Soil Engineering Research Articles

Site response analysis in performance based approach

A performance based approach for site response analysis requires a probabilistic approach accounting for the observed variability in soil stratification and engineering properties of the soil layers. The major variability in site-specific response analysis arises from the uncertainties induced by the (a) local seismic hazard assessment, (b) selection and scaling of the hazard compatible input earthquake time histories, (c) soil stratification and engineering properties of encountered soil and rock layers, and (d) method of site response analysis. Even though the uncertainties related to first item, local seismic hazard assessment, has primary importance on the outcome of the site-specific response analyses, the discussion in this article focuses on the possible uncertainties in selection and scaling of the hazard compatible input earthquake time histories, soil stratification, thickness, type and their engineering properties, depth of ground water table and bedrock and properties of the engineering bedrock. One alternative may be to conduct site response analyses for large number of soil profiles generated by Monte Carlo simulations using relatively large number of hazard compatible acceleration time histories to assess probabilistic performance based design acceleration spectra and acceleration time histories calculated on the ground surface with respect to different performance levels. A remaining issue may be considered as the variability induced by 1D, 2D, and 3D site response analysis.

Predicting the california bearing ratio via hybrid method of multi-layer perceptron

The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) holds significant importance in the design of flexible pavements and airport runways, serving as a critical soil parameter. Moreover, it offers a means to gauge the soil response of subgrades through correlation, an aspect pivotal in soil engineering, particularly in shaping subgrade design for rural road networks. The CBR value of soil is influenced by numerous factors, encompassing variables like maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), plasticity index (PI), soil type, and soil permeability. The condition of the soil, whether soaked or unsoaked, also contributes to this value. It is worth noting that determining CBR is time-consuming and extensive. Acknowledging the gravity of this determination, the study introduces a pioneering approach employing machine learning. This innovative technique uses a foundational multi-layer perceptron model, harnessing the algorithm’s robust capabilities in addressing regression challenges. A hybridization approach enhances the multi-layer perceptron’s performance and achieves optimal results. This approach integrates the Bonobo Optimizer (BO), Smell Agent Optimization (SAO), Prairie Dog Optimization (PDO), and Gold Rush Optimizer (GRO). The hybrid models proposed in this study exhibit promising results in predicting CBR values. The MLAO3 hybrid model is particularly noteworthy, emerging as the most accurate predictor among the range of models, with an impressive R2 value of 0.994 and an RMSE value of 2.80.

Enhancing the engineering properties of gypseous soils by adding the Anthan polymers

Large areas of soil in Iraq are formed up of gypsum soil. As a result, understanding the habits of this soil and its treatment approach is critical, because its current solution is to replace gypsum soil before beginning any building activity. This study used gypsum soil from Tikrit City, which has a gypsum concentration that is around 38%, and the goal of the study is to illustrate the impact of the polymer on the gypsum soil parameters. Simultaneously, researchers are investigating the beneficial effects of polymers on the behavior of gypsum soil. The percentages of the polymer additive (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15%) were weight percentages, while the soil tests were chemical, physical, and engineering. When the percentage of additive was increased from 0% to 15%, Soil engineering characteristics enhanced the collapse of the from 5.11 to 1.21, cohesion improved from (28.98 KN/m2) to (51.16 KN/m2), and angles of internal friction decreased from 33.190 to 38.850.

Impact of Low Tunnel Heights and Irrigation Regimes on Growth Parameters of Capsicum

The cultivation of Capsicum, commonly known as sweet pepper, is a critical component of global agriculture. As the demand for high-quality peppers continues to rise, there is a growing need to explore innovative cultivation practices that enhance yield and resource efficiency. Extensive experimental work was conducted at the research farm of Soil and Water Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana from October 2008 to June 2009. This manuscript delves into the intricate interplay between low tunnel heights and irrigation regimes, seeking to unravel their collective impact on the growth parameters of capsicum. From the experiments, the data clearly revealed that plant height, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation was highest in 75 cm tunnel height followed by 90 cm and 60 cm tunnel height treatments throughout the crop season. Among all the irrigation treatments drip irrigation with 0.90 IW/CPE ratio gave the highest plant height and leaf area index than other irrigation treatments. Whereas drip irrigation with 0.75 IW/CPE ratio gave the highest dry matter accumulation than the other irrigation treatments.

Evaluating the Optimal Performance of skirted footing: A review study

Geotechnical engineers are currently confronted with the challenge of identifying innovative and efficient approaches to increase bearing capacity and minimize foundation settling. As a result, the skirt is regarded as one technique for enhancing the shallow foundation's carrying capability on various soil types. The skirt work mechanism involves the confining of soil beneath the foundation, resulting in a reduction of settling for the foundation. Soil engineers have endeavored to develop this approach as a substitute for pile foundations in normal structures. These foundations exhibit versatility in their applicability, as they may be useful in diverse settings, including marine environments, coastal areas, and arid terrains. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of various research conducted on skirted foundations in different soil conditions. The objective is to assess the increase of bearing capacity and decrease in a settlement achieved via the utilization of skirted foundations. This assessment is based on laboratory testing, field tests, centrifuge models, numerical methods, and theoretical analysis; These investigations are employed to examine the behaviors skirted footing.

NUMERICAL METHODS OF HYDRO-DYNAMIC COUPLING IN SATURATED SOIL AND ITS APPLICATION TO RAILWAY ENGINEERING

Recent field case study shows that the roadbed of ballastless high-speed railway experienced water-induced defect such as excessive fines pumping and even local subgrade-track contact loss affecting the normal operation of highspeed train due to water immersion through gaps of waterproof materials in expansion joints between the concrete base, particularly in rainy seasons. However, the study about the dynamic behavior of high-speed railway subgrade involving water is currently rare. Based on the theory of fluid dynamics in porous medium and the vehicle-track coupling vibration theory, a numerical method of hydraulic-dynamic coupling was established to evaluate the dynamic responses of saturated roadbed surface layer under the high-speed train loading with the validation by comparing the calculated values and field data. The temporal and spatial characteristics of dynamic behaviors (stress, pore water pressure, seepage velocity, displacement) of saturated roadbed surface layer are fully discussed. Also, the effects of train velocity, permeability, on aforementioned dynamic responses of the saturated roadbed surface layer are evaluated. The study shows that improving the drainage of ballastless track roadbed has a significant effect on minimizing the mud pumping of ballastless track, and the influence zone of hydraulic-mechanical coupling is mainly within 0.1 m of the roadbed.

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF ROAD FAILURE ALONG ABUJA- LOKOJA ROAD

A comprehensive investigation of soil properties along the Abuja-Lokoja Road, focusing on samples A and B located between KM51 + 300 to KM51 + 200 and KM45+100 to M51+000 respectively utilizing site analysis, laboratory testing, and comparative analysis, the study identifies critical distinctions in soil composition and engineering behaviours. Sample A, classified as CH (clay of high plasticity), exhibits a moisture content of 12.6% and a density of 1.940 g/cc in contrast, Sample B, classified as GM (gravelly material), has a higher moisture content of 13.8% and a denser structure at 2.100g/cc. Despite differing compositions, both samples demonstrate comparable load-bearing capacities, reflected in California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values at 100% moisture content. Sample A records 32.7% (unsoaked) and 24.6% (soaked), while Sample B exhibits 32.7% (unsoaked) and 26.2% (soaked), indicating similar strength under specific moisture conditions. Further analysis reveals a slightly higher Liquid Limit (LL) for Sample A at 41% compared to Sample B's 40%, with closely aligned Plasticity Index (PI) values, suggesting comparable plasticity characteristics. These findings align with established trends in cohesive and gravelly soils from past research. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for informed construction practices. The study recommends tailored engineering strategies, based on precise soil characterization, to optimize infrastructure performance and longevity in diverse soil environments. The emphasis on soil analysis and tailored engineering approaches underscores their significance in enhancing infrastructure stability and durability across varying soil conditions.

Study on the lateral thermal disturbances of three parallel embankments on permafrost along the Gonghe-Yushu Engineering Corridor in China

The mutual thermal disturbance of built structures along narrow permafrost engineering corridors has become an evident influencing factor on the thermal stability of frozen soil engineering. To analyse the mutual thermal disturbance of the built structures along a permafrost engineering corridor in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, three parallel permafrost embankments (along the G214 Highway and the first- and second-stage projects of the Gonghe-Yushu Highway in the Gonghe-Yushu Engineering Corridor) were chosen as the research sites. These three highways were built at different times following different standards; thus, complicated lateral thermal disturbances occurred among the three parallel embankments. The embankment distress investigations, typical section drilling, and ground temperature observations were used for analysis. Then, the thermal distress and service status were analyzed under the mutual thermal disturbances of the three embankments. The continuous wave settlements and inclination deformations were relatively developed due to the remarkable mutual thermal disturbances from the shorter distances among the three embankments. Moreover, missing or poor drainage systems further aggravated the mutual thermal disturbances. The monitored data revealed that the transverse thermal disturbances weakened the cooling effects of several special structures to a certain degree; these structures included the ventiduct embankments and crushed-rock embankments. A thermal disturbance simulation model for the three parallel permafrost embankments was proposed and included the assignment of the general influence, core influence, and severe influence zones of the thermal disturbance. The computed results showed that the general influence zones and core influence zones under the three embankments were linked together after 3 and 10 years of construction, respectively, on the Gonghe-Yushu Highway. After 50 years, a vast thermal influence area almost 100 m wide and 20 m deep would form under the three embankments. The thermal disturbances at different distances between embankments were also analyzed using this model; the distances between G214 and the first-phase project of the Gonghe-Yushu Highway were inferred to be more than 15 m and 20 m between the first- and second-phase projects of the Gonghe-Yushu Highway, respectively.

Utilization of Waste Aggregate for Aggregate Construction for Improvement of Soil Bearing Capacity

Soil bearing capacity is one of the important elements when designing the foundation, bridges, and embankment. The soil bearing capacity needs to be improved due to the weak soil such as clayey silt or silty clay soil that was encountered at the construction site. There are many stabilizations method such as bio treatment of the subgrade, chemical stabilization method, chemical grouting or injection systems, aggregates, or reuse of the waste materials, geosynthetic reinforced embankment and vibro compaction. One of the most common chemical stabilization methods is by using additives to improve soil strength. There are a few wastes material that can be used for strengthening clay soil which is more economic and environmentally friendly. The objective of this research is to improve the soil engineering parameters and bearing capacity using Recycled Waste Aggregates (RWA). In this study, soil samples will be added with different percentage weight of RWA and undergo a few series of laboratory experiments to study its behavior which will be sieve analysis, specific gravity, compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The optimization of the percentage of recycled concrete aggregates can be determined from the simulation method. For bearing capacity value, the increase of bearing capacity greatly increases as the percentage of RCA increased and the optimum percentage of RCA is 15%. It concluded that the increasing value of RCA will improve the strength and soil subgrade structures. Recycled Concrete Aggregates have a really great potential material to be used in engineering.

Geotechnical conditions of in-field road design in northern territories of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Tomsk)

The Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District is the largest hydrocarbon resource base, supplying up to 300–330 billion m3/year of gas and up to 10–15 million t/year of liquid hydrocarbons. Mineral extraction is accompanied by the development of engineering infrastructure, namely: cluster pads, oil storage tanks, pumping stations and automobile roads that link both within and between sites. The area is unique in terms of complexity of geotechnical conditions due to permafrost soils in particular in the upper open-cast. The assessment of geotechnical conditions of the field development as well as adverse processes, hazards, risks and impacts on designed, constructed and operating roads to the cluster pads is undoubtedly relevant.Purpose: The evaluation of geotechnical conditions of design, construction and operation of in-field roads in the Severo-Komsomolsk field.Methodology/approach: The analysis and generalisation of materials of geotechnical surveys for design and construction documentation of the cluster pad 11 in the Severo-Komsomolsk oilfield, performed by AO "TomskNIPIneft". Determination of composition and physical properties of undisturbed soils taken when equipping observation posts, performed in the Laboratory of Ground Science and Soil Engineering, TSUAB.Research findings: Natural and geotechnical conditions of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District includes areas with hard frozen soil and areas with complete or partial absence of permafrost soils. In the first case, the subgrade design envisages that the upper permafrost horizon is not lower than the embankment bottom and remains at this level during the entire period of the road operation. In the second case, the design implies preliminary thawing of frozen soil lenses and road drainage prior to the subgrade construction. In the first case, the position of perennially frozen soils is evaluated by the appropriate embankment height, when non-cemented road-building materials are used, and by arranging heat-insulating layers (peat, polystyrene foam, hard frozen soil) with their thermotechnical calculation. The first principle implies the subgrade construction only in winter. To prevent deformation of embankment slopes, it is recommended to build peat benches fixed with a geosynthetic material. Land reclamation in the road construction zone should be avoided to prevent erosion of the soil cover.

Plaxis 2D Modelling of an Anchor Sheet Pile for Soil Slope Strengthening at Segamat, Johor

In soil engineering, the soil slope is one of the important issues in geotechnical and environmental engineering that can fail due to settlement behaviour. Due to soil slope instability, roads near the Segamat River’s slopes have seen severe settlement. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine how the geometry of the soil slope and the properties of the soil affect soil stability and deformation. Because of the varying slope geometries along the river, this study used two alternative slope geometries in its modelling. A comparison was made between the existing slope and the slope stabilised with sheet piling by using Plaxis 2D. Other parameters that affect slope stability are also being investigated, such as anchor length and anchor installation angle. The anchor sheet pile's presence is intended to improve the slope's stability. As a result of this analysis using PLAXIS 2D software, the optimal anchor length depends on the passive pressure of the soil behind the sheet pile. According to the results, installing an anchor with a 60° angle is more stable because the safety factor obtained is 3.26 which is greater than that of a 45° angle which is 1.33. It shows the anchor is the best support of the sheet pile for the soil slope stability.

The effects of camponotus japonicus ant on container-grown leguminous plants

Ants play a major role in changing the microscopic ecosystem. They constitute a significant part of the animal biomass and also act as soil engineers in soil ecosystems. The existence of ant colonies does affect the growth of surrounding plants and the living environment of other animals. This paper explores the impact of ants on the growth of leguminous plants. By placing C. japonicus individuals in an artificial environment, the nesting behavior and hunting behavior of ants could affect the environment in which legumes grow are maximized. The nesting behavior of ants causes seeds to sink into the soil, thereby slowing down the germination time of plants. Besides, the results suggested that the greater the number of ants, the greater their ability to influence the soil. At the same time, ants also produce more organic waste, accelerating the growth of legumes.

SOIL ENGINEERING: MODERN CHALLENGES AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

The emergence of private ownership of land and the urgent needs of the developing practice of land use require a rethinking of some existing fundamental paradigms and the search for new technologies in the relationship between man and nature, as well as, for this purpose, the creation of new sections of knowledge. New ways of developing the surrounding landscape environment are not enough and the methods offered by traditional disciplines. Construction norms and rules need to be clarified for anthropogenically modified soils and soils. Soil engineering is a field of knowledge that studies the engineering properties of the soil and the possibility of using them for the design and construction of soilengineering structures in the soil and soil structures designed to solve specifi c soilengineering problems of environmental management and develop environmentally friendly engineering technologies for managing the properties of soils and landscapes. Such technologies are in urgent demand today in lowrise, communal, landscape, landscape gardening, agricultural, hydrological, forestry, urban, etc., construction. The objects of soil engineering are soilengineering structures and soil structures of various scales (from pedon to soil cover) created in natural and anthropogenically modified soils. Soilengineering structures mean a soil-technical complex that preserves or creates the basis for the sustainable existence of the natural environment. All soilengineering structures can be divided into inert structures (foundations, pipelines, road surfaces) and structures interacting with the soil (wells, fi ltrationfields, reservoirs, drainage and irrigation systems). Soil and landscape engineering is an integral part of environmental engineering, which is rapidly developing. Technologies of soil and landscape engineering have been one of the main driving forces of the progress of civilization throughout the existence of humanity, and they reached their peak in the Russian estate culture of the 19th century. However, the new socioeconomic phenomenon the «modern Russian estate» needs to be studied and norms and rules developed for organizing its interaction with the natural environment, which in many respects is similar to the influence of garden construction and is very similar to the influence of a city in space and time.

Remediation of Lead and Cadmium Contaminated Soil Using Lime with Nanosolicamaterials

Soil contamination by heavy metals significantly damages the environment, human health, plants, and animals, which has become a burning issue recently. The presence of contaminated soils due to industrials and mining activities is a major concern in today’s heavily industrialized world. With the rapid development of society, more and more soils are polluted by heavy metals, which leads to a change in soil engineering properties. Several types of technology have long been in use to remedy the heavy metal-contaminated soil. Among them, solidification and stabilization have been widely adopted. In engineering practice, engineers usually use additives to solidify and stabilize (s/s) heavy metal-contaminated soils. Solidification and Stabilization is an economic and effective technology in the remediation of contaminated soil by heavy metals, as well as sludge and sediment. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of (nanomaterial materials) on the remediation of contaminated soil by the (S/S) technique. The soil was polluted with (2000 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) of Lead and Cadmium respectively by using Lead and Cadmium nitrates. The Pb and Cd- impacted soil was remediation using rich silicon materials of (nano-silica ) as an alternative cementitious material, and replaced with contaminated soil at (3, 5, and 7%) respectively with (5% and 10%) Lime. Nanosilica was prepared from plant extracts. The binder performance was analyzed by using unconfined compressive strength ( UCS) on the solidified soil at three curing times which were 7, 14, and 28 days. TCLP was also applied to investigate the treatment degree of solidified soil for the specimens within 28 days. The result of (UCS) indicated development in strength with curing day for all binders and proved that all mix ratios exceed the minimum Criteria of landfill disposal which is 340 kPa (0.34 N/mm2). It also showed increases in strength with using nano-silica with a lime binder. The result of the leaching test for the stabilized soil after 28 days of curing, showed a reduction in lead and cadmium leaching rate for all binders, below the EPA lead leachability limit of 5 mg/l and cadmium 1 mg/l. The results showed that the sample SH2N5L10 after 28 days is the best percentage for decreasing the leaching rate of lead and cadmium, as it reached (1.4 mg /l and 0.012 mg/l) respectively with the highest compressive strength of 4852 Kpa.

Rhizosphere microbiome engineering of Triticum aestivum L.

ABSTRACT Root-associated microbiomes (RAMs) are complex microbial communities, essential for plant growth and development. The RAMs interact with the roots, maintain the root architecture, protect plants from a plethora of pathogens and biotic and abiotic stress and intensify nutrient uptake, i.e., improve plant growth and yield. A wide variety of microbial populations is usually found in the rhizosphere. Plant exudates also play a significant role in the establishment of rhizospheric microbial communities. This study deals with the approach of microbiome engineering to enhance the development of crops such as wheat. We focus on the idea of soil engineering to foster beneficial microbial communities that can improve plant growth effectively and reduce competition by gradually decreasing the number of pathogenic communities. This technique enables plants to thrive under adequate edaphic conditions. In the current study, the rhizosphere of Triticum aestivum L. was analyzed over four generations. Variations in the microbial diversity between batches one to four (B1-B4) were analyzed with regard to their capacity to improve plant growth. Microbial species richness in the rhizosphere microbiome of wheat was recorded in all investigated plant batches (B0 to B4). The major phyla across the four plant batches were Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi and Actinobacteria. Jaccard Similarity Coefficient indicated similarity between the batches B4-treated and B4-control. Taxonomic distances between the bacterial communities of Batches B0, B1 and B4 were the highest. Significant improvements in the growth parameters of plants treated with a microbiome-containing soil solution of the previous generation (batch) were recorded. Subsequently, their microbiome was also engineered, which facilitated plant growth effectively.

Soil Stability: An Experimental Investigation Utilizing Bagasse Ash in Combination with Guar Gum and Xanthan Gum Biopolymers

This study presents an experimental investigation aimed at enhancing soil stability through the synergistic application of bagasse ash in conjunction with Guar gum (GG) and Xanthan gum (XG) biopolymers. Soil stabilization is a critical aspect of construction and land management, especially in regions where red soil predominates. Due to its pozzolanic qualities, the by-product of sugarcane processing known as bagasse ash has demonstrated potential as a soil stabilizer. Guar gum (GG) and Xanthan gum (XG), natural biopolymers, have demonstrated promise in improving soil engineering characteristics. This research contributes to the evolving field of sustainable soil stabilization techniques, offering insights into the potential of bagasse ash and biopolymers in mitigating soil-related challenges. In the current study, Xanthum gum (XG) and Guar gum (GG) in varied percentages was employed in experimental experiments on red soil as a material for soil improvement. In this investigation, soil was also replaced with Bagasse ash up to 10% of its volume and its strength attributes were assessed. It was found through studies utilizing different Biopolymers concentrations (XG & GG) the soil's strength was improved.

IMPROVING THE ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF SOIL USING NYLON FIBRE WITH GROUND GRANULATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG

Among the major issues facing the engineering community are the development of economically viable ground improvement techniques and the safe and efficient disposal of industrial pollutants. In this work, an effort has been made to look at the viability of using GGBS with fibers. These hazardous industrial waste materials are used to stabilize soil because they can be used in large quantities for geotechnical projects including building embankments, earth dams, and paving for roads and airports. The process of increasing the soil's engineering qualities and making it more stable is known as soil stabilization. When the construction- ready soil is unfit for the intended use, it is necessary. Stabilization, in its broadest definition, encompasses preconsolidation, drainage, and many other similar processes. However, the term "stabilization" is typically used to refer to a procedure where the soil material is changed in order to improve its qualities. For the purpose of stabilizing a natural soil, a cementing substance or chemical is added. In earth structures, soil stabilization is utilized to increase shear strength and decrease permeability and compressibility of the soil mass. To strengthen the foundation soils' bearing capability, soil stabilization is necessary. Stabilization is mostly used to enhance the natural soils for the building of roads and airports. The grading of soils and aggregates used to build the bases and sub bases of highways and airports are governed by the principles of soil stabilization. Key Words: Compaction test, CBR, UCS, Nylon Fibre, GGBS

SOIL Engineering: Modern Challenges and Development Prospects

SOIL Engineering: Modern Challenges and Development Prospects

Prediction of seismic impacts at the site of Plavinu HPP from a potential seismic source in Koknese (Latvia)

The study considers the impact of seismic waves from the source of a potential earthquake in Latvia on the site of the Plavinu hydroelectric power station, which is located in unfavorable geological, tectonic, and geodynamic conditions. A direct seismology problem was solved in two stages to assess seismic impacts on the site. In the first stage, the modeling of synthetic seismograms was carried out, and in the second stage, a prediction of seismic impacts at the hydroelectric power station site was conducted. In the first stage, we used wave field modeling applying Green's method. In the second stage, ground motion characteristics were obtained using a one-dimensional, nonlinear ground response analysis method. A wave field of 15 Green's functions was obtained, which was then converted into a 3-component accelerogram. The accelerogram was then used as a seismic impulse to a Prequaternary sediment's surface. A set of engineering and seismic characteristics of soil was obtained, i.e. amplification, Fourier amplitudes, and spectral amplitudes. The paper demonstrates the ability to acquire valuable information about the seismic wave field and ground motion from macroseismic data from historical earthquakes. This is especially important for intra-plate conditions with limited seismic statistics. Prediction of engineering and seismic conditions are of great practical importance since they will allow us to identify the most vulnerable sites of the soil at the Plavinu HPP.

Mono-objective Optimization of Retaining Wall Using Genetic Algorithm

Abstract This paper examines the importance of geotechnical optimization techniques for soil engineering applications, with a particular emphasis on evaluating geotechnical structures. Due to its prevalence in civil engineering, the complex interplay of geotechnical, structural, and financial considerations necessitates a trial and error approach. The study focuses on design elements, geometric dimensions, and volume considerations in order to highlight the economic viability of reinforced concrete retaining walls. Three code files are created using MATLAB to analyze their impact on active and passive thrusts and, as a result, the structure’s volume. The slope angle, backfill overload, and friction angle are varied. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of using evolutionary algorithms to precisely optimize a single goal and demonstrate that this approach can enhance the design of retaining walls in reinforced concrete. This method demonstrates the ability to improve design procedures in this crucial area, which makes it an invaluable resource for structural engineering researchers and civil engineers.