In the design stage of construction projects, determining the soil permeability coefficient is one of the most important steps in assessing groundwater, infiltration, runoff, and drainage. In this study, various kernel-function-based Gaussian process regression models were developed to estimate the soil permeability coefficient, based on six input parameters such as liquid limit, plastic limit, clay content, void ratio, natural water content, and specific density. In this study, a total of 84 soil samples data reported in the literature from the detailed design-stage investigations of the Da Nang–Quang Ngai national road project in Vietnam were used for developing and validating the models. The models’ performance was evaluated and compared using statistical error indicators such as root mean square error and mean absolute error, as well as the determination coefficient and correlation coefficient. The analysis of performance measures demonstrates that the Gaussian process regression model based on Pearson universal kernel achieved comparatively better and reliable results and, thus, should be encouraged in further research.

Shear modulus (SM) and damping ratio (DR) are significant in seismic design and the performance of geotechnical systems. The evaluation of soil reactions to dynamic loads, such as earthquakes, blasts, train, and traffic vibrations, necessitates the estimation of dynamic SM and DR. The aim of this research is to determine the cyclic parameters of unsaturated soils in and around Peshawar, and how these properties depend upon the varied confining pressures and shear strains. Undisturbed samples were collected using Shelby tubes from five boreholes at different locations along Jamrud Road, Peshawar. The index properties (grain size distribution, plasticity index, and specific gravity) and dynamic properties of these samples were determined. Three samples of 100 mm in height and 50 mm in diameter were obtained from each Shelby tube. After preparing and mounting the sample in the triaxial cell, the sample is first saturated by increasing the cell and back pressures in increments of 50 kPa until the value of Skempton’s pore pressure parameter (B) reaches ≥ 0.96. Samples were consolidated at confining pressures of 150, 200, and 300 kPa, then subjected to cyclic shear strains of 0.2, 1, 2, 2.5, and 5%. Shear stress–strain hysteresis loops were plotted, and the values of SM and DR were calculated for each cycle. Generally, at shear strains of 0.2 and 1%, the slope of the loops is steep, and gradually becomes gentler at higher strains of 2, 2.5, and 5%. It is found that, with an increasing number of cycles, the SM and DR decrease. The SM decreases with increasing shear strain, whereas the DR increases at shear strains of 0.2–1%, then decreases for strains of 2, 2.5, and 5%. The confining pressure has more influence at a shear strain of 0.2–1%, while little effect has been observed at a shear strain of 2.2–5%. The values of SM are higher at higher confining pressures at a given shear strain. The results show higher stress values during the initial cycles because of the greater effective stress that developed in response to shear strain while, with an increase in the number of cycles, the pore water pressure gradually increases, thereby reducing the effective stress and weakening the bonds between soil particles. In dynamics, when the confining pressure increases, particles are closer to contact, so the travel paths of waves increase. The energy loss will increase, so DR will decrease.

Ground motion prediction equations are a key element of seismic hazard assessments. Pakistan lacks a robust ground motion prediction equation specifically developed using a Pakistan seismic ground motion databank. In this study, performance assessment of the ground motion prediction equations for usage in seismic hazard and risk studies in Pakistan, a seismically highly active region, is performed. In this study, an evaluation of the global ground motion prediction equations developed for the shallow active regions is carried out based on a databank of strong ground motion that was compiled in this study. Thirteen ground motion prediction equations were considered applicable, and their goodness of fit was evaluated using the databank of 147 peak ground acceleration of 27 shallow earthquakes in Pakistan. Residual analysis and three goodness of fit procedures were implemented in the evaluation of the equations. The results of this study suggest that global ground motion prediction equations can be applicable in the shallow active regions of Pakistan. These equations were developed based on data from Europe and the Middle East. Next Generation Attenuation West-2 equations were also applicable, but they did not perform as well as the European and Middle Eastern databank-derived equations. A total of four global equations were applicable in Pakistan. The best performing equation in this study should be applied with the highest weight, and the others should be applied with small weights on the logic tree to perform better. These equations can be employed in seismic hazard and risk assessment studies for disaster risk mitigation measures.

A microzonation study deals with the classification of hazards in a town or city in terms of surface ground motions that result from amplification and resonance frequency in soils against seismic tremors. This paper presents the result of a microzonation study in terms of resonance frequency and peak amplitude for Lahore city, Pakistan. In order to recognize the local soil effects of the covered geology at 159 sites in Lahore city, the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) Nakamura method was implemented. A fuzzy C-mean (FCM) clustering algorithm was adopted to obtain the best cluster solution of the analyzed HVSR parameters. The results of the Silhouette Index suggest that the FCM clustering solution of observation data points is more consistent. The results of clustering reveal three solutions. Clusters 1 and 2 reveal that a major part of the research area possesses low to moderate frequencies (0.66–1.03 Hz) with a peak amplitude of 2.25–4.38 mm, indicating the presence of soft to hard rock and thick alluvial sedimentary cover. Cluster 3 reveals the presence of soft to compact rocks (with frequencies and amplitudes of 0.73–1.03 Hz and 3.02–4.11 mm, respectively) overlaying the bedrock. Lahore city has 60% of soil cover with an amplitude of 2–3 mm (for the central part) and about 40% of 3–4 mm in the northern, southern, and southwest portions. According to the NEHRP soil classification code of 1997, a major part of the city has stiff nature of the soil, while a few places reveal the presence of very dense soil. The maps produced in this study will provide expected ground motion-related useful information to reduce the seismic risk for infrastructure in Lahore city.

An integrated geophysical and geochemical investigation was conducted to investigate the metallic minerals hosted in the mafic and ultramafic rocks in the Bela Ophiolitic Complex. Two thousand magnetic observations were made along with six vertical electrical soundings, with Induced Polarization (IP) targeting the anomalous magnetic zones. The magnetic raw field data were interpreted qualitatively and quantitatively, and two anomalous zones (A1 and A2) were identified on the magnetic maps. The residual magnetic values in the high-magnetic-anomalous zone (A2) ranged from 310 nT to 550 nT, while the magnetic signatures in the low-magnetic zone (A1) ranged from –190 nT to 50 nT. The high-anomalous zone (A2) was distinguished by a high IP value ranging from 3.5 mV/V to 15.1 mV/V and a low apparent and true resistivity signature of 50 ohm·m. Whereas, the low-anomalous zone (A1) was distinguished by very low IP values ranging from 0.78 mV/V to 4.1 mV/V and a very high apparent and true resistivity of 100 ohm·m. The Euler deconvolution was used to determine the depth of the promising zone, which for A1 and A2 was in the 100 m range. The statistical analysis was carried out using hierarchical classification to distinguish between background and anomalous data. The high-magnetic anomalous signature of probable mineralization was in the range of 46,181 nT–46,628 nT, with a total intensity range of 783 nT–1166 nT. The major and trace-element analysis of the 22 rock and stream sediments collected from the high-magnetic-anomalous zone confirmed the mineralization type. The geomagnetic and geophysical cross sections revealed that anomalous mineralization was concentrated with the anticlinal Bela Ophiolitic Complex. The generated results also aided in the identification of rock boundaries, depth, and hidden faults in the area. The findings revealed that the study area has excellent mineralization associated with the ultramafic-rock sequence.

Water ingress is a common and costly problem in tunnel construction, and understanding the hydrogeological characteristics of a site is crucial for mitigating its effects. This study presents a detailed analysis of the water ingress problems experienced during the construction and operation stages of the Lowari Tunnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and evaluates the suitability of the water for various purposes. The study found that the water quality varied significantly, depending on the geological conditions and water quantity, with the south portal of the tunnel dominated by Mg cations and bicarbonate anions. The water was found to be suitable for tunnel support systems, including concrete and steel installations, with negligible corrosion observed over the study period. However, the water coming out of the tunnel at the south portal was found to be unsuitable for drinking due to its low pH value. The Wilcox plot classified the water samples as excellent for irrigation, which could benefit local agriculture in the area. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights into the hydrogeological characteristics of the Lowari Tunnel, contributing to the design and construction of similar infrastructure projects in the region. Furthermore, these insights can help improve access to safe and reliable water sources for local communities.