The graduation thesis describes various approaches involving sustainable development in earthworks. These approaches are grouped into three main categories: ground improvement, optimization of earthwork execution, and the use of alternative construction materials. By ground improvement (e.g., compaction, stone columns, chemical grouting …), excavation and replacement of poor soils can be avoided. The choice of the most suitable method takes into account project needs, site limitations, and environmental impacts. For the optimization of earthworks, different systems and algorithms can be utilized. In the graduation thesis we present an integrated system developed by Gomes Correia (2015). Integrated system based on input data about available equipment and other necessary information obtained through data mining identifies the optimal allocation of equipment and workflow by utilizing genetic algorithms, which presents a solution to the optimization problem. The optimal solution can be adjusted in real-time for each project phase. The use of alternative materials in earthworks provides a suitable alternative to natural materials. The properties and potential applications of construction waste (including excavated soil), foundry sand, fly ash, and slag are described in detail, since these materials show potential for use in earthworks both in terms of the quantities generated and their physical and mechanical properties. Literature data indicate that some alternative materials (e.g., slag) may not be volumetrically stable in the long term. Therefore, a numerical analysis of a road embankment with a layered structure was conducted, considering different volumetric deformations (1, 2 and 4 %) of the material within the embankment core. The purpose of the numerical analysis is to assess the impact of material swelling on the embankment and pavement construction.
|
