Journal of Recent Activities in Infrastructure Science

Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Helical Piles and Conventional Concrete Piles in Different Soils Using Hardening Soil Model in PLAXIS 3D

2025-10-08T16:34:45+00:00

This study conducts a detailed numerical calculation of the axial behavior of helical piles (HP) and normal concrete piles (RCC) under extremely wide soil conditions using PLAXIS 3D with the hardening soil model (HSM). 144 finite element models were developed by systematic variation in pile length (10-20 m), diameter (450-750 mm), and helix configurations in the soil profiles of soft, medium, and stiff clay; loose, medium-dense, and dense sand; and layered stratifications. Results indicate that HP is always better than RCC piles at shallow to medium embedment depths (10-15 m) and smaller diameters (450-650 mm), with settlement reductions by 10-22% in clay and 12-20% in loose to medium-dense sand. In dense sand and hard clay, the differential performance is lessened considerably, with differential performance decreasing below 5% at larger diameters (750 mm) and depths of installation (20 m), where settlement behavior is governed mainly by pile length. HP in strata has 8-20% lower settlements than RCC piles, with maximum advantages in clay-sand profiles due to the combined effect of helix plates and end-bearing resistance. Overall, the findings indicate that while RCC piles remain suitable for application in dense soils at increased depths, HPs provide enhanced serviceability in soft and stratified soils, which indicates their potential to be a sustainable and efficient foundation choice in unfavorable geotechnical conditions.

Influence of Additives from Hydrocarbon-Origin on the Surface Free Energy (SFE) of Asphalt Binder

2025-09-06T11:46:17+00:00

Enhancing the quality of asphalt binder with additives improves the quality and durability of flexible pavements. In the present work, two types of additives from hydrocarbon origin are implemented (carbon black and crumb rubber) for modification of asphalt cement and to influence the required surface free energy (SFE). The prepared modified binders were subjected to SFE and determination of static and dynamic contact angles using the Sessile drop (SD) and Wilhelmy plate (WP) techniques. It was observed that for SD test, carbon black reduced the acid and Lifshitz-van Der Waals (LW) component elements of static contact angle (SCA) by 32.5% and 5.8% respectively, however, crumb rubber exhibited increments in the SCA component element by 2.4, 3, and 3.9% for LW, acid, and base component elements respectively as compared with the control binder. For WP method, implication of carbon black exhibited higher dynamic contact angles (DCA) components by 0.9, 1.9, and 1.3% for LW, acid, and base component elements respectively while implementation of crumb rubber modifier exhibited decline in the DCA components of 3.2, 2.7, and 1.5% for LW, acid, and base component elements respectively as compared with the control binder. Implementation of 10% carbon black had increased the SFE of the binder by (17.39 and 7.69%) for SD and WP methods, respectively, as compared with the control binder. WP method exhibited higher SFE than that of SD method regardless of the implemented additives.

Artificial Intelligence-driven Framework for Enhancing Climate Resilience in Urban Infrastructure

2025-10-15T11:41:06+00:00

Cities are facing growing risks from climate change. Heavy rainfall, flooding, droughts, and heat waves are damaging infrastructure such as drainage lines, power supply systems, and roads. Many of these structures were built decades ago using older climate data and are not designed for present conditions. This leads to frequent service breakdowns and high repair costs. India demonstrates these challenges clearly. Urban growth in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai has reduced natural drainage and increased stress on existing systems. Monsoon floods now cause traffic delays, power cuts, and waterlogging. Current management methods depend on fixing problems only after failure. This approach is expensive, slow, and leaves communities vulnerable. This study introduces an artificial intelligence (AI) framework to improve urban resilience. The framework uses satellite images, rainfall data, elevation maps, and lives sensor information. Machine learning predicts where failures are likely, while image analysis detects blocked drains or encroachments. The results are presented as risk maps and preventive recommendations. A case study of Bengaluru shows that AI can identify flood-prone zones, test drainage improvements, and guide local authorities in planning. The findings suggest that AI reduces disaster impact, lowers costs, and improves preparedness. The proposed framework also highlights the importance of combining different datasets into one system. The study concludes that AI is not only a technical tool but also a key enabler for sustainable and climate-resilient cities.

Reducing Resonance Effects of Structures by Using Bearings: A Review

2025-09-30T08:21:57+00:00

Resonance is one of the most critical dynamic challenges in structural engineering, as it can amplify vibrations and lead to catastrophic failures in buildings, bridges, and rotating machinery. Bearings, widely used as vibration isolation and damping devices, offer effective solutions for reducing resonance effects by altering stiffness, controlling damping, or actively adjusting structural responses. This study investigates different types of bearings including elastomeric bearings, lead-rubber bearings (LRB), high-damping rubber bearings (HDRB), sliding bearings, and active bearings and their role in mitigating resonance in structural systems. Applications in high-rise buildings, bridges, and mechanical systems are discussed, highlighting how bearings shift natural frequencies, dissipate seismic and operational energy, and provide long-term vibration control. The study concludes that the integration of advanced bearing technologies, especially hybrid and smart systems, provides sustainable and efficient methods for improving structural resilience against resonance effects.