Geotechnical Design Challenges in Tropical Zone

Abstract

Introduction. Designing for geotechnical stability in tropical zones presents a unique set of challenges due to the climatic, geological, and environmental factors prevalent in these regions. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the local soil conditions, climatic factors, and environmental challenges. Materials and methods. Tropical regions often experience heavy rainfall, leading to increased erosion and soil instability. The erosion can weaken soil structures, leading to slope failures, landslides, and foundation instability. Areas with geologically disturbed areas such as clay shale, colluvium, and deformed rock due to relic active tectonic activity are attributed to unexpected failure during construction. While area with problematic soil such as the soft soil zone exhibits large long-term compression and low bearing capacity challenges.

Results. Designing to accommodate the challenges of geologically disturbed areas and problematic soil is crucial to prevent structural damage. Tropical regions also often have high groundwater tables due to frequent rainfall and low evaporation rates. This can pose challenges for geotechnical and structural design as structures may be subjected to buoyancy forces and soil liquefaction during seismic events. Tropical ground requires careful consideration of material properties and behaviour, environmental conditions, and potential hazards. Engineers can solve the difficulties that come with these problematic grounds in tropical areas and guarantee the safety, stability, and sustainability of infrastructure projects by applying suitable geotechnical engineering techniques and mitigating measures.

Conclusions. Case studies about problematic tropical soil and solutions.