"FLAC3D and PFC3D models improve shield tunneling efficiency"

Earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunneling in sandy cobble strata often encounters muck stagnation, severe tool wear, difficulties in chamber pressure control, and low excavation efficiency. To this aspect, this study by Yao et al. (2025) published in Underground Space Journal proposes a novel gradient stress construction strategy based on rigid wall boundaries by integrating the finite difference method (FDM) and the discrete element method (DEM). This study provides new insights for optimizing cutterhead and chamber design, offering significant implications for enhancing the efficiency of shield tunneling construction. https://lnkd.in/gjNDRj94 #EPBshield #SandyCobble #SpatialMotion #ForceTransmission #Tunneling #Geotech #GeotechnicalEngineering #CivilEngineering

Foundation certainty starts with more than data — it starts with interpretation. At Flores Geotechnical, our veteran engineers provide the ground truth that keeps designs reliable and constructible: Cores and photo logs that reveal real subsurface conditions. Accredited lab testing that delivers defensible design parameters. Decades of experience interpreting how clays, sands, gypsum seams, and karst voids affect performance. Because every TxDOT project — from pavements to bridges to MSE walls — depends on the soils beneath. And data alone isn’t enough. What matters is knowing what it means for design. #TxDOT #BridgeDivision #TransportationInfrastructure #CivilEngineering #GeotechnicalEngineering #TexasInfrastructure

🏗️ Reliable seismic performance starts at the surface. The QuakeSpan™ MSC Surface Moat Cover makes installation simple while delivering strength and safety for base isolated and large-joint buildings. ✔️ Joint sizes from 16 - 60” nominal, 72 max fire rated ✔️ ±100% expansion/contraction with lateral and vertical shear ✔️ Surface mounted design for quick installation ✔️ ADA compliant and capable of Pedestrian, slow vehicular, and Industrial loads ✔️ Ships in 5′ lengths ✔️ Available with hidden variant to reduce sightlines Designed for seismic, thermal, and wind performance, QuakeSpan™ Moats offer lasting protection and a clean, functional finish. 👉 See how QuakeSpan™ Surface Moats keep projects safe and resilient. https://lnkd.in/dEQ9qHkD #BalcoUSA #EngineeredBuildingSolutions #QuakeSpan #SeismicSolutions #ExpansionJoints #SeismicMoats #BuildingSafety #CommercialConstruction #ADACompliant #ConstructionInnovation

📣📢📣 Geosynthetics act as efficient stress distributors within a soil mass ✅✅ A simple idea with powerful consequences for geotechnical design. By providing tensile resistance, confinement and improved load-transfer paths, geosynthetic layers change how loads are transmitted through soil: instead of concentrating beneath a footing or wheel load, stresses are spread laterally and carried by the reinforcement. This mechanism (membrane effect + aggregate–geosynthetic interlock) increases the apparent stiffness and bearing capacity of the treated layer, reduces differential settlement, and limits rutting in pavements. In practice, geotextiles and geogrids are used to separate and filter, while geogrids and geocells provide tensile reinforcement and confinement — ideal for embankments over soft ground, improved road subgrades, retaining structures, and shallow foundations. Proper selection (type, stiffness, aperture), placement, and connection detailing — supported by lab tests and numerical modelling — are essential to realize these benefits and to ensure long-term performance. I’d be glad to hear about your field experiences or modelling approaches with geosynthetics.📕📕📕 #Geosynthetics #GeotechnicalEngineering #GroundImprovement #SustainableInfrastructure #CivilEngineering

Anchoring landslide risks in place! ⛑️ See how optical measurement technology accurately reveals the superior performance and optimization potential of lattice anchor systems in slope reinforcement. This high-precision model test recorded critical data on full-scale strain and deformation, demonstrating how technological innovation can empower geotechnical engineering safety. #GeotechnicalEngineering #SlopeStability #ExperimentalMechanics #StructuralHealthMonitoring #OpticalMetrology

Do you know how engineers precisely optimize landslide prevention strategies in the lab? ⛑️ This video shows a fascinating moment captured using full-field strain measurement technology! The answer lies in every subtle change in the strain field. #Engineering #TestAndMeasurement #Geotechnical

12'500 kJ - the strongest rockfall barrier ever tested! With natural hazards becoming more frequent and intense, the need for advanced protection systems has never been greater. In May, Geobrugg achieved a world record by absorbing 12'500 kJ in a certified full-scale rockfall test - the equivalent of a 25-ton boulder crashing in at 115 km/h! This is more than just a record. The RXE-12500 combines extreme energy absorption with smart design, making it a vital solution for high-risk areas worldwide: Economic: Lower material, transport and installation costs compared to concrete structures or embankments Certified: Tested under the world's most demanding standard - the vertical free-fall method Space-saving: Compact installation close to endangered assets - no need for large-scale construction #RockfallBarrier #Geohazards #GeotechnicalEngineering #Geotechnical #rockfallmitigation #RockfallSimulation #rockfalltest

Beneath the Surface 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 3: 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 After finalizing alignment and access, the next step is choosing how the tunnel will actually be built. The construction method depends on several factors: ● Geology - soft ground, mixed face, or hard rock ● Depth - shallow vs. deep underground ● Urban constraints - surface settlements, nearby buildings, traffic ● Length & purpose - short utility tunnels vs. long metro or highway tunnels Broadly, tunnelling can be carried out using Cut-and-Cover, Drill & Blast, NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method), or Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) - each with its own strengths depending on the situation. The infographic below gives a quick overview of these methods. Why this matters? Selecting the right tunnelling method ensures safety, minimizes risks, controls cost, and helps deliver the project on time - especially in dense urban areas. 📌 Next in the series: A closer look at NATM and why it’s called the “observational method” of tunnelling. #Tunnelling #UndergroundConstruction #GeotechnicalEngineering #InfrastructureDevelopment

How this laser profilometer controls the Overbreak in tunnel works. A laser profilometer helps control overbreak in tunnel works by providing accurate, real-time measurements of the excavated tunnel profile.Overbreak is the unwanted excavation of rock beyond the designed tunnel outline, which increases costs and can compromise tunnel stability. This is the most common and accurate Instrument for checking horizontal and vertical overbreak during tunnel excavation. It works by scanning the tunnels cross-section with a laser to create a detailed point cloud.This data is then compared to the design profile to quickly and precisely identify areas of overbreak( excavation beyond the planned boundary) or under-break(insufficient excavation). This profilometer doesn't directly prevent overbreak, but it gives engineers the precise data needed to correct and optimize their blasting and excavation methods. #Tunnel #Highway #Expressway #Greenfieldexpressways

✳ Precision Displacement Measurement with Inclinometers ✳ Inclinometers are vital for tracking movement in the ground and in below-ground structures like retaining walls. At Geotechnical Observations, we use high-quality ABS casing or void formers, cement-bentonite grout for stability, and precision probes with sprung wheels to ensure accurate centering. Each survey is carried out twice using independent probes, allowing us to verify results and detect any errors. Our reports deliver clear displacement data, ground profiles, and construction progress updates - helping projects stay safe and informed. ✳ Explore our full range of monitoring solutions here: https://lnkd.in/e9CcDxQs #geotechnicalobservations #monitoring #geotechnicalmonitoring #geotechnicalengineering #safety #inclinometers #groundmeasurement