To investigate the effect of interface temperature on the soil-reinforcement interaction mechanism, a series of pullout tests were conducted considering different types of reinforcement (geogrid and non-woven geotextile), backfill (dry sand, wet sand, and clay), and six interface temperatures. The test results indicate that at interface temperatures of 0 degrees C and above, reinforcement failure didn't occur during the pullout tests, whereas it predominantly occurred at subzero temperatures. Besides, the pullout resistance for the same soil-reinforcement interface gradually decreased as the interface temperature rose. At a given positive interface temperature, the pullout resistance between wet sand and reinforcement was significantly higher than that of the clayreinforcement interface but lower than that of the dry sand-reinforcement interface. Compared with geotextile reinforcements, geogrids were more difficult to pull out under the same interface temperature and backfill conditions. In addition, the lag effect in the transfer of tensile forces within the reinforcements was significantly influenced by the type of soil-reinforcement interface and the interface temperature. Finally, the progressive deformation mechanism along the reinforcement length at different interface temperatures was analyzed based on the strain distribution in the reinforcement.

Seismic safety of high concrete face rockfill dams (CFRD) on thick layered deposit is crucial. This study develops a seismic performance assessment procedure for high CFRD on thick layered deposit considering multiple engineering demand parameters (EDPs), and evaluates the effectiveness of gravel column and berm reinforcement for a typical CFRD. Solid-fluid coupled seismic response analysis of high CFRD on thick layered deposit is conducted using an advanced elasto-plastic constitutive model for soil, revealing the unique seismic response of the system, including the buildup of excess pore pressure within the thick deposit. Based on the high-fidelity simulations, appropriate intensity measure (IM) and EDPs are identified, and corresponding damage states (DS) are determined. Fragility curves are then developed using multiple stripe analysis, so that the probability of damage under different input motion intensities can be quantified for different DS. Using the proposed procedure, the reinforcement effects of berms and gravel columns are evaluated. Results show that berms can contribute significantly to reducing the probability of damage for the system, while the effect of gravel columns is unsatisfactory due to the limited achievable installation depth compared to the thickness of the deposit and low replacement ratio.

This study investigates the microhardness and geometric degradation mechanisms of interfacial transition zones (ITZs) in recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) exposed to saline soil attack, focusing on the influence of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Ten RAC mixtures incorporating fly ash (FA), granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), silica fume (SF), and metakaolin (MK) at 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % replacement ratios were subjected to 180 dry-wet cycles in a 7.5 %MgSO4-7.5 %Na2SO4-5 %NaCl solution. Key results reveal that ITZ's microhardness and geometric degradation decreases with exposure depth but intensifies with prolonged dry-wet cycles. The FAGBFS synergistically enhances ITZ microhardness while minimizing geometric deterioration, with ITZ's width and porosity reduced to 67.6-69.0 mu m and 25.83 %, respectively. In contrast, FA-SF and FA-MK exacerbate microhardness degradation, increasing porosity and amplifying microcrack coalescence. FA-GBFS mitigates the diffusion-leaching of aggressive/original ions and suppresses the formation of corrosion products, thereby inhibiting the initiation and propagation of microcracks. In contrast, FA-SF and FA-MK promote the formation of ettringite/gypsum and crystallization bloedite/glauberite, which facilitates the formation of trunk-limb-twig cracks.

This paper deals with the contribution of the soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects to the seismic analysis of cultural heritage buildings. This issue is addressed by considering, as a case study, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (Spain). This study is focussed on the Abd al-Rahman I sector, which is the most ancient part, that dates from the 8th century. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is located in a moderate seismic hazard zone. It is built on soft alluvial strata, which amplifies the SSI. Since invasive tests are not allowed in heritage buildings, in this work a non-destructive test campaign has been performed for the characterisation of the structure and the soil. Ambient vibration tests have been used to calibrate a refined 3D macro-mechanical-based finite element model. The soil parameters have been obtained through an in situ geotechnical campaign, that has included geophysical tests. The SSI has been accounted for by following the direct method. Nonlinear static and dynamic time-history analyses have been carried out to assess the seismic behaviour. The results showed that the performance of the building, if the SSI is accounted for, is reduced by up to 20 % and 13 % in the direction of the arcades and in the perpendicular direction, respectively. Also, if the SSI is taken into account, the damage increased. This study showed that considering the SSI is important to properly assess the seismic behaviour of masonry buildings on soft strata. Finally, it should be highlighted that special attention should be paid to the SSI, which is normally omitted in this type of studies, to obtain a reliable dynamic identification of the built heritage.

Open-ended pipe piles (OEPPs) are widely used in offshore foundations, yet accurately predicting their driving responses remains challenging due to soil plug complexities. Existing pile driving analysis models inadequately characterize the effects of soil plug, potentially leading to driving problems such as hammer refusal, pile running, and structural damage. This paper proposes an effective soil plug (ESP) model for OEPP driving analysis. The ESP model considers the effective range of soil plug, which exerts internal resistance that increases exponentially with depth while the beyond of effective range contributes only mass inertia. It also accounts for the relative slippage at the pile-soil plug interface. A differential iterative method is developed to solve the ESP model. Subsequently, investigations including the model validation and parameter analysis are conducted. Model validations against existing models and field measurements confirms the reliability of the ESP model. Parameters sensitivity analysis reveals the importance of soil plug length and distribution type of internal resistance on the pile dynamic responses. In addition, if soil plug slippage occurs, the displacement peak of soil plug increases with depth rather than one-dimensional wave attenuation. Furthermore, contrary to previous assumptions of continuous slippage, the soil plug experiences a discontinuous jump-sliding mode under long-duration impact loading. These findings provide theoretical basis for OEPP driving simulation and interpretations of high-strain dynamic test.

Freeze-thaw cycles in seasonally frozen soil affect the boundary conditions of aqueducts with pile foundations, consequently impacting their seismic performance. To explore the damage characteristics and seismic behaviour of aqueduct bent frames in such regions, a custom testing apparatus with an integrated cooling system was developed. Two 1/15 scale models of reinforced concrete aqueduct bent frames with pile foundations were constructed and subjected to pseudo-static testing under both unfrozen and frozen soil conditions. The findings revealed that ground soil freezing has minimal impact on the ultimate bearing capacity and energy dissipation of the bent frame-pile-soil system, but significantly enhances its initial stiffness. Additionally, the frozen soil layer exerts a stronger embedding effect on the pile cap, ensuring the stability of the pile foundation during earthquakes. However, under large seismic loads, aqueduct bent frames experience greater damage and residual deformation in frozen soil compared to unfrozen soil conditions. Therefore, the presence of a seasonally frozen soil layer somewhat compromises the seismic performance of aqueduct bent frames. Subsequently, a finite element model considering pile-soil interaction (PSI) and frozen soil hydro-thermal effects was developed for aqueduct bent frames and validated against experimental results. This provides an effective method for predicting their seismic behaviors in seasonally frozen soil regions. Furthermore, based on the seismic damage characteristics of aqueduct bent frame with pile foundations observed in pseudo-static tests, a novel selfadaptive aqueduct bent frame system was designed to mitigate the adverse effects of seasonally frozen soil layer on seismic performance. This system is rooted in the principle of balancing resistance with adaptability, rather than solely depending on resistance. The seismic performance of this innovative system was then discussed, providing valuable insights for future seismic design of reinforced concrete aqueduct bent frames with pile foundations in seasonally frozen soil regions.

The incorporation of PCMs in energy piles holds significant potential for revolutionising thermal management in construction, making them a crucial component in the development of next-generation systems. The existing literature on PCM-integrated energy piles largely consists of isolated case studies and experimental investigations, often focusing on specific aspects without providing a comprehensive synthesis to guide future research or practical applications. To date, no review has been conducted to consolidate and evaluate the existing knowledge on PCMs in energy piles, making this review the first of its kind in this field. Up until now, this gap in research has limited our understanding of how PCM configurations, thermal properties, and integration methods impact the thermal and mechanical performance of these systems. Through thoroughly analysing the current research landscape, this review discovers key trends, methodologies, and insights. The methodology used here involved a systematic search of the existing SCI/SCIE-indexed literature to ensure a structured review. Based on the SLR findings, it is evident that current research on PCMs in energy piles is focused on improving thermal efficiency, heat transfer, and compressive strength. Furthermore, precise adjustments in melting temperature significantly impact efficiency, with PCM integration boosting thermal energy extraction by up to 70 % in some cases, such as heating cycles, and saving up to 30 % in operational costs. PCMs also reduce soil temperature fluctuations, improving structural integrity through minimising axial load forces. However, challenges remain, including reduced mechanical strength due to voids and weak bonding, high costs, and complexities such as micro-encapsulation. We acknowledge that there are gaps in addressing certain key factors, including thermal diffusivity; volume change during phase transitions; thermal response time; compatibility with construction materials; interaction with soil, creep, and fatigue; material compatibility and durability; and the long-term energy savings associated with PCM-GEP systems.

To evaluate the beneficial effect of rubber bearings on the seismic performance of underground station structures, three-dimensional finite element models of seismic soil-structural systems are established for a single-layer double span subway station. The seismic mitigation effect is investigated by employing the pushover analysis method. The obtained results indicated that the installation of rubber bearings can effectively alleviate stress concentration and damage degree of the central column, especially at its end area. Compared with the conventional column, the elastic and elastoplastic deformation capacity of the column fitted with rubber bearings both improved significantly. It was also found that the load bearing and deformation performance decrease with the increase of the axial pressure ratio. Furthermore, the lateral force distribution mechanism of the structural system fitted with the rubber bearings is significantly different from the original structure; the deformation and internal forces of central column of the seismic mitigation structure decreased substantially, but side walls' deformation and internal forces increased slightly. The proportion of shear force taken by the central column has decreased, while the side walls have taken larger share, i.e., the rubber bearings facilitated the transfer of seismic forces from the middle column to the side wall.

Large-span corrugated steel utility tunnels are widely used owing to their large spatial spans and excellent mechanical properties. However, under seismic forces, they may experience significant deformation, making repair challenging and posing a serious threat to personal safety. To study the seismic performance of corrugated steel utility tunnels, an equivalent orthotropic plate was introduced, and a simplified three-dimensional refined finite element model was proposed and established. Considering the site conditions of the structure, the structural parameters, and different seismic input conditions, a detailed analysis was conducted using the endurance time analysis method. The results indicated that the simplified model agreed well with the experimental results. The seismic input conditions significantly affected the relative deformation of the structure. Under the action of P waves (compression waves) and P + SV waves (compression and shear waves), the deformation of the upper part of the structure was relatively uniform, whereas under the action of SV waves (shear waves), the deformation of the crown was more evident. The greater the burial depth of the structure, the stronger the soil-structure interaction, and the smaller the increase in relative deformation. In soft soil, the structure was more likely to be damaged and should be carefully observed. Additionally, increasing the corrugation profile of the steel plates during the design process was highly effective in enhancing the overall stiffness of the structure. Based on the above calculation results, the relative deformation rate was proposed as a quantitative index of the seismic performance of the structure, and corresponding values were recommended.

Based on the deficiencies of the generalized response displacement method and the integral response displacement method for longitudinal seismic analysis of the shield tunnel, the dynamic sub-str1cture analysis method for longitudinal seismic response of a large-diameter shield tunnel crossing the complex soil layer is proposed. The feasibility and superiority of the dynamic sub-structure analysis method are explored by comparing it with the calculation results of the three-dimensional (3D) soil-underground structure interaction model. Then, a finite element refined 3D model of the 2.7 km Suai submarine shield tunnel is established by using the proposed method, and the longitudinal seismic response of the large-diameter shield tunnel crossing complex soil layers is simulated and analyzed. The research results indicate that the proposed dynamic sub-structure method has clear concepts, accurate calculation results and high efficiency to simulate the dynamic soil-tunnel interaction, which can avoid the error effect of the equivalent soil spring used in the generalized response displacement method. At the same time, this method can consider the seismic effect of the complex soil layers which has been avoided by the generalized response displacement method and the integral response displacement method. Also, the calculation results by the proposed method can comprehensively present the typical earthquake damages of shield tunnels crossing the wide river valley or the strait. It proves that it is not appropriate to simplify the longitudinally of the shield tunnel into a straight line, as doing so would neglect the influence of the longitudinal slope of complex river valleys or the straits. Also, the longitudinal seismic response of the shield tunnel is more sensitive to low-frequency seismic waves and the bolts are more susceptible to seismic damage compared to the segment opening.