Engineering Construction Research Articles

Innovative Soil Stabilization by using Fly Ash and Plastic Strips for Black Cotton Soil Improvement

In civil engineering construction, soil is essential, and inadequate soil characteristics can result in serious structural problems. The extremely expansive black cotton soil, which is primarily found in South India, presents significant difficulties since it shrinks in dry conditions and swells during the rainy season. Pavements, buildings, and foundations sustain significant damage as a result of these volume fluctuations. Stabilization methods are necessary to improve the black cotton soil's engineering qualities. This study investigates the use of fly ash and plastic strips to stabilize black cotton soil. Fly ash, an industrial by-product from thermal power plants, is incorporated at varying percentages of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% to determine the optimal dosage for improving soil strength. Once the optimal fly ash percentage is identified, plastic strips of 20mm × 20mm dimensions are added at 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% by weight of the soil. The inclusion of plastic waste addresses its disposal challenges while enhancing soil properties. The stabilization process aims to improve soil strength, reduce its expansive nature, and mitigate infrastructure damage Fly ash and plastic strips work together to improve black cotton soil in an economical and environmentally responsible way, encouraging sustainability in building. This research contributes to more robust and long-lasting infrastructure by shedding light on the possible use of industrial waste for soil stabilization.

Unlocking the potential of stem-cell-derived 'synthetic' embryo models.

Unlocking the potential of stem-cell-derived 'synthetic' embryo models.

Numerical simulation analysis of pile-soil interaction under earthquake action.

Pile foundation is a commonly recognized form of foundation, and earthquakes are a common seismic damage phenomenon. Accidents resulting from reduction in pile bearing capacity due to earthquakes pose a great threat to people's lives and safety. This article investigates the interaction between soil and piles under earthquake action. Utilizing the MIDAS GTS NX finite element software, the vertical bearing characteristics of piles under earthquake action are studied. Obtained acceleration of piles, pile settlement, pile axial force, pile top horizontal displacement, soil pore water pressure, and pore pressure ratio under different earthquake magnitudes. The research results indicate that as the depth increases, the acceleration at the pile top is significantly greater than that at the pile bottom, with an average increase of 20% in acceleration at three different earthquake magnitudes; Both the beginning of the pore pressure ratio growth and the ultimate reaching of its stable pore pressure ratio coincide with a rise in earthquake magnitude. Additionally, the axial force of the pile body also increases with the magnitude of the earthquake, and the maximum axial force of the pile body can increase by 40% at the same time. Simultaneously, the magnitude of the earthquake influences both the displacement of the pile body and the settling of the pile top. This article can provide reference for pile foundation design and engineering construction in liquefaction sites.

Prediction and optimization of structural performance of prefabricated bridges based on physical information neural network (PINN) and BlM

This study presents an innovative performance prediction and optimization method for prefabricated bridge structures, which integrates the strengths of Physical Information Neural Network (PINN) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). By combining the computational power of PINN for solving structural mechanics problems with BIM’s data management and modeling capabilities in construction engineering, a multi-layer, multi-dimensional intelligent framework for prediction and optimization is developed. BIM models provide crucial data, including geometric details, material properties, and construction process information, which are used to create a digital twin of the bridge. Leveraging PINN’s robust fitting ability, physical laws such as stress, strain, and equilibrium equations are incorporated into the neural network to predict the bridge’s performance under various operational conditions. The integration of physical constraints during PINN training enhances both the accuracy and reliability of the predictions. Subsequently, optimization algorithms refine the bridge design based on these predictions, ensuring improvements in performance while meeting key criteria such as safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. This method offers a scientifically rigorous and highly accurate approach to supporting the design and construction of prefabricated bridges, advancing intelligent construction and sustainable building practices. Experimental results demonstrate that the integrated PINN-BIM model outperforms traditional methods, exhibiting superior accuracy, generalization capability, and offering a novel solution for efficient bridge engineering construction and performance optimization.

Innovative 2D ultrasonic reflection measurements in partially frozen unconsolidated sediment

Researches on frozen soil are of great significance in climate monitoring, engineering construction, and oil exploration. Previous experimental studies on the properties of frozen soil were mostly based on 1D ultrasonic transmission waves. They failed to observe the differences in the waveform caused by uneven spatial distribution of ice content in frozen soil. Using an innovative reflected wave experimental system, we investigated the changes in ultrasonic reflected P-wave measured in a large volume unconsolidated sediment during the freezing process, and obtained 2D single-shot records and 2D zero-offset reflection records. Notable observations include the following: different ice contents in frozen soil can cause tilted reflection events at the bottom of the target layer; the amplitude and phase of the reflected wave at the top of the target layer vary with temperatures; the high-velocity layer caused by the high ice content in the upper part of the target layer hinders the downward propagation of waves and cause the loss of reflected wave at the bottom of the sample. We call this the shielding effect of the high-velocity layer (SEHV). Our experimental results showed that the main cause of SEHV is the large impedance contrast between the upper and lower parts of the target layer, resulting from the different ice contents. We quantitatively estimated the ice saturation in the sample using the measured velocity of the sample and a rock physics model. Meanwhile, we have also provided a quantitative estimate of the impedance difference that causes SEHV. Our experimental results can be used to study the propagation of reflected wave in spatially non-uniform media and guide on-site seismic exploration and engineering construction in frozen-soil areas.

Performance analysis and prediction of asphalt pavement containing municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash aggregate based on MEPDG.

Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash (BA) is the main product of municipal solid waste after being burned. MSWI bottom ash aggregate (BAA) which is made from processed BA can be used in road engineering due to its strength and gradation. And it can be provide more choices for road engineering aggregates and relieve the demands for natural aggregates in road engineering construction. In order to verify the difference between BA asphalt pavement and ordinary asphalt pavement in engineering practice, the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) was used to analyze and predict the road performance of BA asphalt pavement, such as rutting, fatigue cracking, temperature cracking, and pavement smoothness. The results showed that the incorporation of MSWI BA had a great impact on the rutting depth of the pavement, but was less affected by temperature changes and had little effect on the fatigue cracking and smoothness of the pavement. Overall, MSWI BA did not degrade the long-term performance of asphalt pavements and is suitable for replacing part of the natural aggregates for road construction.

Intelligent Processing of Design Notices in Engineering Procurement Construction Projects

The accumulation and delayed processing of notices generated during the engineering construction process have a significant impact on project settlement and, thus, project cost. Currently, there is a lack of research on intelligent notice processing. Although large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, have demonstrated exceptional performance in natural language processing, their effectiveness in specific vertical fields, such as construction engineering, is limited due to a lack of specialized training. In light of this, this study proposes a knowledge-augmented language model for intelligently processing design notices in EPC (engineering–procurement–construction) projects. This method consists of the following three key components: database construction, price retrieval, and prompt development. During database construction, exception detection was introduced to ensure data quality, and an appropriate database framework was proposed. The price retrieval module features innovative retrieval rules for improved efficiency and accuracy. Prompt development was based on mainstream methods, which were tailored for this task. The result of processing notices includes cost analysis and claimability judgement. The method achieved promising results in experiments with real project data. Based on these results, the paper discusses the model’s advantages, application scenarios, and input text requirements, providing insights and suggestions for future research.

Impact of Silted Coastal Port Engineering Construction on Marine Dynamic Environment: A Case Study of Binhai Port

Siltation around the harbour entrance poses significant challenges to the navigational safety and operational stability of coastal ports. Previous research has predominantly focused on sedimentation mechanisms in sandy coastal environments, while studies on silt-muddy coasts remain scarce. This paper investigates the causes of siltation around the entrance of Binhai Port in Jiangsu Province, China, utilising field observation data and a two-dimensional tidal current numerical model, with emphasis on hydrodynamic variations and sediment dynamics. Observations reveal that tidal currents induce sediment deposition in the outer harbour entrance area, whereas pronounced scouring occurs near breakwater heads. During extreme weather events, such as Typhoons Lekima (2019) and Muifa (2022), combined wind–wave interactions markedly intensified sediment transport and accumulation, particularly amplifying siltation at the entrance, with deposition thicknesses reaching 0.5 m and 1.0 m, respectively. The study elucidates erosion–deposition patterns under combined tidal, wave, and wind forces, identifying two critical mechanisms: (1) net sediment transport directionality driven by tidal asymmetry, and (2) a lagged dynamic sedimentary response during sediment migration. Notably, the entrance zone, functioning as a critical conduit for water– sediment exchange, exhibits the highest siltation levels, forming a key bottleneck for navigational capacity. The insights gleaned from this study are instrumental in understanding the morphodynamic processes triggered by artificial structures in silt-muddy coastal systems, thereby providing a valuable reference point for the sustainable planning and management of ports.

Design and construction of interface engineering in short carbon fiber composites for excellent mechanical properties and efficient electromagnetic interference shielding

Design and construction of interface engineering in short carbon fiber composites for excellent mechanical properties and efficient electromagnetic interference shielding

Application of Improved Combination Weight Determination‐VIKOR Method in Decision‐making under Interval Intuitionistic Fuzzy Environment

AbstractThe decision‐making methods for emergency rescue schemes in hydraulic engineering typically rely heavily on subjective judgments, which can lead to biased or suboptimal decisions. To address this issue, an emergency rescue scheme decision‐making model based on the improved combination weight determination‐VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) method is proposed to carry out the comparison of emergency rescue programs more effectively and reduce the subjectivity of the weights in the decision‐making process. Firstly, the interval intuitionistic fuzzy set is introduced to express the expert evaluation information, and the objective weights of the emergency rescue evaluation indicators are determined based on entropy weighting method, so as to get the combination weights of the indicators. Secondly, the VIKOR method is used to calculate the weighted Euclidean distance between the comprehensive evaluation matrix and the positive and negative ideal decision matrix, and based on the distance matrix, the group utility value, the individual regret value, and the comprehensive evaluation value of each program are calculated, and the optimal program is determined by this. Finally, the model proposed in this paper is validated by a real case study, and the results show that the decision‐making model can better quantitatively evaluate the emergency rescue program of hydraulic engineering construction. This method proposed can consider the ranking of a variety of evaluative values, reduce the subjectivity in the decision‐making process, and enhance the rationality and effectiveness of the decision‐making process.

Identification and Evaluation of Urban Underground Space Construction Area

AbstractUnderground space is an important resource for achieving sustainable development in urban areas. Before developing and utilizing underground space resources, a scientific evaluation is required. To analyze the suitability of urban underground space development in Jinan, this paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the geological environment, surface environment, economic development, and geological hazards in the study area. A suitability evaluation model is constructed using fuzzy mathematics and improved analytic hierarchy process (AHP), leading to the establishment of an evaluation system for the suitability of underground space development. The indicators are overlaid and calculated according to their weights by adopting the ArcGIS platform. The results show that the model is able to accurately reflect the suitability of underground space and provide scientific theoretical support for actual engineering construction. The area suitable for construction accounts for approximately 29.2% of the entire evaluation area, and the relatively suitable area accounts for 29.1% of the entire evaluation area. The areas with poor suitability for construction account for 27.8% of the entire evaluation area, and the unsuitable area for construction accounts for 13.9% of the entire evaluation area.

Analysis of Influencing Factors and Countermeasures for Experimental Determination of Soil Moisture Content Index

Due to early geological movements, the formation of rock layers near the surface of the Earth's crust varied. In the later stages, intact rock layers were repeatedly subjected to external forces, resulting in varying degrees of damage. Additionally, during physical and chemical weathering, the properties of soil and rock materials in different regions of the Earth's surface showed certain differences. Therefore, in civil engineering construction, it is necessary to test the performance indicators of soil and rock in different regions in order to provide reliable basis for civil engineering design and construction. As an important physical property index of geotechnical materials, the testing process of soil moisture content is prone to some human or instrument equipment problems, which can affect the reliability of moisture content index determination. In the teaching of soil mechanics physical and mechanical performance index experimental courses in various higher education institutions, it is necessary to guide students to take some technical measures in testing experiments, enhance the sense of responsibility and standardized operation of testing personnel, and by formulating experimental plans and guidance documents, while following the various operational requirements of geotechnical testing regulations, accurately judge the type of rock and soil, correctly collect experimental samples, standardize the use of instruments and equipment, carry out experiments step by step, accurately weigh, scientifically read, set reasonable drying times, and use multiple sets of data averages. For the testing of moisture content indicators of special soil types in some areas, specialized methods can be used for experimental operations to avoid human operation errors and minimize experimental errors, thereby achieving ideal and efficient soil mechanics experimental goals.

Double drainage consolidation of annular soil pile considering radial deformation

The resource utilization of silt with high water content is a major problem in the process of ecological dredging and engineering construction in recent years. It is a feasible way to realize the resource utilization of silt into hollow pile section by means of central pressure. The preparation of central pressurized annular soil pile is mainly based on the principle of soil drainage and consolidation, but the deformation direction and external force loading mode are different from the classical consolidation theory. Based on the connotation of this technique, the calculation model considering radial deformation is derived. Combining the control equation and solution conditions, the finite element solution of soil pile with the radial deformation is obtained. Based on this solution, the influence of the related factors in the preparation process of annular soil pile, including the initial water content, external load size, internal and external diameter size and nonlinear compression index, on the development of consolidation degree and the growth of internal diameter in the preparation process is studied.

FDEM numerical simulation of size effect on mechanical properties of basalts with hidden microcracks

As an important geological environment medium for engineering construction in southwest China, basalt generally contains hidden microcracks at a micro-scale, which leads to significant size effect on its mechanical properties, and relevant research is lacking and unsystematic. A synthetic rock mass model based on the combination of a micro-discrete fracture network method and a finite-discrete element method is used to systematically explore the size effect of the mechanical properties of basalt rock blocks with hidden microcracks. The results showed that: (1) the fracture angle is uniformly distributed, and the fracture length conforms to the logarithmic normal distribution, with an areal fracture intensity P20 of 0.00025/mm2 and P21 of 0.012 mm/mm2. (2) According to the variation trends of mechanical parameters with the increase in the specimen dimension, the REV size of basalt rock blocks with hidden microcracks is determined to be 0.5 m. The mechanical properties obtained at this size are considered equivalent continuum properties and could be used as input parameters of rock blocks in complete rock mass or jointed rock mass for the numerical analysis at an engineering scale. (3) With the increase in the sample dimension, basalt changes from a small-sized complete sample to a medium-sized sample with local defects and then to an REV-sized sample with sufficient defects, the stress–strain curve characteristics under Brazilian disc splitting change from a single-peak shape to a zigzag shape and then to a multi-peak shape, and the failure modes changes from a single-center splitting failure mode to a local structure-controlled failure mode and then to a multi-center splitting failure mode, with the gradual decrease in the brittleness degree. The research results further enrich and improve the basic theory and technical methods of multi-scale analysis of geotechnical engineering, and provide strong scientific and technological support for the safety construction of deep engineering.

Semi-analytical solution of frost heave force for circular tunnels in strain-softening rock mass

The freezing method is often adopted to reinforce the surrounding formation during deep foundation pit excavations. According to the traditional theory of freezing wall design in coal mine construction engineering, it is necessary to design a continuous, thicker freezing wall. The multi-turn combination cylinder freezing wall structure can optimize the freezing design, but the strength and stability of the wall structure are theoretical and technical issues that urgently need to be researched and solved. In this work, the mechanical characteristics of frozen walls of multi-coil composite cylinders are analyzed using theoretical methods. Based on the elastoplastic theory, the freezing wall of a multi-turn combined cylinder is simplified to an axisymmetric plane problem, and the theoretical calculation model of the freezing expansion force, generated by the freezing process, around the perimeter of a circular hole under an axisymmetric plane strain model is developed. The corresponding variable model for the displacement immobility point of the freezing circle is proposed, and the progressive formation of the freezing wall is achieved through iterative calculations. The theoretical calculation formulas for the freezing force generated by the freezing process around a circular hole under the plane strain model are derived considering the gradual formation process of freezing expansion. The results of the research provide the theoretical basis for the construction of permafrost deep foundation pit engineering.

Experimental Study on the Influence of Permeation Deformation of Limestone with Different Moisture Contents in Deep-Water Environments

This study deeply explores the permeation deformation mechanism of limestone cores in deep-water environments. Through a customized test device, the mechanical responses of deep-water rocks under different moisture content conditions are simulated. The device is composed of a pressurization system, a pressure vessel, and a data acquisition system, which can accurately apply high water pressure and monitor the stress and strain changes in the core in real time. The cores used in the experiment were cut to standardized sizes and subjected to strict saturation and drying treatments to ensure the consistency of test conditions and the accuracy of data. The mechanical behaviors of cores under four working conditions of dryness, 50% moisture content, and 100% moisture content are analyzed. Through the cyclic process of pressurization and depressurization, the changes in the strain characteristics of the cores are observed. The research results show that when pressure is applied for the first time, low moisture content cores will absorb water and expand, and the strain will increase and then tend to be stable as the pressure increases. There is no such process for cores with 100% moisture content. Water pressure is positively correlated with the elastic modulus of rocks, negatively correlated with the strain rate during pressurization, and positively correlated during depressurization. Moreover, an increase in moisture content reduces the average strain mutation, reduces the average strain rate amplitude, and increases the elastic modulus. This study provides important theoretical support for the design and construction of deep-water rock engineering and provides a reference for further research in related fields.

Numerical Simulation Analysis of the Impact of Tunnel Construction on Aquifers in the Karst Regions of Southwestern China

Underground engineering construction in the karst regions of Southwestern China has become a focal point of China’s advancing regional urban development. However, construction activities interfere with the karst groundwater environment, which is characterized by irregular pore distributions and complex, variable flow patterns. This study establishes a numerical model of the karst water system traversed by Line 2 of the Guiyang Rail Transit in China. Incorporating hydrogeological conditions and tunnel engineering parameters, the model simulates the effects of tunnel construction on the karst groundwater system. The flow-field distribution of the karst groundwater system is altered at various stages of tunnel construction. During tunnel excavation, a drainage zone centered around the subway forms in the groundwater system, altering the groundwater flow field and causing fluctuations in the groundwater level. During the lining phase, the tunnel area gradually transforms into a waterproof zone. Although the groundwater level gradually recovers under rainfall recharge, the waterproofing effect of the tunnel drives the formation of a new groundwater flow field within the groundwater system, changing both the groundwater level and the original flow field. This work offers support for the coordinated development of underground engineering and environmental protection in karst areas, facilitating sustainable urbanization.

Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation Materials and Mechanistic Features: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

The essential role ammonia occupies, considering both its major industrial use for nitrogen‐rich fertilizers and the possibility of being utilized as medium for energy storage, clashes with the environmental drawbacks of the Haber‐Bosch process, its main production method. This review investigates the potential of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation (PNF) as an eco‐friendly approach, driven by solar energy and inspired by natural nitrogenase enzymes. It traces the historical development of nitrogen fixation methods and focuses on recent advancements in photocatalytic materials, including metal oxides, sulfides, and composite systems. Strategies to enhance catalytic performance ‐ including doping, defect engineering, and heterojunction construction – are showcased, thus providing a way to mitigate low conversion efficiency and electron‐hole recombination. The work concludes by presenting emergent materials that could revolutionize the field, offering new paths for sustainable ammonia production.

Research on construction risk assessment method of shield tunnel based on subjective and objective weights

Various risks often exist in metro construction and building, and how to assess the risk when metro is constructed by shield method and establish the construction risk indicator system has become a hot research topic nowadays. In this paper, HHM (hierarchical holography method) is firstly used to list the initial 26 risk indicators, and the risk list is optimized by using vague set theory to get 13 risk indicators. Then, the risk indicators are assigned by a combination of the G1 method (order-relationship hierarchy method) and the COWA method (order-weighted average operator) to determine the weights of the construction safety risk evaluation indicators of the shield construction method of metro tunnels. At the same time, to reduce the influence of the uncertainty, randomness and ambiguity of the shield construction of metro tunnels and more intuitively represent the risk weights of the indicators, and the cloud theory is used to objectively display the risk weights of the indicators. Finally, the subway tunnel shield method construction safety risk evaluation model introduced into the Tianjin Metro an interval case for risk assessment, and test of the scientific nature of the model, applicability, the evaluation results obtained, and the actual results are consistent with the validation of this paper to build the subway tunnel shield method construction safety risk evaluation model of scientific applicability and reliability, enriching the subway tunnel engineering construction safety risk evaluation method for subway tunnels. Construction safety risk evaluation provides a scientific basis for decision-making, but also for the further development of risk prevention measures, reduces the risk of construction of subway tunneling projects to provide a basis for promoting the healthy and rapid development of the construction of urban subways, and provides guidance for similar projects.

Microwave-Assisted Doping Engineering Construction of Spinel-Structured Nonstoichiometric Manganese Cobaltite with Mixed 1D/2D Morphology for Supercapacitor Application.

High-performance electrode materials are fundamental to improving supercapacitor performance, serving as key factors in developing devices with high energy density, high power density, and excellent cyclic stability. Non-stoichiometric spinels with phase deficiencies can achieve electrochemical performance that surpasses that of stoichiometric materials, owing to their unique structural characteristics. In this study, we used a microwave-assisted method to synthesize a high-performance non-stoichiometric spinel material with phase deficiencies, Mn0.5Co2.5O4, which displayed a wide potential window (1.13 V in a traditional aqueous three-electrode system) and high specific capacitance (716.9 F g-1 at 1 A g-1). More critically, through microwave-assisted doping engineering, nickel was successfully doped into the phase-deficient Mn0.5Co2.5O4, resulting in a spinel material, Ni-Mn0.5Co2.5O4, with significant lattice defects and a mixed 1D/2D morphology. The doping of nickel effectively promoted the high-state conversion of manganese valence states within the manganese cobaltite material, substantially increasing the quantity of highly active Co3+ ions. These changes led to an increase in the density of reactive sites, effectively promoting synergistic interactions, thereby significantly enhancing the material's conductivity and energy storage performance. The specific capacitance of Ni-Mn0.5Co2.5O4 reached 1180.6 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, a 64.7% improvement over the original Mn0.5Co2.5O4; at a high current density of 10 A g-1, the capacitance increased by 14.3%. Notably, the charge transfer resistance was reduced by a factor of 41.6. After 5000 cycles of testing, the capacity retention stood at 79.2%. This work reveals the effectiveness of microwave-assisted doping engineering in constructing high-performance non-stoichiometric spinel-type bimetallic oxide materials, offering advanced strategies for the development of high-performance electrode materials.