• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.553-565
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• 2023

As the structure of broken rock mass is complex, with obvious discontinuity and anisotropy, it is generally necessary to reinforce broken rock mass using grouting in underground construction. The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the mechanical properties of broken rock mass after grouting reinforcement with consideration of the characteristics of broken rock mass (i.e., degree of fragmentation and shape) and a range of reinforcement methods such as relative strength ratio between the broken rock mass and cement-based grout stone body (λ), and volumetric block proportion (VBP) representing the volumetric ratio of broken rock mass and the overall cement grout-broken rock mass mixture after the reinforcement. The experimental results show that the strength and deformation of the reinforced broken rock mass is largely determined by relative strength ratio (λ) and VBP. In addition, the enhancement in compressive strength by grouting is more obvious for broken rock mass with spherical shape under a relatively high strength ratio (e.g., λ=2.0), whereas the shape of rock mass has little influence when the strength ratio is low (e.g., λ=0.1). Importantly, the results indicate that columnar splitting failure and inclined shear failure are two typical failure modes of broken rock mass with grouting reinforcement.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.251-265
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• 2023

In urban construction projects, it is crucial to evaluate the impacts of excavation-induced ground movements in order to protect surrounding structures. These ground movements resulting in damages to the neighboring structures and facilities (i.e., parking basement) are of main concern for the geotechnical engineers. Even more, the danger exists if the nearby structure is an ancient or masonry brick building. The formations of cracks are indicators of structural damage caused by excavation-induced ground disturbances, which pose issues for excavation-related projects. Although the effects of deep excavations on existing brick masonry walls have been thoroughly researched, the impact of twin excavations on a brick masonry wall is rarely described in the literature. This work presents a 3D parametric analysis using an advanced hypoplastic model to investigate the responses of an existing isolated brick masonry wall to twin perpendicular excavations in dry sand. One after the other, twin perpendicular excavations are simulated. This article also looks at how varying sand relative densities (D_r = 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%) affect the masonry wall. The cracks at the top of the wall were caused by the hogging deformation profile caused by the twin excavations. By raising the relative density from 30% to 90%, excavation-induced footing settlement is greatly minimized. The crack width at the top of the wall reduces as a result of the second excavation in very loose to loose sand (D_r = 30% and 50%). While the crack width on the top of the wall increases owing to the second excavation in medium to very dense sand (D_r = 70% and 90%).

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.53-69
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• 2022

In densely built areas, the development of underground transportation systems often involves twin excavations, which are sometimes unavoidably constructed adjacent to existing piled foundations. Because soil stiffness degrades with induced stress release and shear strain during excavation, it is vital to investigate the piled raft responses to subsequent excavation after the first tunnel in a twin-excavation system. The effects of deep excavations on existing piled foundations have been extensively investigated, but the influence of twin excavations on a piled raft is seldom reported in the literature. In this study, three-dimensional numerical analyses were carried out to investigate the influence of sand density on an existing piled raft (with a working load on top of the raft) due to twin excavations. A wide range of relative density (D_r) from loosest (30%), loose to medium (50% and 70%), and densest (90%) were selected to investigate the effects on settlement and load transfer mechanism of the piled raft during twin excavations. An advanced hypoplastic sand model (which can capture small-strain stiffness and stress-state dependent dilatancy of sand) was adopted. The model parameters are calibrated against centrifuge test results in sand reported in the literature. From the computed results, it is found that twin excavations in loose sand (D_r=30%) caused the most significant settlement. This is because of the higher stiffness of denser sand (D_r=90%) than that of loose sand. In contrast, a much larger tilting (maximum magnitude=0.18%) was computed in dense sand than in loose sand after the completion of the first excavation. As far as the load transfer mechanism along the piles is concerned, an upward load transfer to mobilize shaft resistance is observed in loose sand. On the contrary, a downward load transfer is observed in dense sand.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.603-615
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• 2023

Population growth and urbanization prompted engineers to propose more sophisticated and efficient transportation methods, such as underground transit systems. However, due to limited urban space, it is necessary to construct these tunnels in close proximity to existing infrastructure like high-rise buildings and bridges. Battered piles have been widely used for their higher stiffness and bearing capacity compared to vertical piles, making them effective in resisting lateral loads from winds, soil pressures, and impacts. Considerable prior research has been concerned with understanding the vertical pile response to tunnel excavation. However, the three-dimensional effects of tunnelling on adjacent battered piled foundations are still not investigated. This study investigates the response of a single battered pile to tunnelling at three critical depths along the pile: near the pile shaft (S), next to the pile (T), and below the pile toe (B). An advanced hypoplastic model capable of capturing small strain stiffness is used to simulate clay behaviour. The computed results reveal that settlement and load transfer mechanisms along the battered pile, resulting from tunnelling, depend significantly on the tunnel's location relative the length of the pile. The largest settlement of the battered pile occurs in the case of T. Conversely, the greatest pile head deflection is caused by tunnelling near the pile shaft. The battered pile experiences "dragload" due to negative skin friction mobilization resulting from tunnel excavation in the case of S. The battered pile is susceptible to induced bending moments when tunnelling occurs near the pile shaft S whereas the magnitude of induced bending moment is minimal in the case of B.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.577-590
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• 2024

With increasing demand for nuclear power generation, nuclear structures are being planned and constructed worldwide. A grave safety concern is that these structures are sensitive to large-magnitude shaking, e.g., during earthquakes. Seismic response analysis, which requires P- and S-wave velocities, is a key element in nuclear structure design. Accordingly, it is important to determine the P- and S-wave velocities in the Gyeongju and Pohang regions of South Korea, which are home to nuclear power plants and have a history of seismic activity. P- and S-wave velocities can be obtained indirectly through a correlation with physical properties (e.g., N values, Young's modulus, and uniaxial compressive strength), and researchers worldwide have proposed regression equations. However, the Gyeongju and Pohang regions of Korea have not been considered in previous studies. Therefore, a database was constructed for these regions. The database includes physical properties such as N values and P- and S-wave velocities of the soil layer, as well as the uniaxial compressive strength, Young's modulus, and P- and S-wave velocities of the bedrock layer. Using the constructed database, the geological characteristics and distribution of physical properties of the study region were analyzed. Furthermore, models for predicting P- and S-wave velocities were developed for soil and bedrock layers in the Gyeongju and Pohang regions. In particular, the model for predicting the S-wave velocity for the soil layers was compared with models from previous studies, and the results indicated its effectiveness in predicting the S-wave velocity for the soil layers in the Gyeongju and Pohang regions using the N values. The proposed models for predicting P- and S-wave velocities will contribute to predicting the damage caused by earthquakes.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2024

Geotechnical parameter estimation is critical to the design, performance, safety, and cost and schedule management in Tunnel Boring Machine projects. Since these parameters vary within a certain range, relying on mean values for evaluation introduces significant risks to the project. Due to the non-homogeneous characteristics of geological formation, data may not exhibit a normal distribution and the presence of outliers might be deceptive. Therefore, the use of reliable analyses and simulation models is inevitable in the course of the data evaluation process. Advanced modeling techniques enable comprehensive analysis of the project data and allowing to model the uncertainty in geotechnical parameters. This study involves using Monte Carlo Simulation method to predict probabilistic distributions of field data, and therefore, establish a basis for designs and in turn to minimize project risks. In the study, 166 sets of geotechnical data Obtained from 35 boreholes including Standard Penetration Test, Limit Pressure, Liquid Limit, and Plastic Limit values, which are mostly utilized parameters in estimating project requirements, were used to estimate the geotechnical data distribution of the study field. In this context, firstly, the data was subjected to multi-parameter linear regression and variance analysis. Then, the obtained equations were implemented into a Monte Carlo Simulation, and probabilistic distributions of the geotechnical data of the field were simulated and corresponding to the 90% probability range, along with the minimum and maximum values at the 5% probability levels presented. Accordingly, while the average SPT N30 value is 42.86, but the highest occurrence rate is 50.81. For Net Limit Pressure, the average field data is 17.07 kg/cm², with the maximum occurrence between 9.6 kg/cm² and 13.7 kg/cm². Similarly, the average Plastic Limit value is 22.32, while the most probable value is 20.6. The average Liquid Limit value is 56.73, with the highest probability at 54.48, as indicated in the statistical data distribution. Understanding the percentage distribution of data likely to be encountered in the project allows for accurate forecasting of both high and low probability scenarios, offering a significant advantage, particularly in ordering TBM requirements.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.333-352
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• 2017

A comparison study is made between the dynamic properties of an argillaceous siltstone and its grouting-reinforced body. The purpose is to investigate how grout injection can help repair broken soft rocks. A slightly weathered argillaceous siltstone is selected, and part of the siltstone is mechanically crushed and cemented with Portland cement to simulate the grouting-reinforced body. Core specimens with the size of $50mm{\times}38mm$ are prepared from the original rock and the grouting-reinforced body. Impact tests on these samples are then carried out using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus. Failure patterns are analyzed and geotechnical parameters of the specimens are estimated. Based on the experimental results, for the grouting-reinforced body, its shock resistance is poorer than that of the original rock, and most cracks happen in the cementation boundaries between the cement mortar and the original rock particles. It was observed that the grouting-reinforced body ends up with more fragmented residues, most of them have larger fractal dimensions, and its dynamic strength is generally lower. The mass ratio of broken rocks to cement has a significant effect on its dynamic properties and there is an optimal ratio that the maximum dynamic peak strength can be achieved. The dynamic strain-softening behavior of the grouting-reinforced body is more significant compared with that of the original rock. Both the time dependent damage model and the modified overstress damage model are equally applicable to the original rock, but the former performs much better compared with the latter for the grouting-reinforced body. In addition, it was also shown that water content and impact velocity both have significant effect on dynamic properties of the original rock and its grouting-reinforced body. Higher water content leads to more small broken rock pieces, larger fractal dimensions, lower dynamic peak strength and smaller elastic modulus. However, the water content plays a minor role in fractal dimensions when the impact velocity is beyond a certain value. Higher impact loading rate leads to higher degree of fragmentation and larger fractal dimensions both in argillaceous siltstone and its grouting-reinforced body. These results provide a sound basis for the quantitative evaluation on how cement grouting can contribute to the repair of broken soft rocks.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.29-39
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• 2023

As the intensity of urban underground space development increases, more and more tunnels are planned and constructed, and sometimes it is inevitable to encounter situations where tunnels have to underpass the river embankments. Most previous studies involved tunnels passing river embankments perpendicularly or with large intersection angle. In this study, a project case where two EPB shield tunnels with 8.82 m diameter run parallelly underneath a river embankment was reported. The parallel length is 380 m and tunnel were mainly buried in the moderate / slightly weathered clastic rock layer. The field monitoring result was presented and discussed. Three-dimensional back-analysis were then carried out to gain a better understanding the interaction mechanisms between shield tunnel and embankment and further to predict the ultimate settlement of embankment due to twin-tunnel excavation. Parametrical studies considering effect of tunnel face pressure, tail grouting pressure and volume loss were also conducted. The measured embankment settlement after the single tunnel excavation was 4.53 mm ~ 7.43 mm. Neither new crack on the pavement or cavity under the roadbed was observed. It is found that the more degree of weathering of the rock around the tunnel, the greater the embankment settlement and wider the settlement trough. Besides, the latter tunnel excavation might cause larger deformation than the former tunnel excavation if the mobilized plastic zone overlapped. With given geometry and stratigraphic condition in this study, the safety or serviceability of the river embankment would hardly be affected since the ultimate settlement of the embankment after the twin-tunnel excavation is within the allowable limit. Reasonable tunnel face pressure and tail grouting pressure can to some extent suppress the settlement of the embankment. The recommended tunnel face pressure and tail grouting pressure are 300 kPa and 550 kPa in this study, respectively. However, the volume loss plays the crucial role in the tunnel-embankment interaction. Controlling and compensating the tunneling induced volume loss is the most effective measure for river embankment protection. Additionally, reinforcing the embankment with cement mixing pile in advance is an alternative option in case the predicted settlement exceeds allowable limit.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.539-554
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• 2023

This article is dedicated to the pursuit of establishing a robust empirical relationship that allows for the estimation of in-situ modulus of deformations (E_m and G_m) within sedimentary rock slope masses through the utilization of Q_slope values. To achieve this significant objective, an expansive and thorough methodology is employed, encompassing a comprehensive field survey, meticulous sample collection, and rigorous laboratory testing. The study sources a total of 26 specimens from five distinct locations within the South Pars (known as Assalouyeh) region, ensuring a representative dataset for robust correlations. The results of this extensive analysis reveal compelling empirical connections between E_m, geomechanical characteristics of the rock mass, and the calculated Q_slope values. Specifically, these relationships are expressed as follows: E_m = 2.859 Q_slope + 4.628 (R² = 0.554), and G_m = 1.856 Q_slope + 3.008 (R² = 0.524). Moreover, the study unravels intriguing insights into the interplay between in-situ deformation moduli and the widely utilized Rock Mass Rating (RMR) computations, leading to the formulation of equations that facilitate predictions: RMR = 18.12 E_m0.460 (R² = 0.798) and RMR = 22.09 G_m0.460 (R² = 0.766). Beyond these correlations, the study delves into the intricate relationship between RMR and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) with Qslope values. The findings elucidate the following relationships: RMR = 34.05e^0.33Qslope (R² = 0.712) and RQD = 31.42e^0.549Qslope (R² = 0.902). Furthermore, leveraging the insights garnered from this comprehensive analysis, the study offers an empirically derived support system tailored to the distinct characteristics of discontinuous rock slopes, grounded firmly within the framework of the Q_slope methodology. This holistic approach contributes significantly to advancing the understanding of sedimentary rock slope stability and provides valuable tools for informed engineering decisions.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.429-445
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• 2024

The Journal of Engineering Geology (JEG), a leading academic journal in the field of engineering geology in South Korea, was first published in 1991 and has since been publishing academic papers and research findings. While several literature reviews have been undertaken on specific research areas in recent decades, comprehensive reviews focusing on JEG have been relatively limited. To address this gap, this study applied the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model to analyze the main research topics and trends, and undertook network analysis to identify relationships between topics over different periods. Results for the LDA indicate seven key research topics categorized into three trends: Classic, Emerging and Stable topics. Classic topics include 'Geophysics' and 'Structural geology', which were major subjects in the early years, with their focus shifting to other areas over time. Emerging topics such as 'Hydrogeology' and 'Geohazards' have gained prominence in recent years. Stable topics including 'Geotechnical structures', 'Geomechanics', and 'Environmental geology' have maintained consistent research interest. Network analysis revealed that Structural geology was the central topic prior to 2008, while Geotechnical structures became the focal point of research after 2008, with a shift in research focus. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of research trends and the development of JEG, providing insights for the setting of future research directions.