<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="https://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
    <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://trid.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <description></description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
      <url>https://trid.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle.jpg</url>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Geo-Congress 2026: Soil Properties, Modeling, and Computational Geomechanics</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2699112</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This Geotechnical Special Publication contains 57 peer-reviewed papers on soil properties, modeling, and computational geomechanics.  Topics include: soil properties; numerical and physical modeling; computational geomechanics; machine learning; laboratory testing; and advanced numerical methods.  GSP 376 offers insight into current trends in soil properties, modeling, and computational geomechanics for researchers, practitioners, and members of governmental organizations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 09:20:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2699112</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Hybrid of Node-Based Smoothed Radial Point Interpolation Method with Extreme Gradient Boosting for Stability Prediction of Dual Horseshoe Tunnels</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2683182</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This paper presented a node-based smoothed radial point interpolation method with linear strain fields (NS-RPIM) for stability analysis of dual horseshoe tunnels in cohesive-frictional soils subjected to surcharge loadings. Using the upper bound theorem, dual horseshoe-shaped tunnels were modelled under plane strain conditions, and the soil was described as a Mohr-Coulomb material obeying an associated flow rule. The study investigated the variation in stability factors N = σs/c with respect to the horizontal spacing ratio S/B, the tunnel cover depth ratio H/B, the height-to-width ratio h/B, the soil weight parameter γB/c, and the friction angle φ. A dataset comprising 2205 data points obtained from NS-RPIM results was further utilized to develop predictive machine learning models. The Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model achieved excellent predictive accuracy (R² ≈ 0.999, RMSE < 1.0 on the test set). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plots (PDP) analysis confirmed the dominant influence of the friction angle φ, and the spacing ratio S/B. The hybrid approach, which integrated the precision of NS-RPIM with the XGBoost model, provided a robust tool for preliminary tunnel design. The results were presented in the form of design tables and charts, offering valuable insights for geotechnical engineers. The proposed framework demonstrated scalability for broader geotechnical applications, enhancing both accuracy and computational efficiency.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:27:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2683182</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Prediction and Optimization of Bearing Capacity for Shallow Foundations on Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil Using Response Surface Methodology and Finite Element Modeling</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2610994</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Developing a comprehensive predictive framework for optimizing the bearing capacity of full-scale geosynthetic-reinforced foundations remains a challenge, as most prior studies relied on small-scale tests or simplified analyses that neglected key variable interactions. To address this research gap, a validated three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) was used to simulate a full-scale square footing on reinforced soil. A Central Composite Design was adopted to systematically vary eight design variables, including soil strength, footing geometry, and reinforcement configuration. The results were analyzed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to identify the most influential parameters and their interactions. The analysis showed that the soil friction angle was the dominant factor affecting bearing capacity, while reinforcement length and first-layer embedment depth were the most significant reinforcement-related parameters. A regression equation was developed, providing a practical predictive tool, and a multi-objective optimization identified an efficient design that maximized bearing capacity while minimizing reinforcement use. The combined FEM–RSM approach proved efficient in reducing experimental effort while offering reliable guidance for the design of geosynthetic-reinforced foundations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:44:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2610994</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating Electrical Resistivity as a Procedure to Aid in Characterizing Subsurface Conditions</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2617012</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Iowa DOT Soils Design section participated in the Demonstration Stage of the Advanced Geotechnical Exploration Methods (A-GaME) initiative. The A-GaME initiative sought to promote the use of advanced geotechnical methods as a means to reduce cost in subsurface investigation. One of the proven geophysical methods promoted is known as Electrical Resistivity (ER). In response to the A-Game Initiative, the IDOT Soils Design Section has investigated electrical resistivity (ER) as a novel technique to aid with subsurface investigation. Soils Design proposed to apply ER to evaluate if the technology could result in: (1) a reduced number of borings, (2) an enhanced understanding of subsurface conditions and site variability, (3) identification of depth to bedrock, and (4) overall reduction in geotechnical subsurface investigation costs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:36:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2617012</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Interactive generative tunnel layout design considering adjacent tunnels and soil uncertainties</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2597843</link>
      <description><![CDATA[As overlapping tunnel construction becomes more common, the complexity of underground spaces poses significant reliability challenges for tunnel layout designs. This paper introduces an interactive generative design method for proximity tunneling that accounts for soil uncertainties, enhancing safety and robustness from a reliability perspective. A dataset generated via parametric finite element analysis trains a surrogate model, which, combined with reliability theory and Sobol sampling based stochastic optimization, produces Pareto optimal solutions under uncertainty. The optimal design is selected using a Multi-Attribute Decision-Making (MADM) method. A case study on the construction a double-track curved tunnel demonstrates the method's effectiveness, achieving a 23.01 % improvement over the initial plan while maintaining a minimum reliability of 99.95 %. This study contributes by integrating an intelligent optimization meta-model with SS to address soil uncertainties and by developing an efficient interactive design system based on large language models.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:31:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2597843</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Biochar Specification Criteria as Soil Amendment for Slopes, Conveyances and Stormwater Treatment Systems (Phase 1)</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2582138</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to develop knowledge, tools, and protocols to inform best practice standards for effective implementation of biochar in bioretention systems (BRSs) for treating roadway runoff. This project will be performed in two phases, with the first phase (this report) focusing on biochar production, characterization, and contaminant sorption performance. Results from the first phase will inform decisions for the second phase which will look at vegetation growth studies and soil hydrology evaluations. The authors anticipate the primary project output (following completion of Phase 2) to be a tool or protocol (e.g., a decision-making matrix) to provide standardized guidance for best practices regarding the practical implementation of biochar in BRSs treating roadway runoff. The work plan for Phase 1 is presented herein, which will result in following outputs: 1. Recommendations for locally available, suitable biomass feedstocks and feedstock-specific pyrolysis conditions which can be reproduced at scale. 2. Biochar physical property specification criteria associated with contaminant-removal targets which can be assessed at reasonable costs. 3. Protocols for screening-level contaminant-removal performance tests based on broadly accessible materials and methods. 4. Plans for further evaluations to verify treatment performance and evaluate hydraulic and soil health effects, to be proposed as a part of Phase 2 investigations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:19:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2582138</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessing Geotechnical Variability in Geological Formations: Insights from In Situ CPT Data Analysis in Illinois</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2516824</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In soils, knowledge of the geologic units encountered at a site typically is insufficient to define the expected range of engineering properties due to the presence of large geotechnical spatial variability. This study describes an in-depth examination of cone penetration tests (CPT) in glacial soils from Illinois, advanced by the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS). The research examines the spatial variability of glacial geological units at multiple scales, both within a single site and regionally across multiple sites in Illinois. This analysis focuses on the Batestown unit, acknowledging its widespread presence as a commonly encountered geological soil, which is compared to the database of geotechnical properties of geological soils for three sites developed with the support of the Illinois Department of Transportation. The analytical method applied in this study evaluates the horizontal scale of fluctuation (δh) and the coefficient of inherent variability (COVw,h) from corrected cone tip resistance (qt), providing insights into both the correlation and dispersion of geological characteristics. Results suggest δh is more indicative of the spatial variability characteristics of a geological unit, while COVw,h is more site-dependent for the same unit. Furthermore, the study also integrates sequential simulations of unit side resistance in the Batestown unit to examine and quantify the effects of spatial variability on this deep foundation design parameter. The findings suggest that designs based solely on typically spaced CPT data can obscure the true underlying site resistance. Further research is necessary to quantify the reliability of the existing soundings in representing actual site conditions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2025 13:09:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2516824</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re-Use of Minnesota Waste Material in Sustainably Design Soils. Part 2</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2470493</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Minerals, forestry, agriculture, and industrial activities in Minnesota generate substantial by-products and waste. Strategies to reuse or recycle these can reduce landfill waste, enhance public health, conserve resources, and cut costs and emissions. Building on the frameworks by Johnson et al. (2017), Saftner et al. (2019), and Saftner et al. (2022), this project extended its scope across Minnesota to include materials like dredge sediment from Mississippi River, RCA (recycled concrete aggregate) and VersaLime. Researchers identified, selected, and characterized various waste, by-products, and commercial materials statewide, as well as tested engineered soil mixes for roadway applications, assessing their stormwater retention and support for native plants. Laboratory methods characterized these mixes, which were implemented and evaluated in situ. A preliminary environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) was also conducted quantifying the environmental impacts of the engineered soil mixtures. Results were compiled into a design guide for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) engineers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 16:45:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2470493</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigating the Frost Action in Soils</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1934540</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Frost heave creates systemic failures in roadways, buried pipelines, and cold storage facilities across the United States and around the world. Significant frost heaving may occur when the following three conditions are met: (1) there are sustained freezing conditions, (2) the soil is frost-susceptible (typically silt-sized), and (3) there is access to water. Under these conditions and depending on the temperature gradient pore water freezes into ice lenses that grow in the direction of heat loss, causing heave. When the temperature increases during the spring season, the ice melts inducing thaw settlement and causing a reduction in soil strength. The nature and extent of frost heave vary according to the availability of water, pore fluid composition, rate of heat loss, and soil type. Similarly, soil properties influence the rate at which water is attracted to a growing ice lens and the temperature at which ice formation occurs. Laboratory tests can discern the significance of freezing intensity and duration as well as soil properties, including mineralogy, grainsize distribution, and pore fluid. As part of a larger nationwide project, the current study evaluates the frost heave potential of soils collected from Alaska, Iowa, and North Carolina. Cylindrical soil samples were given free access to water and subjected to two freeze-thaw cycles. Total heaving, heave rate, temperature profile, frost penetration depth, and its rate were measured as a function of time. Water intake during testing was also measured. The results of the study showed that amount of silt and clay content in the soil have a direct effect on the frost heave phenomenon. Soils that have higher silt content and less clay content had higher heaving. It was determined that all the soils were highly frost susceptible and had high-heave rates up to 28.4 mm/day. The maximum frost penetration depth and frost penetration rate were 114 mm and 260 mm/day, respectively.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:52:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1934540</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effect of Soil–Cement Stabilization of the Subgrade on the Response of a Ballasted Railway Track</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2386094</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Soft subgrade presents considerable design issues for railway projects due to its high compressibility and low shear wave velocity. Hence, it is necessary to increase the stiffness and strength of the subgrade soil to improve its performance. One way of doing this is by using soil–cement stabilization. This study looked at how the dynamic response and dynamic amplification factor of a ballasted railway track change as a result of the stabilization of the subgrade by soil–cement under moving train loads. Three-dimensional finite element analysis has been carried out with consideration of soil plasticity and train movement to assess the effect of stabilization using Plaxis 3D software. It has been found that the width of the stabilized subgrade layer has no pronounced impact on the dynamic response of the ballasted railway track. However, increasing the thickness of the stabilized layer reduces the settlement. For a stabilized layer thickness of 0.1 m and 1.0 m, the maximum settlement of the railway track was significantly reduced by increasing the thickness of the stabilized subgrade layer, with a percentage decrease between 1 and 38%. Furthermore, the stabilized layer has no effect on the critical speed of the ballasted railway track. Additionally, it has been found that the dynamic amplification factor noticeably decreases as the thickness of the stabilized layer increases, indicating that the stabilization performs better for the case of the moving loads compared to that of the static loads. The results of the paper may help engineers in desk studies on the use of different solutions to stabilize soft soils for a ballasted railway design project.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:13:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2386094</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>IFCEE 2024: Earth Retaining Systems, Ground Improvement, and Seepage Control</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2381914</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This Geotechnical Special Publication contains 50 peer-reviewed papers on earth retaining systems, ground improvement, and seepage control.  Topics include: advances in earth retaining systems; earth retention systems case histories; advances in ground improvement and seepage control; and ground improvement and seepage control case histories.  GSP 355 will be of interest to a wide range of geoprofessionals, including engineering practitioners, geotechnologists, researchers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers and suppliers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2024 09:39:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2381914</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Geo-Congress 2024: Soil Improvement, Sustainability, Geoenvironmental, and Cold Regions Engineering</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2377995</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This Geotechnical Special Publication contains 79 peer-reviewed papers on soil improvement, sustainability, geoenvironmental engineering, and cold regions engineering.  Topics include: soil improvement; sustainability; geoenvironmental engineering; and cold regions engineering.  GSP 351 will be valuable to practitioners and researchers working in the areas of soil improvement, sustainability, and geoenvironmental and cold regions engineering.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 09:25:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2377995</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Calibration of Constitutive Models</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2160708</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This Geotechnical Special Publication contains 8 papers on various aspects of constitutive modeling of geomaterials. During the last 40 years, a large number of constitutive models, possessing varying degrees of sophistication, have been developed to simulate the behavior of geomaterials. These papers evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various models to assist engineers using the models to evaluate deformations in geotechnical structures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:41:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2160708</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>High-Speed Trains and Ground Mach 1: Numerical Simulation</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2056821</link>
      <description><![CDATA[High-speed trains (HST) bring about special problems compared to typical freight and passenger trains. These special problems include the train passing the Rayleigh wave barrier and associated large deformations, particularly when the HST travels on soft soils. Results from instrumented tests performed with an HST on soft soil at different sites and associated numerical analyses have indicated that a large dynamic amplification appears in the vertical dynamic movement of the high-speed railways (HSR) as the train speed approaches the Rayleigh wave speed; this is attributed to a resonance phenomenon. This Rayleigh wave speed is the equivalent Rayleigh wave speed of the rail/embankment/ground system. This threshold speed is called the critical speed and is known as Ground Mach 1 or GM1. The question is to quantify this dynamic amplification to be in a better position to decide if it can create some serious ride discomfort or even derailment. A 4-D finite element model, developed in LS-DYNA, was used to simulate this problem. The model included the full train length and the raised embankment. The results of this study show that the critical speed is controlled by the Rayleigh wave velocity of the subsoil and that the maximum deflection occurring at the critical speed is about three times larger than the static deflection.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2022 16:13:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2056821</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) vs. Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE); An Overview of Practical Applications of GRS</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1987588</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls have been utilized for years as earth-retention solutions in highway applications. However, Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) walls have emerged in more recent years as an alternative approach to ground-up earth retention. Closely spaced layers (typically less than 12 inches) and internal reinforcement that is frictionally (rather than mechanically) attached to the facing material are two unique features that distinguish GRS structures from traditional MSE walls. MSE technology utilizes a tied-back design approach using uniaxial reinforcement; relatively wide spacing results in localized areas within the reinforced backfill that can be prone to failure. Conversely, closely spaced reinforcement and compacted fill material utilized in GRS construction result in a true composite material, such as concrete, asphalt pavement, fiberglass, and more. GRS walls can be built in weeks instead of months due to ease of construction and the use of readily available materials and equipment. A reduced construction schedule translates into less exposure around work zones, improving safety. GRS also provides environmental advantages because less steel and concrete are needed. Additionally, MSE systems are prone to construction errors, and comparatively, GRS is less complicated to build. This paper discusses the advantages of utilizing GRS instead of MSE in many applications and environments. The Federal Highway Administration’s LRFD approach for designing GRS walls is included in this paper.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2022 13:39:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1987588</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>