Voxel Interpolation of Geotechnical Properties and Soil Classification Based on Empirical Bayesian Kriging and Best-Fit Convergence Function

Utepov Y. Aldungarova A. Mukhamejanova A. Awwad T. Karaulov S. Makasheva I.
July 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Buildings
2025 #15 Issue 14

To support bearing capacity estimates, this study develops and tests a geoprocessing workflow for predicting soil properties using Empirical Bayesian Kriging 3D and a classification function. The model covers a 183 m × 185 m × 24 m site in Astana (Kazakhstan), based on 16 boreholes (15–24 m deep) and 77 samples. Eight geotechnical properties were mapped in 3D voxel models (812,520 voxels at 1 m × 1 m × 1 m resolution): cohesion (c), friction angle (φ), deformation modulus (E), plasticity index (PI), liquidity index (LI), porosity (e), particle size (PS), and particle size distribution (PSD). Stratification patterns were revealed with ~35% variability. Maximum φ (34.9°), E (36.6 MPa), and PS (1.29 mm) occurred at 8–16 m; c (33.1 kPa) and PSD peaked below 16 m, while PI and e were elevated in the upper and lower strata. Strong correlations emerged in pairs φ-E-PS (0.91) and PI-e (0.95). Classification identified 10 soil types, including one absent in borehole data, indicating the workflow’s capacity to detect hidden lithologies. Predicted fractions of loams (51.99%), sandy loams (22.24%), and sands (25.77%) matched borehole data (52%, 26%, 22%). Adjacency analysis of 2,394,873 voxel pairs showed homogeneous zones in gravel–sandy soils (28%) and stiff loams (21.75%). The workflow accounts for lateral and vertical heterogeneity, reduces subjectivity, and is recommended for digital subsurface 3D mapping and construction design optimization.

geotechnical survey , interpolation , soil classification , soil properties , statistics

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Department of Civil Engineering, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
Solid Research Group, LLP, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
International Education Corporation, LLP, Almaty, 050043, Kazakhstan
Soils and Foundations Department, Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University, St. Petersburg, 190031, Russian Federation

Department of Civil Engineering
Solid Research Group
International Education Corporation
Soils and Foundations Department

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