared with the unreinforced test. Specifically, with reinforcement spacings of 20 cm and 25 cm, the ultimate bearing capacity increased by 87.5% and 62.5%, respectively. These results clearly indicated that the reinforcement spacing played a critical role in the bearing performance of GRS composites. In addition, smaller spacings resulted in greater overall stiffness of the composite system. When the reinforcement spacing was constant and the backfill particle size ranged between 1 mm and 8 mm, the effect of gradation on the ultimate bearing capacity was relatively minor. However, differences in backfill material gradation led to noticeable variations in the overall stiffness of GRS composites. When the experimental results were compared with predictions obtained from the FHWA-recommended method for GRS composite bearing capacity, a significant discrepancy was observed. The FHWA method considerably underestimated the ultimate bearing capacity in all test cases. Therefore, it was not recommended to calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of GRS composites with finer graded backfill materials by directly applying the FHWA method. During post-test inspection, the locations of geosynthetic rupture were identified and analyzed. The observed failure surfaces within the reinforced soil mass approximately corresponded to a Rankine failure plane. The results indicated that the obvious composite behaviors were demonstrated in the GRS composites. [Conclusion] This experimental study provides a systematic analysis of the ultimate bearing capacity of GRS composites under plane strain conditions, emphasizing the roles of reinforcement spacing and backfill material gradation. The findings confirm that geosynthetic reinforcement can significantly enhance both the strength and stiffness of the soil composites, with closer reinforcement spacing resulting in better performance. The study reveals that the current design guidelines recommended by FHWA significantly underestimate the actual ultimate bearing capacity, particularly when the backfill material gradation differs from the recommended values. These findings offer valuable reference for future engineering design and construction, promoting more efficient and reliable use of fine-grained or narrowly graded soil in reinforced soil structures.

[Objective] Current research on the damping ratio evolution of silty fine sand under varying saturation conditions remains relatively limited, and in particular, systematic investigations revealing the mechanisms by which saturation variations influence damping ratios within the framework of unsaturated soil mechanics are still insufficient. To address this gap, typical loose silty fine sand from the Hangzhou Bay area is selected as the research subject. Utilizing a self-improved unsaturated soil resonant column testing system, the damping ratio evolution characteristics and underlying mechanisms along the desaturation path are thoroughly investigated. The findings aim to provide a scientific basis for analyzing dynamic properties and engineering applications of unsaturated soils. [Methods] An improved unsaturated soil resonant column apparatus was employed to conduct small-strain dynamic property tests under controlled drainage paths and saturation conditions. Test specimens were initially prepared with varying saturation levels and stress states. A stepwise desaturation process under constant net stress conditions was then applied to establish a series of samples with different saturation states. Subsequently, shear modulus and damping ratio measurements were performed across varying saturation levels and net stress conditions via resonant column loading. By integrating theoretical analyses of soil-water characteristic curves (SWCC) and pore water distribution states, distinct stages of damping ratio evolution were identified, and damping mechanisms induced by saturation variations were elucidated. [Results] The experimental results indicated that: (1) under identical saturation conditions, the damping ratio of silty fine sand gradually decreased with increasing net stress. (2) During saturation evolution, the damping ratio exhibited distinct stage-wise variations: when the soil approached full saturation, the damping ratio remained relatively stable. As saturation declined, the damping ratio rapidly attenuated and reached a minimum near the optimal saturation Sr_opt. Further saturation reduction led to a slight rebound in the damping ratio. (3) Based on the SWCC and pore water morphology evolution, the saturation-dependent damping ratio variations were categorized into three stages: boundary effect stage, transition stage, and residual saturation stage. [Conclusion] This study elucidates the damping ratio evolution mechanism of loose silty fine sand along desaturation paths. It demonstrates that the damping ratio is influenced not only by net stress but also closely associated with pore water distribution states, and that its minimum damping ratio occurs at the optimal saturation Sr_opt. The results reveal that saturation-dependent damping ratio changes can be categorized into three stages, each corresponding to distinct pore water morphology evolution processes. By employing the improved unsaturated soil resonant column, the complete damping ratio evolution process with saturation variation is observed. The principle of minimum damping ratio under “optimal saturation” control is proposed, and the three-stage evolution mechanism is revealed through SWCC analysis. These findings provide a foundation for refining unsaturated soil dynamic models and enhancing the scientific rigor of related engineering designs.