Unstable Soils Research Articles

Evaluating aggregate stability of soils under different plant species in Ziwuling Mountain area using three renowned methods

Soil stability is a characteristic property and is frequently used as an indicator of soil quality. Considering the large variation among stability tests, existing studies usually employ more than one stability test in order to better understand soil behavior against various disruptive forces. The main purposes of this study were to evaluate the impact of aggregate disruptive mechanisms (slaking, clay swelling, mechanical breakdown, and cavitation) on soils developed under different plant species. We aimed as well to compare the results of three renowned soil stability methods: modified Yoder (Yod), Le Bissonnais (LB) and Ultrasonic agitation (UA) on surface (0–20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) soils. Overall, soils of three plant communities developed under eight plant species were investigated. These include forestland (Quercus wutaishansea, Pinus tubulaeformis, Platycladus orientalis, and Robinia pseudoacacia), shrubland (Sophora viccifolia, Hippophae rhamnoides, and Rosa xanthina) and grassland (Stipa bungeana). The mean weight diameter (MWD) was used as a stability parameter for modified Yoder’s and Le Bissonnais’ methods. In contrast, specific dispersion energies (SE) at the initial (10%, w/w), middle (50%, w/w) and final (90%, w/w) stages of aggregate disruption were used as stability parameters by the UA method. The results of MWD (Yod) indicated that surface and subsurface soils were in the range of 1.23–2.86 mm, which accounted for medium (0.8–1.3 mm) to very stable (>2 mm) soils. Among the three LB tests (fast wetting (FW), slow wetting (SW), and wet stirring (WS)), the order of aggregate disruption was FW > WS > SW, suggesting that FW was the most destructive among the three tests with the lowest MWD value (0.45 mm, unstable soil). SW showed the highest MWD values (0.82–2.82 mm), and most of the soils were ranked in the stable (1.3–2 mm) to very stable (>2 mm) range. The MWD trend of WS was similar to FW test. Although the range of SE at three levels was different: SE10 (8.1–29.4 J g−1), SE50 (53.0–193.4 J g−1), and SE90 (176–642 J g−1), they all showed a similar association with soil characteristics and stability parameters of other tests. The strong positive correlation of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), fine root biomass (FRB), and clay contents, and the negative correlation of soil water content (SWC) with the five tests, indicated that these five factors were the major characteristics responsible for the resistance of the studied soils against different destructive mechanisms (p < 0.05–0.01). Overall, the results of all five tests indicated that soil under Quercus wutaishansea (QW) was the most stable, while that under Robinia pseudoacacia (RP) was the most unstable. Although all methods were based on different breakdown mechanisms, initial and final soil fractions and parameters, they were strongly positively correlated with each other. This indicated that all these tests were equally good at stability assessment, with some distinctions and limitations.

Factors affecting geotextile filter long-term behaviour and their relevance in design

Geotextile and granular filters are widely used in civil (e.g. earth dams, embankments, drainage trenches, etc.) and environmental (e.g. landfills, permeable reactive barriers, etc.) engineering works. Geotextile filters are considered to be an effective alternative to conventional granular filters whose function is to prevent the movement of fine particles from the base soil allowing the liquid to flow as freely as possible. The design of a geotextile filter requires the knowledge of the base soil–filter interaction that is a very complex process due to the large number of factors involved. In this paper, the complex cases of geotextile filter design in contact with internally unstable cohesionless soils and in critical/severe applications are analysed based on recent research also developed by the authors. Moreover, the influence of the main factors affecting geotextile/filter long-term behaviour which are generally neglected in current design criteria, such as vertical effective stress, partial clogging, flow conditions, type of contact at the interface and type of permeant, are examined. Furthermore, various performance tests to evaluate the long-term soil–geotextile filter behaviour and the reliability and limits of different design criteria for cohesionless soils are discussed.

Flexural Resistance Analysis on Hot Asphalt Mixtures with Wire Mesh Placement Modeling as Reinforcement

Flexural resistance is the ability of a specimen to withstand force in two pedestals with vertical axis until it is broken. Flexible pavement is a type of pavement which is very dependent with pavement course underneath. The dependency of flexible pavement in both base course and subgrade makes this pavement difficult to apply in unstable soil. Using wire mesh course as reinforcement is considerably able to raise the flexural resistance. This study is aimed to analyze flexural resistance value in hot mix by using wire mesh course as reinforcement. The study is conducted by applying experimental method with designing four types of wire mesh laying models in hot mix using three points flexural test equipment. Based on the study result, it is found that hot mix with wire mesh laying 30 mm from specimen surface is the best model type with 291,85 KN flexural resistance value with 8 mm of deflection depth. In this laying, it can be concluded that wire mesh course can raise up the flexural resistance up to 35,41% compared to the hot mix without wire mesh course.

Readily dispersible clay in soils from different Brazilian regions by visible, near, and mid-infrared spectral data

ABSTRACT Unstable soil aggregates can easily be dispersed when mechanical energy is applied, denominated as readily dispersible clay (RDC) which is usually measured by turbidimetry. Faster methods that require minimum preparation at reduced costs are needed, such as the spectroscopy technique. Nevertheless, the technique has not yet been tested on soils. Electromagnetic radiation has strong interaction with soil physical elements (sand, silt, and clay) and with selective elements of the clay fraction, such as mineralogy. Thus, this study assessed the potential of 400–16,680 nm range (visible – Vis; near-infrared – NIR; short-wave infrared – SWIR; and medium infrared – MIR) spectroscopy to estimate RDC in some tropical soils. We also evaluated the wavelengths and regions that contribute to this prediction. We collected 68 samples from the underlying horizon of three different soils from three important states in Brazil The soil analyses were performed (physical and chemical) in the laboratory. RDC quantification was compared with the Vis-NIR-SWIR and MIR wavelengths models. The random forest (RF) algorithm was used to generate the prediction in the soil database. For RDC, the Vis-NIR-SWIR and MIR configuration presented a better relationship (coefficient of correlation (r) = 0.659 and root of the mean square error (RMSE) = 0.469%), although the results were similar when the regions were evaluated separately (Vis-NIR-SWIR – 350 to 2500 nm and MIR 2500 to 16,680 nm). RDC determination is more related to bands from 1980 to 2040, 6840 to 7360, and 7750 to 9820 nm. Spectroscopy showed its importance in RDC quantification, as it is fast and does not require soil preparations. The results show that spectral wavelengths are appropriate to assist on the estimative of RDC in the studied soils and may provide a basis for future research.

A Large-Scale Model of Lateral Pressure on a Buried Pipeline in Medium Dense Sand

Modern countries utilise buried pipelines for the long-distance transportation of water, oil, and gas due to their efficiency and continuity of delivery to receiving locations. Due to soil movements such as landslides, excessive earth pressure imposed on buried pipelines causes damage and, consequently, leaking of liquids, gases or other harmful effluents into the soil, groundwater, and atmosphere. By using a large-scale physical model, the lateral pipeline–soil interaction in sandy soil was researched. This study investigated the stress distribution on a buried pipe induced by lateral soil displacement. The external forces on the buried pipe caused by the surrounding soil motion were measured using earth pressure cells installed in the active zone along the pipeline. Additionally, visual inspection of ground deformation patterns on the surface, including tensile cracks, above a shallow-buried pipeline subjected to lateral soil movement was reported. The results revealed that lateral soil movement has a potency effect on buried pipelines. The findings also indicated that the highest stresses occur at the unstable soil boundaries prior to reaching the soil’s peak strength. After observing the soil surface’s rupture, most of the stress increments were concentrated in the middle section of the pipe.

The choice of a metal sheet piling for the construction of the foundation pit

Sheet piles are often used for fencing deep excavations. This is due, among other things, to the fact that when they are pressed, there is no negative impact on the surrounding buildings. In the course of the study, a technical and economic comparison of the domestic sheet pile L4 and its foreign analogue VL603K was carried out. The relevance of the study is confirmed by the fact that during the construction of underground parts of buildings and structures, great attention is paid to engineering measures to prevent the ingress of groundwater into the pits, as well as to strengthen the walls of the excavations from the possibility of collapse in unstable and water-bearing soils. It is also taken into account that the choice of the foundation pit construction depends on its depth, the level of groundwater and the structural scheme of the underground part of the structure, it is also necessary to carry out a static calculation to determine the thickness of the fence and its immersion depth. The analysis of sheet piles also revealed their disadvantages and advantages.

Ways to Increase the Efficiency of Thermopressiometry

Purpose. The purpose of the work is to identify the ways to increase the efficiency of engineering research, based on the significant amount of exploration work required in the creation of modern man-made objects, taking into account the shortcomings of existing instruments and equipment used to measure soil stress, and in relation to the need to improve the design of thermopressiometers, which are aimed to facilitate the study of frozen soils. Methodology. The ways to improve the blade thermopressiometer for the study of frozen soils with different aggregates were selected by the comparative-analytical method and the method of analogy. Thawing depth, absolute soil sediment, deformation modulus etc. were determined by thermal-technical calculations. Findings. The application issues of concern of the existing thermopressiometers (limited research of soils of a certain type, complexity and insufficient accuracy of readings) identified can be overcome by the proposed improved design of a blade thermopressiometer for testing frozen sandy-clay soils. It is based on the improved heating circuit, the applicationd of quality materials and changing the form of the blades and body. The device is intented for use on permafrost and natural frozen soils of the world, including Ukraine. Originality. For the first time we offered a model of an advanced thermopressiometer with an improved body shape made of high-quality corrosion-resistant materials, including non-metallic ones. It has the reduced number of blades to one retractable sector blade-stamp (square or round) and one heating blade-stamp. A special probe design with mechanical/hydraulical sensor drive with a thermocouple (or with two fork probes to improve the measurements) was proposed. It was also recommended to introduce an electric conductive system designed for thawed soils, with a rod for measuring the retractable blade-stamp. The possibility of using a thermopressiometer during the study of seasonally frozen soils is established. Practical value. Improving the device model should facilitate its application in engineering and geological research for various types of construction, including transport, hydraulic engineering, which use the methods of deep freezing of weak and unstable soils.

Investigation of unstable soil stabilized using fly-ash cement grouting

The deep soil with a relatively poor compressive strength has been an issue for the researchers and constructors for years since the hardships faced by them when trying to construct heavy structures on top of them. It is found that weak soils like those can be strengthened by adding different additives. Cement is commonly used for the above purpose but, since it’s expensive to use alone, cement mixed with fly ash was tested with different soils to strengthen them. The aim of the research was to find out the increase/decrease of strength when two different cement and fly ash mixtures were mixed with three different types of soils common in Malaysia in different proportions and to find the optimum percentages of each mixture to be mixed with each soil to obtain a desired strength. The Modified Standard Proctor test and the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests were carried to study the behaviour and strength of the soils when mixed with the above additives.

Introducing expandable mechanical plate anchors for onshore and offshore anchoring

Soil anchors are among the most widely used reinforcements to stabilize unstable soil mass or stabilize and anchor structures built in onshore and offshore regions. Anchors are generally installed in soil and rocky environments by penetration and embedment methods. These methods are classified into two main groups of grouted and mechanical anchors. In the present study, Expandable Mechanical Plate Anchors (EMPLAs), a new generation of mechanical anchors, are introduced and their bearing capacities are evaluated. EMPLAs can be implemented, locked, and activated in the soil more cheaply and with a lower driving force. Previous studies have validated the efficiency of these anchorages based on the experimental test results. Here, it is tried to evaluate the effect of properties of anchor plates such as their shape and curvature on the locking mechanism, as well as the ultimate bearing capacity of reinforcement and drop rate of locking force under a constant pullout speed rate. Furthermore, the ultimate bearing capacity of the anchors is calculated using two methods of 1) the well-known theories for calculating the tensile bearing capacity of plate anchors in cohesionless soil and 2) numerical modeling using finite element software. The results from both methods showed that the plate curvature intensity had a great impact on the plates opening rate and, consequently, faster locking and activation of the reinforcement at the higher embedment depth. Eventually, the effective zone of the soil at the top of the expandable plates during a 90° rotation of the plates and lockage of the reinforcement was monitored using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique.

Compaction of soil materials using kaolinite soil with concrete waste mix

Constructions of buildings above ground level Clay is one of the most common problems in construction in many parts of the world. Soil is a basic element of construction work, both roads, and buildings. Unstable soil can cause damage that occurs on the road, such as a bumpy road surface, This land problem is not limited to surface movement, but it covers the whole, such as depreciation and soil development. Compaction is done to reduce the volume of soil grains. Soil compaction aims to increase the weight of dry volume, reduce soil subsidence, reduce soil plasticity, reduce volume changes as a result of changes in water content. This research, a standard proctor test, was carried out by adding concrete waste to the clay. Addition [1] of concrete waste with variations of 5%, 10%, 20%, obtained dry weight (1.58), (1.65), (1.61). The research showed that the addition of 10% of concrete waste obtained an optimum dry weight of 1.65 with a moisture content of 10%.

The Technique for Zoning by the Soil Strata Mechanical Stability Degree

The safety of buildings and structures largely depends on the bearing capacity of soil foundations. Structurally unstable dispersed soils with unstable water-colloidal bonds are widespread in Russia, therefore, the issue of evaluating the mechanical stability of dispersed soils is relevant. The authors have developed a technique for zoning by the soil strata mechanical stability degree, the approbation of which is exemplified by a large construction site being designed. The deformation modulus has been used as the main criterion. The technique involves a series of sequential logical operations outlined herein. On the experimental site, areas with a low, medium, and high stability degree of the soil stratum and its engineering-geologic elements (EGE) have been identified. For sites with a low stability degree, recommendations for their development are given.

Geometrical assessment of internal instability potential of granular soils based on grading entropy

Internal instability of a soil is closely related to its particle size distribution (PSD) that occurs when its coarser particles cannot protect the finer particles from erosion, thereby inducing permanent changes in its original PSD. This study proposes a new criterion based on grading entropy theory for prompt assessment of internal stability. PSD is discretized into several fractions to extract particle grading information through statistical analysis. Two normalized variables: base entropy ( $$h_{0}$$ ) and entropy increment ( $$\Delta h$$ ) are determined directly from the PSD curve, and the principle of maximum entropy is used to obtain a semi-ellipse within plane formed by $$h_{0}$$ and $$\Delta h$$ , wherein a PSD can be simply expressed as a point. A clear boundary between stable and unstable soils is visualized at maximum $$\Delta h$$ line, which is used to correctly evaluate a large published experimental dataset and its performance is compared with the existing criteria.

Research and application of an improved internal thrust force measurement system for rock and soil mass based on OFDR

Internal thrust force of unstable rock and soil mass is an essential parameter for prediction of many geological hazard. Currently, fiber bragg grating (FBG) and optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) are widely used to measure internal stress of unstable rock and soil mass. However, these methods have disadvantages such as low spatial resolution and the paucity of distributed measurements. This paper develops a quasi-distributed thrust measurement system based on an optical frequency domain reflectometer (OFDR). Firstly, we design an optical fiber stress sensor head using the characteristics of the optical fiber microbending effect. And then, the cubic spline interpolation method is used to compensate for the nonlinear effects of the OFDR. Finally, we implement a laboratory experiment of lateral stress to make error calibration. As a result, the OFDR sensing system achieved a spatial resolution of 20 cm by using a 500 m test fiber, maximum measurement pressure reached 1.059 MPa and relative error is 8.9%. We implemented OFDR in the Chenjiagou landslide located at the Three-Gorge of Chongqing in China. The results showed that this system can accurately locate six fiber stress sensors within the landslide over a range of 0 ∼ 420 m, obtaining the lateral thrusts as well.

The effect of temperature on some engineering and consolidation properties of soft soil

This article defines the effect of temperature on some engineering and consolidation properties of soft soil. The purpose of this research, therefore, was to determine the technical characteristics of soft clay consolidation behavior, specifically in terms of temperature influence on varying values of soil established mechanical parameters, including soft soil compression index (Cc), swelling index (Cs), volume change coefficient (mv), consolidation coefficient (Cv), and the permeability coefficient (k). In this analysis, the use of soft clay in an undisturbed condition was sourced from a swampy location in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Also, the temperatures applied to the specimens were 22o C, 40o C, 60o C, and 70o C. The results showed the influence of temperature modifications on soil compressibility, where extensive heat was responsible for abundant soil compressibility. In addition, the associated parameters, termed soil compression index value (Cc), consolidation coefficient (Cv), and the swelling index (Cs), observed an increase by 3%, 33%, and 22%, respectively. Furthermore, existence of high temperatures limited the unstable soil volume, where the volume change coefficient (mV) tends to decrease by 3%. Also, varying temperatures essentially altered soil permeability, where the seepage properties of soft clay showed the tendency to increase by 32%, with rising soil temperature.

A type of buried reinforced concrete structures in structurally unstable soils

The operational reliability of the constructed buildings and structures in the Arctic depends on the rationally adopted types of foundations. In cases of structurally unstable engineering and geological elements (EGE) in the base, stricter requirements shall be imposed on the design and construction of foundations. For bases composed of collapsing soils of natural occurrence, the coefficient of relative collapsing ɛsl and the initial collapse pressure Psl are the main deteriorating indicators. Disregard for their impact in most cases leads to the deterioration in the reliable operation of the erected structures. This paper addresses a case from geotechnical practice, when a timely discovered error of not taking collapsible characteristics into account made it possible to avoid an emergency.

Формування продуктивності ячменю звичайного ярого залежно від інокуляції насіння біопрепаратом та позакореневих підживлень в Степу України

Scientifically substantiated application the elements of technologies with the use of microbiological preparations, macro- and microfertilizers, new growth regulators of plants of organic origin, allows not only to increase grain yields, improve its quality, but also to affect the economic efficiency of spring barley cultivation. Today, biological, growth stimulants are widely used in various types of agricultural crops. They are an effective method of achieving increased productivity, increasing resistance to diseases and pests, which, in turn, makes them attractive to researchers. The introduction of biologically active substances in agricultural practice is impossible without a deep and comprehensive study of their effect on the growth and development of the plant, as it depends on the type of preparation, rate, processing time, varietal characteristics of the crop, and other factors. The aim of our research was to evaluate the effect of biopreparation of phosphorus mobilizing action and foliar fertilization with macro- and microfertilizers on the formation of spring barley productivity at sowing after predecessors of soybean, winter wheat, sunflower, and corn for grain in conditions of unstable soil moisture in Steppe zone. Due to significant fluctuations in weather conditions during the growing season of spring barley, by the bree­ding of ecologically adapted varieties, predecessors and using elements of technology that involve the seed treatment with biopreparations and foliar fertilization in the tillering phase of plants, one can consistently obtain grain yields at 4.32−5.23 t/ha. Improving the nutrient regime of the soil with the use of the preparation Polymyxobacterin based on the growth-stimulating bacterium Paenibacillus polimyxa KB contributed to the improvement of plant nutrition and increased the crop yield of spring barley by 0.17−0.65 t/ha depending on the predecessor. The increase in grain yield of spring barley from the use of foliar fertilizers with macro-and microfertilizers was 0.29−0.41 t/ha. The highest level of grain yield (5.68 and 5.18 t/ha) when sowing spring barley variety Statok after predecessors soybean and sunflower obtained in the trial of inoculation with phosphorus mobilizing preparation Polymyxobacterin and fertilization in the tillering phase with micro-fertilizer Reakom, after grain crops – 5.19 t/ha Polymyxobacterin + CAM 28, N8, after corn for grain – 4.92 t/ha, Polymyxobacterin + Urea, N8. The increase compared to control was 0.83 t/ha, 0.95; 0.83 and 1.25 t/ha respectively, by predecessors. The use of biopreparations based on effective microorganisms should be an integral aspect of modern agriculture, taking into account climate changes. The practical value of using biological preparations for seed inoculation before sowing in combination with foliar fertilization of macro- and microfertilizers in the period of formation of the generative organs is due not only to their efficiency but also the low cost of their use, which is an element of resource-saving technologies and eliminates environmental pollution.

Methods and technology of reinforcing a leaning slope

Geotechnical engineering is one of the most important components in the construction of the underground parts of facilities for various purposes. The vast potential of geotechnical technologies makes it possible to successfully complete foundation construction in any engineering and geological conditions and any area, including slopes, gullies, and embankments. The conditions of the Arctic regions are no exception. It is important to consider the specifics of each facility. It is common to see facilities erected on varying terrain with structurally unstable soils running across, loaded with slopes. In geotechnical practice, construction on such slopes is sometimes carried out without proper engineering support, i.e., without any engineering surveys or landslide protection measures. In most cases, disregard for generally accepted standards leads to undesirable consequences represented by the deformation of the constructed buildings. This paper reviews one of such cases.

Geotechnical monitoring during construction in difficult soil conditions

One of the common and at the same time most difficult problems that developers may face is unstable soil layer at the base of a future building. This paper describes problems of construction on weak, subsidence and heaving soils in engineering and geological conditions of Kursk city. Real problem of construction property safety is shown with the example of one of the demanding geomorphological and lithological conditions of urban areas. The paper offers a description of geologic and hydrogeological features of the slope rock mass in the right bank of the Tuskar river. Groundwater level lies at 8.7 m. depth. It is possible to predict an increase in the level of groundwater in building maintenance because this area is potentially flooded. Various engineering and geological processes and such phenomena as ground subsidence, Karst, suffosia, landslides, flooding, etc., can also be found in the studied territory. Initially an insufficient engineering-geomorphological, hydrogeological, ecological and engineering-geological study of hazardous areas in the city of Kursk have led to its problematic development, which illustrates the situation with residential real estate in the studied territory. To predict dangerous engineering-geological processes and ensure the reliability of the construction fund, specific proposals have been developed for the organization of a geotechnical monitoring system based on the optimal integration of geomorphological, geodesic, engineering-geological, hydrogeological and environmental construction methods in complex engineering-geological conditions.

Peculiarities of growth and development of sugar beets under the application of measures to increase tolerance to drought stress in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. To establish the patterns of sugar beet growth and development under application of measures to increase the crop tolerance to drought stress in the zone of unstable moisture of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. The research was carried out in the experimental field of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine (50.023194, 30.173895) during 2014–2018. The research scheme included the soil application of the moisture retaining agent Aquasorb (300 kg/ha), Mirazonit soil bacteria concentrate (20 kg/ha), application of the plant growth regulator Kelpak SC (2 l/ha, BBCH 14 + 4 l/ha, BBCH 18) and microfertilizers Alpha-Grow-Extra Beet (3 l/ha, BBCH 18) and Micro-Mineralis Beet (1.5 l/ha, BBCH 18). Aquasorb was applied during early spring tillage with the Amazone ZA-TS 3200 spreader. The soil was treated with the Mirazonit soil bacteria concentrate (20 l/ha) prior to cultivation using an Amazone UF field mounted sprayer at a flow rate of 200 l/ha. Results. Aquasorb moisture retaining agent at the application rate of 300 kg/ha ensured additional 5 mm of soil water in the soil layer of 0–20 cm, which is extremely important at the beginning of the vegetation season. In addition, hydrogel particles located close to the soil surface increase the soil water absorption capacity during rainfalls. Combined action of Aquasorb and Mirazonit ensured the most optimal indicators of plant density at the end of the vegetation season (108–109.3 thousand plants/ha). Most probably, this could be explained by the high efficiency of this biopreparation against the seedling borer. In particular, with an average prevalence of this pest in the 2.73% of the sowings, only 1.4–1.7% of sugar beet plants were damaged due to the complex action of hydrogel and Mirazonit. The use of plant growth regulator Kelpak SC had a positive effect on the formation of the length of lateral roots in the phase of leaf closure in the row (BBCH 30). In the phase of leaf closure between rows (BBCH 39) under the application of Aquasorb, the plants had 18.8 mm longer lateral roots, which ultimately ensured the formation of a higher root mass by 11.9 g/plant. At the same time, the effect of growth regulator on the length of the roots, both separately and in combination with other agricultural measures, was not detected. Conclusions. The best conditions for the growth and development of sugar beet plants were created in the treatment with the combined application of all studied agrotechnical practices. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the improvement of crop cultivation technology in the zone of unstable soil moisture of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine based on the comprehensive application of measures that contribute to increasing the crop tolerance to drought stress.

ИНЖЕНЕРНО-ГЕОДЕЗИЧЕСКИЕ ИЗЫСКАНИЯ ПРИ ОБУСТРОЙСТВЕ МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЙ

The article presents a general approach to the implementation of engineering and geodetic surveys when arranging a sand pit in the conditions of the spread of permafrost soils. It is believed that the solution to the problems arising in the extraction of minerals in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous district is possible using the described methodology. The considered method using modern geodetic instruments (GNS-receivers, TOPCON GTS-239N total station, “Credo-dialogue” software complexes) will allow obtaining reliable information for their further use. In the process of data processing, plans were prepared for the planning and altitude justification of the quarry area and access roads M 1: 5000, the topographic plan of the quarry M 1: 1000 with a relief cross section of 1 m. It is assumed that these studies in the future will allow implementing organizations to reduce execution costs works and will improve economic efficiency in conditions of moving unstable soils.