Dimensional Specifications and Resistance Characteristics of Olive Marl Masonry for Reinforcement and Stabilization of Excavations and Road Structures

Abstract

Our study focuses on the challenges of preserving excavations and adjacent structures and stabilizing soil walls in construction projects. Neglecting appropriate protective measures can lead to settlements, instability, and alterations in the surrounding area. To address these issues, the use of retaining walls with soldier piles is recommended due to their simplicity, compatibility with different ground conditions, and adaptability to limited spaces. The manuscript presents investigations into the behavior of soldier pile walls, particularly in cohesive and marl soils. Numerical analyses and laboratory experiments were conducted to assess their performance. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of soldier pile walls in various construction operations, including highway construction, foundation excavation, and retaining walls for excavations. It also highlights their success in stabilizing slopes, embankments, underground structures, and protecting temporary and permanent retaining systems. Marl soil, a sedimentary rock composed of clay and calcium carbonate, presents unique challenges due to its high plasticity and semi-rigid behavior. The manuscript emphasizes the importance of understanding the behavior of piles in marl soils and improving the performance of soil nailing systems. The study examines the impact of different drilling methods on the behavior of soldier piles in marl soil, with a focus on rotary drilling with standard cement grout. The findings reveal increased tensile strength in piles installed using this method compared to percussive drilling. The research provides valuable insights for engineers and practitioners, contributing to efficient land utilization in urban areas. Overall, this research offers valuable knowledge for the construction industry in dealing with challenging soil conditions. It provides a foundation for developing improved design approaches for excavations and adjacent structures, particularly in cohesive and marl soils. The findings highlight the effectiveness of soldier pile walls and emphasize the need for understanding marl soil behavior to enhance the performance of soil nailing systems. Further research is encouraged to validate the results for different marl soils and explore additional strategies for improving the tensile strength and long-term behavior of piles in these conditions.