Tejo Bheemasetti

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Chapters

• Chakraborty, S., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2019). Effect of Constant Energy Source on Coherence Function in Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) Testing. In Geotechnical Characterization and Geoenvironmental Engineering. doi:10.1007/978-981-13-0899-4_8
• Puppala, A. J., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Chittoori, B. C. (2019). Quality Assurance Studies for Ground Improvement Projects. In Geotechnical Design and Practice. doi:10.1007/978-981-13-0505-4_1
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  In situ QA/QC studies play a crucial role in the civil engineering projects, especially in ground improvement projects related to geotechnical engineering. These studies are of paramount importance in geotechnical engineering projects as they not only enhance the overall quality of the project but also ensure that the project is being constructed as per standards. In this research paper, QA/QC studies that were performed on two different ground improvement techniques including chemical stabilization using native high plasticity clays, and deep soil mixing (DSM) technique are discussed. These solutions on all the projects discussed provided a new approach on analysing the geotechnical engineering data.
• Puppala, A. J., Bheemasetti, T. V., Pedarla, A., Cai, G., Yu, X., & Zou, H. (2016). Spatial Variability Analysis of Soil Properties using Geostatistics. In Handbook of Research on Advanced Computational Techniques for Simulation-Based Engineering. doi:10.4018/978-1-4666-9479-8.ch008
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  Spatial variability in soil properties is still in the exploratory stage and, despite of an increase in probabilistic and statistical analysis, many challenges remain in using spatial variability of soil properties in practical designs. This chapter addresses the problem of how to incorporate spatial variability of soil properties by using Geostatistics. Existing researches in variability analysis tend to focus on the distribution of the soil properties, reliability based design and simulation of random fields. However, there is limited evidence that researchers have approached the issue of spatial variability in soil properties. Consequently, the aim of this chapter is to develop a framework for incorporating spatial variability in soil properties in prediction analysis and how it could be applied to infrastructure design. The developed framework is validated by performing spatial variability analysis of soil strength parameters evaluated from the piezocone penetration test data.
• Puppala, A. J., Pedarla, A., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2015). Soil Modification by Admixtures. In Ground Improvement Case Histories: Chemical, Electro kinetic, Thermal and Bioengineering. doi:10.1016/b978-0-08-100191-2.00010-1
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  Abstract Civil engineering construction projects, particularly highway projects, built on problematic soils, including soft soils, expansive soils, and other soil types, require some form of soil stabilization to improve the subsoil properties. Without the stabilization, the infrastructure will experience severe distress, which results in poor performance. Throughout the years, several studies have been conducted to address the performance of soil stabilization methods and construction practices. These stabilization practices can be broadly classified into four main categories of methods based on soil improvement processing mechanisms: mechanical stabilization, chemical stabilization, thermal stabilization, and electrical stabilization. Among these, chemical additives are most often used to stabilize the soils by enhancing their inherent properties. Stabilization through chemical additives, such as lime, cement, and fly ash, modifies the soil properties, resulting in a stronger foundation-supporting infrastructure. This chapter primarily discusses the chemical treatment methods used in practice to stabilize subsoils. A wide variety of chemical additive treatment methods, including lime, cement, fly ash, and other ashes, and ground granulated blast furnace slag are discussed in this chapter. The design of the stabilizers and the appropriate dosages to enhance soil properties to certain prescribed levels, as well as the laboratory mix design methodologies, are discussed. Field construction practices, along with quality control and assessments followed, are also mentioned. At the conclusion of the chapter, a summary of the field application methods and the performance of different stabilizers is presented.

Journals/Publications

• Rahman, R., Bheemasetti, T. V., Govil, T., & Sani, R. K. (2024).

  Psychrophiles to Control Ice-Water Phase Changes in Frost-Susceptible Soils

  . Scientific Reports, 14(477). doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-3150261/v1
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  Abstract The phase changes of soil water or porous media have a crucial influence on the performance of natural and man-made infrastructures in cold regions. Several treatment methods to mitigate the effects of frost action have been studied earlier, but traditional methods often rely on chemicals, physical techniques, and the reuse of waste materials, which often have limitations. However, certain organisms produce ice-binding proteins (IBPs) or antifreeze proteins (AFPs) to adapt to low temperatures, which can inhibit ice crystal growth by lowering the freezing point and preventing ice crystallization without the need for external intervention. This study explores the potential of three psychrophilic microbes: Sporosarcina psychrophile , Sporosarcina globispora , and Polaromonas hydrogenivorans , to induce non-equilibrium freezing point depression and thermal hysteresis in order to control ice lens growth in frost-susceptible soils. The growth profiles of the microbes, the concentration of released proteins in the extracellular solution, and the thermal properties of the protein-mixed soils are monitored at an interval of three days. The controlled soil showed a freezing point of -4.59 0 C and thermal hysteresis of 4.62 0 C, whereas protein-treated soil showed a maximum freezing point depression of -8.54 0 C and thermal hysteresis of 7.71 0 C. Interestingly, except for the controlled sample, all the protein-treated soil samples were thawed at a negative temperature (minimum recorded at -0.85 0 C). Further analysis showed that the treated soils compared to porous media mixed soil freeze (1.25 0 C vs. 0.51 0 C) and thaw (2.75 0 C vs. 1.72 0 C) at extensive temperature gap. Overall, this study presents a novel bio-mediated approach using psychrophilic microbes to control ice formation in frost-susceptible soils.
• Rahman, R., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2023).

  Effects of Calcium Nitrate on Thermal Hysteresis and Corresponding Freezing Characteristics of Silty Sand Mixtures

  . ASCE Journal of Materials, 35(9). doi:10.1061/jmcee7.mteng-15145
• Tabassum, T., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2023).

  Effects of Geometry and Forms of Recycled Plastics on Strength Properties of Silty Soils

  . Geotechnical Testing Journal, 47(1), 86 -103. doi:10.1520/gtj20220261
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  Although significant efforts are being made to evaluate the use of recycled materials in the construction industry, the effects of their shapes and sizes on the mechanical behavior of plastic-treated materials remained unclear. This paper presents results and analysis of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics with variations in their shapes, sizes, dosage content (1 %, 2 %, 4 %, 8 %, and 12 % by dry weight soil), and cement content (9 %, 12 %, and 15 % by dry weight of soil) to enhance the strength-deformation characteristics of high-plastic silts. A series of experimental studies were performed to evaluate the unconfined compressive strength, stress–strain behavior, energy absorption capacity, and strength retention of the soils treated with recycled HDPE flakes and long pellets. Test results showed that the inclusion of 4 % regrind flakes plastics with 9 % cement content increased the soil strength up to 193 % more than the control soil. Results also showed that the ductility index of the samples with 15 % cement increased from 6 to 7.5 as the regrind flakes content were increased from 4 % to 12 %. The optimal dosage content of recycled plastics and cement content is presented based on the compressive strength, energy absorption capacity, percent strength retention, soil loss, and volumetric strains of the treated soils. This research highlights the importance of the geometry of the recycled plastics and their influence on strength-deformation characteristics with application to pavement subgrade soil stabilization.
• Bheemasetti, T. V., Tohm, C., & Lingwall, B. N. (2022).

  Ice-Water Phase Change Studies in Plastic and Non-Plastic Silts

  . Frontiers in Built Environment, 8(2022). doi:10.3389/fbuil.2022.943614
• Caballero, S. R., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., & Chakraborty, S. (2022). Geotechnical Visualization and Three-Dimensional Geostatistics Modeling of Highly Variable Soils of a Hydraulic Fill Dam. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. doi:10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0002872
• Tabassum, T., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2022). Investigative Studies on Recycled High-Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene Pellets for Stabilization of Kaolinite Rich Soils. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. doi:10.1061/(asce)mt.1943-5533.0004318
• Tabassum, T., Rahman, R., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2022).

  Thermal-mechanical properties of stabilized clayey sand subgrade soils

  . Transportation Geotechnics, 37(100880). doi:10.1016/j.trgeo.2022.100880
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  Stabilization of the problematic subgrade soils is extensively studied over the years to enhance their engineering properties, most commonly strength and deformation characteristics. Recent studies demonstrated that the recycled waste materials are viable sustainable alternatives to chemical stabilizers resulting in low costs and environmentally friendly solutions. In this research, investigative studies were performed to evaluate the durability, mechanical, and thermal properties of clayey sands when treated with recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic pellets and flakes with cement as a binder. A series of experimental laboratories studies were performed to evaluate the unconfined compressive strength, strength retention, swell pressure, soil loss, and volumetric strain of the stabilized soils with different wetting-drying durability cycles. In addition, this study addressed the influence of recycled plastic form and dosage content on the thermal conductivity of the candidate soil. Threshold dosage contents of recycled plastics are established based on the multiscale scale criteria that suffices all the thermal, mechanical, and durability requirements of treated soils. This research indicated that the addition of recycled HDPE plastics led to enhancement in strength, swell characteristics, durability, and thermal conductivity when compared to the untreated soils and demonstrated the feasibility of using recycled plastic wastes in sustainable stabilization practices.
• Chakraborty, S., Bheemasetti, T. V., Das, J. T., & Puppala, A. J. (2021). Seismic Slope Stability Analysis of a Hydraulic Fill Dam. International Journal of Geomechanics. doi:10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0001892
• Chakraborty, S., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., Das, J. T., & O, S. R. (2021). Geomaterial Characterization and Stability Assessment of Hydraulic Fill Dams. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. doi:10.1061/(asce)mt.1943-5533.0003553
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  AbstractIn this research study, the stability of a hydraulic fill dam located in a newly declared seismically hazardous zone in north Texas was evaluated, incorporating the effect of geomaterial va...
• Talluri, N., Congress, S. S., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., & Yu, X. (2021). Assessment of Sulfate-Induced Heave in Chemically Treated Soils Using a Novel Hybrid Sensor. Geotechnical Testing Journal. doi:10.1520/gtj20190196
• Tohm, C., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Diwakar, P. K. (2022). Spectroscopy framework and review of characterization of energy resource sites. Energy geoscience. doi:10.1016/j.engeos.2021.12.003
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  Site characterization and rapid reliable identification of energy resources play a key role for future efficient energy production. Over the last several decades, many laboratory and in-situ techniques were developed to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the sites and minerals. Despite the advancements, there are still many challenges associated with exploration, rapid detection, and spatial interpolation of the energy resources within a site. Spectroscopy techniques offer solutions to the current on-going efforts on site characterization, exploration and collection of resources, quality control monitoring during production, and reclamation of the production sites due to environmental contamination. Spectral analysis has shown great promise in providing in-situ measurements that are comparable to arduous laboratory physio-chemical analysis. Spectroscopy is a fairly new technology in some sectors and has seen limited use but has shown great potential in exceeding the minimum standards implemented. This paper presents review of the current spectroscopy techniques that have been used in the agriculture, landfill, nuclear power, mining, and ground contamination industries with respect to the production of energy. A general overview of how spectral analysis techniques are being used to benefit each of these sectors along with some of the drawbacks associated with each is presented. Three frameworks including basic process, operation flowchart, minimum number of tests to be performed, and information on spatial interpolation analysis are presented. These frameworks along with the basic processes can be implemented for characterization of energy resource sites. • Overview of spectroscopy techniques relevant to energy resources. • Flowcharts that can be combined to develop a spatial map of energy resources. • In-situ testing and monitoring to ensure quality control and safety.
• Chakraborty, S., Bheemasetti, T. V., Das, J. T., & Puppala, A. J. (2020). Seismic response analysis of a hydraulic fill dam. Acta Geotechnica. doi:10.1007/s11440-020-00978-w
• Chakraborty, S., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., & Nazarian, S. (2019). A rational approach to select the number of field tests required to determine subgrade properties. International Journal of Pavement Engineering. doi:10.1080/10298436.2017.1394095
• Chakraborty, S., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., & Verreault, L. (2019). Use of Constant Energy Source in SASW Test and Its Influence on Seismic Response Analysis. Geotechnical Testing Journal. doi:10.1520/gtj20170220
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  The quality and acceptability of the results of the spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) field test are dependent upon the coherence function, in conjunction with the transfer function. The coherence value is a measure of the quality of the test, and the transfer function denotes the phase lag between signals that are received by the geophones. This article presents a methodology for obtaining high-quality field test data, using a source capable of producing constant impact energy for several repeated impact strikes in an SASW test. Both laboratory and field investigations were performed to assess the effectiveness of the constant impact energy source at improving the coherence value. Tests were conducted on the surface of the soil compacted in a metal box and on the crest of an earthen dam using (a) handheld hammers, resulting in variable impact energy and (b) a drop hammer, dropped from a predetermined fixed height, resulting in constant impact energy. The variation in the shear wave velocity (Vs) profile obtained using the two testing methodologies and its impact on the seismic response analysis of an earthen embankment structure were studied. The SASW tests performed in the laboratory using constant impact energy were more efficient and repeatable than those performed using varying impact energy, and the results showed increased coherence values over a wide range of frequencies. A similar improvement in coherence data was observed in the field studies, and the Vs profiles were found to be significantly different for tests conducted using both methodologies. It was observed that the peak and spectral accelerations at the crest of embankments are significantly different when embankments with different Vs profiles are subjected to seismic excitation. This study emphasizes the importance of performing the SASW test, using a constant impact energy source to obtain a reliable estimate of Vs profiles of subsurface layers.
• Jafari, N. H., Puppala, A. J., Boluk, B., Chakraborty, S., Cadigan, J. A., Pleasant, J. E., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2019). Predicting the Performance of Highway Embankment Slopes. MATEC web of conferences. doi:10.1051/matecconf/201927102007
• Puppala, A. J., Ruttanaporamakul, P., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Shafikhani, A. (2019). Laboratory and Field Investigations on Geofoam. Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice. doi:10.1061/(asce)ps.1949-1204.0000364
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  AbstractLightweight fill materials are being increasingly used as a construction material for enhanced construction operations featuring construction on soft ground, in cold regions, and in earthen...
• Shafikani, A., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2019). Performance Evaluation of a Bridge Infrastructure Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning Technology. Geotechnical Testing Journal. doi:10.1520/gtj20170325
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  Monitoring techniques, used to assess the condition of infrastructures, have been impacted by the rapid developments in remote sensing technology. While these technologies have improved performance evaluation, cogent procedures for evaluating ground movements have yet to be developed. This article presents an application of the three-dimensional terrestrial laser scanning (3D-TLS) technology for assessing the performance of bridge infrastructures, including highway embankments, bridge decks, approach slabs, abutments, and columns supported on drilled shafts. In this research study, a framework was developed, using 3D-TLS technology, to evaluate the ground movements. The survey process, variables, and analysis were demonstrated by performing the field operations at a rehabilitated bridge infrastructure located in North Texas. The analysis depicted vertical movements that were experienced by the approach slab during different time periods. The validation of 3D-TLS results was performed by comparing the vertical movements from the four horizontal inclinometers installed underneath the pavement. The comparison studies revealed similar movement patterns of both inclinometers and processed scans, while the latter provided detailed soil movements over a larger area.
• Nguyen, H. M., Fellenius, B. H., Puppala, A. J., Nguyen, O. C., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2018). Results of Static Loading Tests on Single Piles and on Pile-Supported LPG Tanks. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering. doi:10.1007/s10706-018-0574-z
• Patil, U. D., Hoyos, L. R., Puppala, A. J., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2018). Modeling Stress–Dilatancy Behavior of Compacted Silty Sand Under Suction-Controlled Axisymmetric Shearing. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering. doi:10.1007/s10706-018-0647-z
• Puppala, A. J., Congress, S. S., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Caballero, S. R. (2018).

  Visualization of Civil Infrastructure Emphasizing Geomaterial Characterization and Performance

  . ASCE Journal of Materials, 30(10). doi:10.1061/(asce)mt.1943-5533.0002434
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  With the advancements made in the spatial analyses, characterizarion methodologies, and management of large data sets, the visualization of geomaterial properties at different stages of civil infrastructure works has become easier to implement. Visualization of material characteristics in the ground has given engineers a realistic three-dimensional image that creates a comprehensive digital ground environment where large complex projects can be effectively conceptualized, designed, and constructed. This research paper presents these material characterization–related advancements made in the better understanding of construction and performance of infrastructure using geospatial and visualization tools. Infrastructure case studies ranging from material characterizations from laboratory and in situ tests to data captured from photogrammetry-based measurements from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms are described. The two-dimensional visualization models developed for a pipeline and dam infrastructure provided localized critical zones, which can trigger failure in the event of hazardous conditions. The three-dimensional models, developed using UAV-based photogrammetry studies, provided the health conditions of the structure with a focus on material performance. Future applications encompassing material properties to field measurements are covered in detail.
• Puppala, A. J., Congress, S. S., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Caballero, S. R. (2018). Visualization of Civil Infrastructure Emphasizing Geomaterial Characterization and Performance. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. doi:10.1061/(asce)mt.1943-5533.0002434
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  AbstractWith the advancements made in the spatial analyses, characterizarion methodologies, and management of large data sets, the visualization of geomaterial properties at different stages of civ...
• Acharya, R., Pedarla, A., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2017). Assessment of Guar Gum Biopolymer Treatment toward Mitigation of Desiccation Cracking on Slopes Built with Expansive Soils. Transportation Research Record. doi:10.3141/2657-09
• Bheemasetti, T. V., Chittoori, B. C., Zou, H., Puppala, A. J., & Thomey, J. (2017). Spatial Mapping of Soluble Sulfate Concentrations Present in Natural Soils Using Geostatistics. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. doi:10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0001590
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  AbstractSulfate heaving has had a major impact on civil engineering infrastructure for the past few decades. Past researchers have attributed the provenance of this heaving mechanism to the chemical reactions between soluble sulfates and calcium-based stabilizers, but despite the increase in studies related to sulfate heaving, very little effort has been made to address the variability of sulfate concentrations in the field. The natural deposition of sulfate pockets causes inevitable problems to chemical stabilization techniques. Because of the high variability of sulfate concentrations present in nearby locations, it is possible that engineers may mischaracterize the sulfate concentrations or not able to design appropriate stabilization measures in the field. In this study geostatistical analysis was used to quantify and map sulfate concentrations along a mega water pipeline project located in north Texas. Various soil samples, originating from six different geological formations along the pipeline align...
• Shafikhani, A., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2017). Effect of Seasonal Changes on a Hybrid Soil–Geofoam Embankment System. International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering. doi:10.1007/s40891-017-0116-4
• Zou, H., Liu, S., Cai, G., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2017). Mapping probability of liquefaction using geostatistics and first order reliability method based on CPTU measurements. Engineering Geology. doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.01.021
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  Abstract The probabilistic frameworks of the simplified procedure for estimating the probability of liquefaction (PL) of subsoil have gained increasing interest in the literature. A procedure based on the multivariate theory is proposed in this study to address the soil liquefaction as a point failure problem using the piezocone penetration test (CPTU) data. In the procedure, geostatistics combined with the Box-Cox transformation is utilized to evaluate the uncertainties associated with the CPTU parameters including the cone tip resistance (qt) and sleeve frictional resistance (fs) at each spatial point over a site. Then the first order reliability method (FORM) modified to incorporate the Box-Cox transformation is conducted at each point to estimate the probability of liquefaction (PL) of the soil with the consideration of the parameter uncertainties. Detailed steps of the procedure include the trend removal, data transformation, semivariogram analysis, Kriging interpolation, back transformation, validation of the predictions, and reliability-based analysis. An illustrative example for implementing the procedure is presented. It is shown that the deterministic nature of the CPTU observations can be captured in the probabilistic analysis if the proposed procedure is applied. Moreover, the spatial map of PL of the soil over a regional site can be provided. The PL map can provide useful information for the design of ground improvement at the site.
• Zou, H., Liu, S., Cai, G., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2017). Multivariate correlation analysis of seismic piezocone penetration (SCPTU) parameters and design properties of Jiangsu quaternary cohesive soils. Engineering Geology. doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.07.005
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  Abstract A recent trend of geotechnical correlation analysis is to construct a multivariate distribution model to describe the multiple dependency characteristics of different soil parameters. In this study, the feasibility of this multivariate method to model the multivariate dependency of seven soil parameters including the undrained shear strength ratio, overconsolidation ratio, sensitivity, normalized cone tip resistance, normalized sleeve frictional resistance, pore pressure parameter, and normalized shear wave velocity.is studied. A database containing 372 sets of observations of these seven parameters is collected from 25 sites in the Jiangsu province, China. Two data transformations including the Johnson system of distribution and Box-Cox method were used in the construction of the multivariate model for the Jiangsu cohesive soils. The correlations derived from these two local models were compared with the compiled Jiangsu database, data points at other testing sites in China, and database and correlations published in the literature for validation. It was shown that the local models developed in this study were capable of the multivariate dependency of the soil parameters for the Jiangsu cohesive soils, whereas the global model developed in the literature tends to overestimate the uncertainties associated with the design parameters for the Jiangsu soils. A potential explanation is that the soil parameters in a local region were less variable with stronger correlations than those over the global sites, due to the site-specific effect. However, caution shall be taken if the local models for the Jiangsu soils are used at other sites. Besides, the Johnson system of distribution is superior to the Box-Cox transformation in the construction of the multivariate distribution model in the sense that the former is more effective to achieve the standard normal distribution, especially for the soil parameters with a bounded distribution.
• Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., Zou, H., Marshall, D., & Pedarla, A. (2016). Quality Assurance Method for Assessment of Stiffness of Pipeline Bedding Material. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. doi:10.1061/(asce)mt.1943-5533.0001431
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  AbstractAn innovative quality assurance method is used to assess the stiffness of the bedding material to a water pipeline located in Texas. The method used is a combination of spectral analysis of surface waves technique (SASW) and geostatistics. SASW tests were conducted to measure the stiffness of pipeline bedding material at 15 sections along the pipeline after different curing periods of 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. The stiffness measurements from SASW tests are used in geostatistical analysis to determine stiffness properties at untested locations and map the variation of stiffness values along the pipeline. The SASW measurements indicated a significant increase in mean stiffness value of bedding material from 267.5 MPa on day 1 to 442 MPa after a 28-day curing period. The geostatistical analysis predicted and mapped the stiffness of bedding material over the entire pipeline by incorporating the variability present in the known stiffness measurements. This research highlights the adaptability of geosta...
• Pedarla, A., Acharya, R., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., & Hoyos, L. R. (2016). Influence of Mineral Montmorillonite on Soil Suction Modeling Parameters of Natural Expansive Clays. Indian Geotechnical Journal. doi:10.1007/s40098-015-0175-1
• Puppala, A. J., Pedarla, A., Hoyos, L. R., Zapata, C. E., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2016). A semi-empirical swell prediction model formulated from ‘clay mineralogy and unsaturated soil’ properties. Engineering Geology. doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2015.12.007
• Zou, H., Cai, G., Bheemasetti, T. V., Liu, S., & Puppala, A. J. (2016). Assessment of Measurement Errors of Piezocone Penetration Test in Soft Clay. Geotechnical Testing Journal. doi:10.1520/gtj20150074
• Zou, H., Liu, S., Cai, G., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., & Lin, J. (2016). Multivariate correlation among resilient modulus and cone penetration test parameters of cohesive subgrade soils. Engineering Geology. doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2016.05.018
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  Extensive research has been conducted to establish empirical equations between the resilient modulus (Mr) and other testing parameters. Despite an increase in the correlation studies, less effort has been made in developing reliable correlations to predict the resilient modulus using cone penetration testing indices. In this research, an attempt has been made to propose new correlations between Mr and the piezocone penetration test (CPTU) indices of clayey soils by using a multivariate normal distribution approach. A database collected from 16 different sites in Jiangsu province, China, was presented to achieve this study. The database contains 124 sets of resilient modulus (Mr) values at the in-situ stress condition, cone tip resistance (qc), sleeve frictional resistance (fs), moisture (w) and dry density (γd). Four major procedures including the data transformation, correlation analysis, Bayesian updating, and back transformation were applied to derive the correlations among Mr and other indices in the framework of the multivariate normal distribution model. First, each individual parameter was converted to a standard normal variable using the Box-Cox transformation. Later, the correlation matrix of the multivariate normal distribution model was estimated using the product-moment (Pearson) correlation coefficients between all pairwise data. The uncertainties associated with the Box-Cox transformation parameters and the correlation coefficients were evaluated using a bootstrapping technique. Furthermore, the formulas for predicting the posterior mean, coefficient of variation (COV), median, and 95% confidence interval (CI) of Mr conditional on different indices were derived using Bayesian updating combined with back transformation. A new approach based on the Taylor-series expansion was proposed to approximate these statistics in this study. Comparisons between the correlations derived from the multivariate model, the database of Jiangsu clay, and the data collected from the literature demonstrated that the model should be capable of the correlations among the five indices, but it might be slightly biased when applied in the global dataset. This research highlighted a new method to establish the reliable correlations to update Mr using different testing indices.
• Bheemasetti, T. V., Pedarla, A., Puppala, A. J., & Acharya, R. (2015). Design of Sustainable High-Volume Pavements Using Controlled Low-Strength Material from Native Soil. Transportation Research Record. doi:10.3141/2509-02
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  Long-term performance and durability of a pavement structure built on expansive soils are mainly dependent on the effective stabilization of the subgrade and the compaction techniques adopted during construction. Recent studies proved that the self-compacting, controlled low-strength materials acted as an effective bedding material for pipelines. A major portion of highways and low-volume traffic intersections are underlain by pipelines and other culvert structures. In this research study, an attempt was made to investigate the effectiveness of controlled low-strength material (CLSM) as a pavement subgrade material. For this study, CLSM mix designs were investigated by using native high-plasticity soil and Type 1 portland cement. From these mix designs, two high-performing mixes were selected on the basis of their setting time, flowability, and density. A series of resilient modulus tests and durability tests was conducted on the samples cast in the laboratory. Alternate wetting–drying cycles were conducted on laboratory cast specimens to address the long-term stability of the proposed mixtures. These test results were analyzed. A sustainable mix design is recommended for the design of high-traffic pavement roads. It was observed that Mix Design 2, with 10% cement, showed significant improvement in terms of strength and durability and thereby showed promise as a subgrade material for high-volume roads.

Proceedings Publications

• Ghimire, U., Bheemasetti, T. V., Kozak, P., & Kunza, L. A. (2023, March / Spring).

  Geochemical Properties and Atterberg Limits of Low Saline Sand-Clay Mixtures

  . In Geo-Congress, 405-414.
• Rahman, R., Bheemasetti, T. V., Govil, T., Ticku, A., & Sani, R. K. (2023, March / Spring).

  A Novel Approach to Control Ice Formation with Psychrophilic Microbes

  . In Geo-Congress 2023, 411- 421.
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  This paper presents a novel, bio-treated solution to mitigate and control ice formation in frost-susceptible soils. Cold shock proteins (CSPs), which can be found in specific organisms like bacteria, fishes, insects, and plants, have the potential to lower the non-equilibrium freezing temperature of their bodily fluid. Silt, a very high frost susceptible soil, and three different strains of psychrophilic microbes, which release CSPs, were selected to test the hypothesis that the phase changes of porous media in silt can be controlled using the inherent survival mechanisms of psychrophilic microbes. Basic soil and CSP characterization tests were performed. Non-equilibrium freezing point depression and thermal hysteresis (TH) were measured for every treated and untreated soil to understand the effect of the CSPs. It was observed that a significant amount of freezing point depression had taken place with a concentrated number of psychrophilic microbes provided. Varying thermal hysteresis was also found in the samples, which also proves that the CSPs are contributing to controlling the ice crystal growth. Optical microscopic image analysis shows that the use of different psychrophilic microbes also changes the shape of ice formation. This research highlights a novel, bio-mediated approach to controlling the phase changes of porous media in frost-susceptible soils.
• Tohm, C., Bheemasetti, T. V., Rahman, R., & Tabbasum, T. (2023, March / Spring).

  Erosion Potential of Frost-Susceptible Soils Subjected to Freeze-Thaw Cycles

  . In Geo-Congress, 402-411.
• Rahman, R., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2021). Evaluation Studies on Freezing Point Depression of Stabilized Frost-Susceptible Soil. In IFCEE 2021.
• Congress, S. S., Kumar, P., Patil, U. D., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2020). Three-Dimensional Stability Analysis of Rock Slope Using Aerial Photogrammetry Data. In In Geo-Congress 2020: Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Special Topics.
• Tabassum, T., & Bheemasetti, T. V. (2020). Self-Healing and Desiccation Crack Behavior of Kaolinite-Rich Clay Soil. In Geo-Congress 2020: Foundations, Soil Improvement, and Erosion.
• Das, J. T., Samuel, R., George, A. M., Chakraborty, S., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2018). Establishing a Threshold Sustainability Index for a Geotechnical Construction. In IFCEE 2018.
• Caballero, S. R., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., Verreault, L., & Koterba, D. (2017). Three-Dimensional Visualization Model of the Eagle Mountain Dam Using Cone Penetration Test Data Based on Geostatistics. In ASCE Geotechnical Frontiers 2017.
• Zou, H., Cai, G., Liu, S., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2017). Assessing Spatial Variability of Piezocone Penetration Resistance of Layered Soft Clays Using Geostatistics. In Proceedings of International Conference on Soft Ground Engineering.
• Bheemasetti, T. V., Pedarla, A., Zou, H., Caballero, S. R., & Puppala, A. J. (2016). Interpretation of a Subsurface Soil Profile Using a Limited Data Set and Geostatistics. In Proceedings in Geo-Chicago 2016.
• Caballero, S. R., Acharya, R., Banerjee, A., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., & Patil, U. D. (2016). Sustainable Slope Stabilization Using Biopolymer-Reinforced Soil. In Proceedings in Geo-Chicago 2016.
• Zou, H., Cai, G., Liu, S., Bheemasetti, T. V., & Puppala, A. J. (2016). Geostatistical Modeling Resistivity of Cohesionless Soil Using RCPTU Data. In Proceedings in Geo-Chicago 2016.
• Acharya, R., Pedarla, A., Bheemasetti, T. V., Puppala, A. J., & Zhang, N. (2015). Shrinkage Induced Pressure Measurement to Address Desiccation Cracking in Expansive Soils. In IFCEE 2015.
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  High plasticity clays exhibit extensive volume change behavior when subjected to seasonal moisture fluctuations. Shrinkage induced pressure evolved during the drying process could result in moderate to severe damage to light infrastructures. Tensile strength and stress evolved during drying process will result in soil cracks when the later exceeds the former. A novel method is introduced in this research to effectively identify and study Shrinkage Induced Pressure (SIP) of expansive clays. In this study, highly expansive Colorado soil is subjected to drying in a temperature controlled environment. A data acquisition system capable of continuously recording shrinkage induced pressure is utilized. The rate of soil drying, initial soil moisture and sensor capacity are some of the variables addressed in this study. A comparison of SIP test results with Indirect Tensile Strength (IDT) results was conducted in order to validate the test results.
• Acharya, R., Bheemasetti, T. V., Ruttanaporamakul, P., Chittoori, B. C., & Puppala, A. J. (2014). Numerical Modeling of a Highway Embankment Using Geofoam Material as Partial Fill Replacement. In Proceedings in Geo-Congress 2014.
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  Geofoam material has been used as a partial replacement for conventional fill material in a highway embankment in Texas, USA, to mitigate bridge-approach slab settlements. The embankment under current focus was constructed more than a decade ago and has experienced nearly 405 mm (16 in.) of settlement since its construction. Several treatment methods were attempted in mitigating the settlement, which were proven to be ineffective. One of the primary causes of the settlement was attributed to embankment and its self-weight. To reduce the weight, part of the embankment fill was replaced with a lightweight EPS geofoam material. This site was extensively instrumented with horizontal inclinometers at different locations for monitoring the settlements after rehabilitation. Settlements occurring in the field have been monitored periodically. To understand the settlement patterns occurring in the field and also to identify the long-term performance of this section, numerical and analytical hyperbolic modeling were attempted. Both these models are used to predict the approximate long-term settlements. Prediction results indicate that the settlements predicted by the hyperbolic model are higher when compared with the same predicted by numerical model.