Vol. 55 No. 3 September 2024

Prediction of Stone Column Bearing Capacity Using Artificial Neural Network Model (ANNs)

Maryam Gaber and Jamal M. A. Alsharef

ABSTRACT: In the area of ground improvement, the stone columns (SCs) play a definite role. The ground treatment technique has been demonstrated to be effective in improving the embankments’ stability and natural slopes by raising the bearing capacity and decreasing settlements. The objectives of this study are to develop models for predicting the performance of SCs-supported embankment foundations utilizing artificial neural networks (ANN). For the aim of creating ANN models, training, testing, and validation sets comprising 70%, 15%, and 15% of the data, respectively steps were done, making use of available numerical results obtained from the 2D finite element analysis. A dataset including about 200 cases is involved, and the mean square error (MSE) with R-squared value is used as performance metrics of the system. The applied data in ANN models are arranged in the component of 4 input parameters, which cover column diameter d, centre-to-centre spacing S, the internal friction angle of columns material ϕ, and embankment high H. Relating to these input parameters, the selected responses were the bearing capacity of the SC (BC) and the safety factor against the stability (SF). Based on the simulated results, an ideal 4-14-1 ANN architecture has been settled for the direct prediction. According to the technique used, the forecasted data from the model had a good agreement with the actual datum, where the high regression coefficient (R2) was equal to 0.995 and 0.891 for BC and SF models, respectively. Furthermore, the relative importance of influential variables is examined, which shows that the column diameter is the most effective parameter in the two study models with a significance score of 32.9%. Finally, the outcomes clearly demonstrated that the ANN method is reliable for modelling and optimizing of the SC behaviour.

KEYWORDS: Stone Column, Bearing Capacity, Safety Factor, and Artificial Neural Network (ANN).

DOI: 10.14456/seagj.2024.20

Geotechnical Engineering Journal of the SEAGS & AGSSEA 

Vol. 55 No. 2 June 2024 ISSN 0046-5828

Sponsored by: Asian Institute of Technology

Contents and Abstracts

Vol. 55 No. 2 June 2024

A Systematic Review on Slope Stability and Deformation Analysis Subjected to Rainfall and Earthquake

Partha Pratim Boruah, Jumrik Taipodia, Arunav Chakraborty, and Aditya Kumar Anshu

ABSTRACT: The most common type of natural disaster is a landslide which impact millions of people and costing tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in damage every year. Earthquakes have the potential to trigger landslides of varying sizes in mountainous regions, endangering the residential communities situated at the base of mountains. The earthquake impact on the slope stability during the subsequent rains is not considerable in certain regions where the earthquake impact is not high enough to produce major soil movement. However, in some Landslide prone regions, the stability of slopes that are impacted by subsequent rains is significantly influenced by massive fissures on the surface of the slopes that are generated by earthquake shaking. The coupling effect of these two factors can significantly reduce the stability and safety of slopes, leading to catastrophic consequences. This paper reviewed the response of slopes under the combined influence of rain and seismic loading. This critical review highlights the importance of integrating rainfall and earthquake parameters simultaneously in slope deformation studies. In addition to slope stability analysis, slope deformation analysis should also receive equal attention. Future directions of this research should be focused on developing robust models and algorithms to simulate and assess slope failures caused by earthquakes and heavy rainfall in light of technological advancements, improvement of computational efficiency.

KEYWORDS: Slope Deformation, Seismic slope stability, Deterministic Approach, and Probabilistic Approach.

DOI: 10.14456/seagj.2024.14

Vol. 55 No. 2 June 2024

Mechanical Properties of Soft Clay Soil Improved with Nanomaterials and Chitosan Biopolymer

Dimas Aldie Firmansyah, Andri Krisnandi Somantri, Atmy Verani Rouly Sihombing, Lindung Zalbuin Mase, and Asep Sundara

ABSTRACT: Soft clay soil is a concern in geotechnical engineering due to its low strength and high compressibility. Soil improvement with stabilization techniques is an interesting topic in the field of geotechnical engineering and pavements. Nanomaterials and biogeotechnical-based soil improvement are in high demand, as is the case with the objective of this research which is to determine the effect of the addition of nano lime, nano silica, and chitosan biopolymers to soft clay soil on its mechanical properties. The ratio of additives in this study was taken based on previous research, namely 2% nano lime, 4% nano silica, and 0.1% chitosan biopolymer from shrimp shell waste. Specimen variations consist of initial soil, soil mixed with biopolymers, soil mixed with nanomaterials, and soil mixed with biopolymers and nanomaterials. The mixing method in this study was carried out by mixing the additives according to the percentage of the initial soil dry weight, then water was added to the mixture. Compaction and unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests were conducted on each specimen. The results show that mixing soil with nanomaterials and chitosan provides advantages in mechanical properties. This can be seen from the increase in the UCS value which is up to 11 times that of the initial soil and the increase in the maximum dry density value. Soil stabilization using nanomaterials and chitosan biopolymers has a good impact on the environment. Reducing the ratio of lime in soil stabilization on a project scale can reduce CO₂ emissions during production and the use of chitosan biopolymer additives can reduce marine biota waste, especially invertebrates.

KEYWORDS: Soft clay soil, Nanomaterial, Chitosan biopolymer, and Mechanical properties.

DOI: 10.14456/seagj.2024.13

Vol. 55 No. 2 June 2024

Test Equipment and Application of Gas Permeation Characteristic of MSW

Gang Zeng and Dan Hu

ABSTRACT: In order to study the gas permeation characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW), a set of test equipment is independently developed. The experimental equipment has the function of measuring gas permeability, porosity and gas preferential flow parameters of MSW. The composition and operation method of the equipment are introduced. What’s more, the laboratory tests on gas permeation of MSW under the influence factors of initial pressure and moisture content are carried outby the self-developed equipment. Test application results show that the equipment can realize all pre-designed functions. The experimental results showed that the peak value of gas breakthrough curve increased gradually with the increase of initial pressure, and increased with the increase of moisture content. When the moisture content is 54.6%, 70.6% and 86.6%as the initial pressure is 0.05 MPa, the gas permeability of MSW is 1.096×10-12 m2, 0.937×10-12 m2, and 0.787×10-12 m2, respectively, and the porosity is 0.573, 0.501 and 0.358, respectively. When the initial pressure of 0.02 MPa, 0.05 MPa and 0.1 MPa as the moisture content is 54.6%, the peak value of gas flow rate at the outlet of MSW is 0.006 L/s, 0.012 L/s and 0.02 L/s, respectively, and the time of gas passing through the sample is 47s, 58s and 65s, respectively. The research results enrich the experimental equipment for studying the gas permeation characteristics of MSW, and provide data support for the subsequent research on migration model of landfill gas.

KEYWORDS: Municipal solid waste, Gas permeability, Porosity, Gas preferential flow, and Laboratory test.

DOI: 10.14456/seagj.2024.12

Vol. 55 No. 2 June 2024

Optimizing Soil Characterization with Automated Pressuremeter Software Integration for the Pencel Pressuremeter in In-situ Testing

F. Messaoud, M. S. Nouaouria, and P. J. Cosentino

ABSTRACT: The integration of the Pencel Pressuremeter (PPMT) model with the Automated Pressuremeter (APMT) software represents a significant advancement in in-situ soil testing. This combination simplifies the process of data reduction and analysis, resulting in substantial time savings. The APMT software efficiently records digital pressure and volume data, performs necessary calibrations, and offers quick access to essential strength and stiffness properties for engineering analysis. Through extensive testing conducted on various soil types, the integration of a linear potentiometer and a digital pressure transducer into the control unit has significantly improved the accuracy of digital volume measurements and pressure readings. Notably, the Stabilization Time (ST) for volume increments, as estimated by the APMT software, ranges from 20 to 70 seconds depending on the specific soil conditions. The APMT system not only enhances data quality but also minimizes the potential for human recording errors. It drastically reduces the time required for data collection and analysis when compared to manual methods, establishing itself as an efficient and precise tool for evaluating soil properties.

KEYWORDS: Pencel Pressuremeter, Soil Characterization, Data Accuracy, Stabilization Time, and Sensors Integration.

DOI: 10.14456/seagj.2024.11

Vol. 55 No. 2 June 2024

Updating the Background Seismicity Catalog in the Surabaya Area using USGS PSHA with a 2475-Year Return Period Study

Prastika Wahid Santoso, Arief Rachmansyah, Eko Andi Suryo, and Arifan Jaya Syahbana

ABSTRACT: Seismic analysis is very important along with the development as well as the spatial and territorial layout of an area. However, unfortunately, the development of Indonesia’s latest national earthquake hazard map still uses the 2017 earthquake database, not yet the latest seismic hazard catalog. This study presents an analysis using a new Probabilistic Seismic Hazard (PSHA) in the Java region, especially Surabaya, which contains a very complex tectonic region. The Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) includes active faults, megathrust, and intraplate subduction, as well as an updated background earthquake source database and attenuation equation. The logic tree method was used to quantify the epistemic uncertainty of the source parameter components. This research calculates the bedrock Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) with a 2475-year return period for the greater Surabaya area, which has the greatest concentrations of population and business in East Java. The analysis shows the seismic hazard is dominated by the background source in the Surabaya area. The result of this study may be useful for updating the hazard map and attracting the interest of researchers to conduct research related to seismic hazards, especially in the Surabaya area.

KEYWORDS: Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis, Surabaya, Bedrock PGA, and 2475 Years Return Period.

DOI: 10.14456/seagj.2024.10

Vol. 55 No. 2 June 2024

Influence of Initial Water Content and Water-to-Cement-Ratio on the Strength and Suction Characteristics of Cement-Stabilized Sediments from Drainage Canal

T. Thongdetsri, S. Nontananandh, N. Khumsuprom, S. Youdee, A. Jotisankasa, and S. Inazumi

ABSTRACT: This research aimed at investigating the basic properties of the canal sediments, which constitute waste materials dredged from drainage canal in Phetchaburi province. They were originally classified as silty sand with low shear strength due to their high water content and being unsuitable for construction use in their original conditions. An attempt was made to stabilize the canal dredged sediments with the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in order to solve the environmental problems caused by the large amount of sedimentation to determine the potential use of construction materials based on the geo-environmental engineering framework. In this experimental study, air-dried canal dredged sediments were mixed with OPC by applying cement mix proportions of 150, 200, and 250 kg/m3 and initial water contents of 14.32% and 17.0% with early curing times of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days in order to investigate the gain in strengths with different water-to-cement ratio (w/c ratio) using unconfined compression tests. The underlying mechanisms which contributed to the hardening effects were evaluated using moisture properties, suction test, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and scanning electron microscopic observation (SEM). The results indicated that a desirable unconfined compressive strength of the cement-stabilized canal sediments of more than 689 kPa could be achieved after being cured for 7 days. Utilizing this criterion, the appropriate w/c ratio within the range of 1.00 – 1.50 ensured that the material had been suitable as a subbase layer for all mixing proportions. In addition, higher initial water content with similar w/c ratio played significant role in the strength development. These findings were confirmed by the formation of reaction products such as calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and Ettringite which improved internal microstructures. In addition, Soil-Water Retention Curve (SWRC) revealed that an increase in suction significantly reduced water content which conformed to an increase in strength. The utilization of cement-stabilized canal sediments had the potential to be used as construction materials, representing a sustainable approach to waste management.

KEYWORDS: Sediments, Cement, Unconfined Compressive Strength, SWRCs, XRD, and SEM.

DOI: 10.14456/seagj.2024.9

T. Thongdetsri, S. Nontananandh, N. Khumsuprom, S. Youdee, A. Jotisankasa, and S. Inazumi

ABSTRACT: This research aimed at investigating the basic properties of the canal sediments, which constitute waste materials dredged from drainage canal in Phetchaburi province. They were originally classified as silty sand with low shear strength due to their high water content and being unsuitable for construction use in their original conditions. An attempt was made to stabilize the canal dredged sediments with the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in order to solve the environmental problems caused by the large amount of sedimentation to determine the potential use of construction materials based on the geo-environmental engineering framework. In this experimental study, air-dried canal dredged sediments were mixed with OPC by applying cement mix proportions of 150, 200, and 250 kg/m3 and initial water contents of 14.32% and 17.0% with early curing times of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days in order to investigate the gain in strengths with different water-to-cement ratio (w/c ratio) using unconfined compression tests. The underlying mechanisms which contributed to the hardening effects were evaluated using moisture properties, suction test, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and scanning electron microscopic observation (SEM). The results indicated that a desirable unconfined compressive strength of the cement-stabilized canal sediments of more than 689 kPa could be achieved after being cured for 7 days. Utilizing this criterion, the appropriate w/c ratio within the range of 1.00 – 1.50 ensured that the material had been suitable as a subbase layer for all mixing proportions. In addition, higher initial water content with similar w/c ratio played significant role in the strength development. These findings were confirmed by the formation of reaction products such as calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and Ettringite which improved internal microstructures. In addition, Soil-Water Retention Curve (SWRC) revealed that an increase in suction significantly reduced water content which conformed to an increase in strength. The utilization of cement-stabilized canal sediments had the potential to be used as construction materials, representing a sustainable approach to waste management.

KEYWORDS: Sediments, Cement, Unconfined Compressive Strength, SWRCs, XRD, and SEM.

Updating the Background Seismicity Catalog in the Surabaya Area using USGS PSHA with a 2475-Year Return Period Study

Prastika Wahid Santoso, Arief Rachmansyah, Eko Andi Suryo, and Arifan Jaya Syahbana

ABSTRACT: Seismic analysis is very important along with the development as well as the spatial and territorial layout of an area. However, unfortunately, the development of Indonesia’s latest national earthquake hazard map still uses the 2017 earthquake database, not yet the latest seismic hazard catalog. This study presents an analysis using a new Probabilistic Seismic Hazard (PSHA) in the Java region, especially Surabaya, which contains a very complex tectonic region. The Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) includes active faults, megathrust, and intraplate subduction, as well as an updated background earthquake source database and attenuation equation. The logic tree method was used to quantify the epistemic uncertainty of the source parameter components. This research calculates the bedrock Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) with a 2475-year return period for the greater Surabaya area, which has the greatest concentrations of population and business in East Java. The analysis shows the seismic hazard is dominated by the background source in the Surabaya area. The result of this study may be useful for updating the hazard map and attracting the interest of researchers to conduct research related to seismic hazards, especially in the Surabaya area.

KEYWORDS: Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis, Surabaya, Bedrock PGA, and 2475 Years Return Period.

Optimizing Soil Characterization with Automated Pressuremeter Software Integration for the Pencel Pressuremeter in In-situ Testing

F. Messaoud, M. S. Nouaouria, and P. J. Cosentino

ABSTRACT: The integration of the Pencel Pressuremeter (PPMT) model with the Automated Pressuremeter (APMT) software represents a significant advancement in in-situ soil testing. This combination simplifies the process of data reduction and analysis, resulting in substantial time savings. The APMT software efficiently records digital pressure and volume data, performs necessary calibrations, and offers quick access to essential strength and stiffness properties for engineering analysis. Through extensive testing conducted on various soil types, the integration of a linear potentiometer and a digital pressure transducer into the control unit has significantly improved the accuracy of digital volume measurements and pressure readings. Notably, the Stabilization Time (ST) for volume increments, as estimated by the APMT software, ranges from 20 to 70 seconds depending on the specific soil conditions. The APMT system not only enhances data quality but also minimizes the potential for human recording errors. It drastically reduces the time required for data collection and analysis when compared to manual methods, establishing itself as an efficient and precise tool for evaluating soil properties.

KEYWORDS: Pencel Pressuremeter, Soil Characterization, Data Accuracy, Stabilization Time, and Sensors Integration.

Test Equipment and Application of Gas Permeation Characteristic of MSW

Gang Zeng and Dan Hu

ABSTRACT: In order to study the gas permeation characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW), a set of test equipment is independently developed. The experimental equipment has the function of measuring gas permeability, porosity and gas preferential flow parameters of MSW. The composition and operation method of the equipment are introduced. What’s more, the laboratory tests on gas permeation of MSW under the influence factors of initial pressure and moisture content are carried outby the self-developed equipment. Test application results show that the equipment can realize all pre-designed functions. The experimental results showed that the peak value of gas breakthrough curve increased gradually with the increase of initial pressure, and increased with the increase of moisture content. When the moisture content is 54.6%, 70.6% and 86.6%as the initial pressure is 0.05 MPa, the gas permeability of MSW is 1.096×10-12 m2, 0.937×10-12 m2, and 0.787×10-12 m2, respectively, and the porosity is 0.573, 0.501 and 0.358, respectively. When the initial pressure of 0.02 MPa, 0.05 MPa and 0.1 MPa as the moisture content is 54.6%, the peak value of gas flow rate at the outlet of MSW is 0.006 L/s, 0.012 L/s and 0.02 L/s, respectively, and the time of gas passing through the sample is 47s, 58s and 65s, respectively. The research results enrich the experimental equipment for studying the gas permeation characteristics of MSW, and provide data support for the subsequent research on migration model of landfill gas.

KEYWORDS: Municipal solid waste, Gas permeability, Porosity, Gas preferential flow, and Laboratory test.

Mechanical Properties of Soft Clay Soil Improved with Nanomaterials and Chitosan Biopolymer

Dimas Aldie Firmansyah, Andri Krisnandi Somantri, Atmy Verani Rouly Sihombing, Lindung Zalbuin Mase, and Asep Sundara

ABSTRACT: Soft clay soil is a concern in geotechnical engineering due to its low strength and high compressibility. Soil improvement with stabilization techniques is an interesting topic in the field of geotechnical engineering and pavements. Nanomaterials and biogeotechnical-based soil improvement are in high demand, as is the case with the objective of this research which is to determine the effect of the addition of nano lime, nano silica, and chitosan biopolymers to soft clay soil on its mechanical properties. The ratio of additives in this study was taken based on previous research, namely 2% nano lime, 4% nano silica, and 0.1% chitosan biopolymer from shrimp shell waste. Specimen variations consist of initial soil, soil mixed with biopolymers, soil mixed with nanomaterials, and soil mixed with biopolymers and nanomaterials. The mixing method in this study was carried out by mixing the additives according to the percentage of the initial soil dry weight, then water was added to the mixture. Compaction and unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests were conducted on each specimen. The results show that mixing soil with nanomaterials and chitosan provides advantages in mechanical properties. This can be seen from the increase in the UCS value which is up to 11 times that of the initial soil and the increase in the maximum dry density value. Soil stabilization using nanomaterials and chitosan biopolymers has a good impact on the environment. Reducing the ratio of lime in soil stabilization on a project scale can reduce CO₂ emissions during production and the use of chitosan biopolymer additives can reduce marine biota waste, especially invertebrates.

KEYWORDS: Soft clay soil, Nanomaterial, Chitosan biopolymer, and Mechanical properties.

A Systematic Review on Slope Stability and Deformation Analysis Subjected to Rainfall and Earthquake

Partha Pratim Boruah, Jumrik Taipodia, Arunav Chakraborty, and Aditya Kumar Anshu

ABSTRACT: The most common type of natural disaster is a landslide which impact millions of people and costing tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in damage every year. Earthquakes have the potential to trigger landslides of varying sizes in mountainous regions, endangering the residential communities situated at the base of mountains. The earthquake impact on the slope stability during the subsequent rains is not considerable in certain regions where the earthquake impact is not high enough to produce major soil movement. However, in some Landslide prone regions, the stability of slopes that are impacted by subsequent rains is significantly influenced by massive fissures on the surface of the slopes that are generated by earthquake shaking. The coupling effect of these two factors can significantly reduce the stability and safety of slopes, leading to catastrophic consequences. This paper reviewed the response of slopes under the combined influence of rain and seismic loading. This critical review highlights the importance of integrating rainfall and earthquake parameters simultaneously in slope deformation studies. In addition to slope stability analysis, slope deformation analysis should also receive equal attention. Future directions of this research should be focused on developing robust models and algorithms to simulate and assess slope failures caused by earthquakes and heavy rainfall in light of technological advancements, improvement of computational efficiency.

KEYWORDS: Slope Deformation, Seismic slope stability, Deterministic Approach, and Probabilistic Approach.