Deep Learning for Geotechnical Engineering: The Effectiveness of Generative Adversarial Networks in Subsoil Schematization

This thesis introduces a novel Generative Adversarial Network application called SchemaGAN, which has been adapted from the Pix2Pix architecture to take Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data as a conditional input and generate subsoil schematizations. For training, validation and testing, a database of 24,000 synthetic schematizations of size 32x512...

Flow processes forcing the development of the scour hole Beerenplaat in the Rhine-Meuse delta

The Rhine-Meuse delta is characterized by the presence of many scour holes. Koopmans (2017) showed that these scour holes have very different growth rates, even if they are located within the same river branch. Most likely this is caused by either the heterogeneous subsoil, the presence of hydraulic structures, the geometry of the river or...

Hydroclimatic adaptation critical to the resilience of tropical forests

Forest and savanna ecosystems naturally exist as alternative stable states. The maximum capacity of these ecosystems to absorb perturbations without transitioning to the other alternative stable state is referred to as ‘resilience’. Previous studies have determined the resilience of terrestrial ecosystems to hydroclimatic changes...

Quantifying track condition based on soil properties

Soil is an important part of a railway track structure. It provides the foundation for the structure and distributes the imposed loads. Consequently, soil has an influence on the condition of a track structure and a low quality soil can ultimately cause failure of the track structure. To be able to include the condition of a soil in the...

Scour holes in heterogeneous subsoil: A numerical study on hydrodynamical processes in the development of the scour holes

In the Rhine-Meuse Delta in the Netherlands, deep scour holes can develop very suddenly. The holes may form a potential risk for the stability of surrounding riverbanks, dikes, bridges, tunnels and buildings. A scour hole can mostly be the result of two conditions: local changes in hydrodynamical conditions or local changes in erosive capacity...

Scour holes in heterogeneous subsoil: An experimental study to improve knowledge of the development of scour holes in heterogeneous subsoil

In the Rhine-Meuse delta many scour holes are present. These scour holes form a potential risk on the surrounding bridges, levees, weirs, dikes and tunnels. In general, scour holes can develop when there is a local change in hydrodynamic conditions or erosive capacity. Extensive research has been done in the past on scour holes close to...

Scour holes in tidal rivers with heterogeneous subsoil under anthropogenic influence

Over one hundred scour holes are located in the Rhine-Meuse delta. These scour holes have relatively large depths and steep slopes and could pose a risk to the stability of river banks and hydraulic structures, especially since some scour holes are still growing. Scour holes develop at locations where either the hydrodynamics or the erodibility...

Integrating subsurface management into spatial planning in the Netherlands, Sweden and Flanders

The pressures of climate change, energy transition, the financial crisis and retreating governments, call for a reintroduction of the subsurface into spatial planning. Most urban technological infrastructure, including load-bearing capacity, heat and water, is located in the subsurface. It stores water, plays a role in cooling the city and...

Mapping Geotechnical Risk for Infrastructural Works in Deltaic Areas

This paper presents method and first results of a study to quantify and communicate geotechnical risk for highway construction on soft soil and large building pits associated with infrastructural works in the Netherlands. A set of easy-to-read maps will inform the end users, geotechnical consultants at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and...

Old harbour, new possibilities

In this graduation project a design for the Merwe-Vierhavens (Rotterdam) is made, based on the subsoil characteristics. An interactive subsoil potential map shows all the information and tools, which are used in the masterplan. The design for the harbour also protects the residents from floods.

Poldering between control and laissez faire: The example of harmonizing subsoil management and spatial planning

The purpose of this contribution is to look at different planning contexts into which decisions about subsoil engineering presently need to be integrated. There are many ways of doing as well as theorizing spatial planning; and planning practice is constantly changing. Next to that, soil legislation and management has become more important to...

Using the subsoil in the urban design process

In this graduationproject a method is set up to take subsoil conditions into account in the urban design process to come to a more sustainable end result. By making a subsoil potential map, the spatial influence of the subsoil conditions on surface level are explored. The design proposal gives an example of how different subsoil conditions can...

Analysis of 9-component SCPT data to obtain shallow subsoil structure

A 9-component seismic cone penetration test (SCPT) was conducted at a site near Delft. A sledge hammer striking horizontally a wooden plate was used to generate shear (S) waves polarized in the crossline and inline directions. A vertical hammer hitting a metal plate generated the P wave. The data were acquired using a recently developed array (7...

A Factor of Safety for Geotechnical Characterization