The fourth issue, No. 4

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Abdelmouhcene Chibani , Riheb Hadji , Hamed Younes

A combined field and automatic approach for lithological discrimination in semi-arid regions, the case of geological maps of bir later region and its vicinity, Nementcha mounts, Algeria

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2022.4.7

The Sahara’s Nememcha mountains chain suffers from a significant lack of large-scale geological information. In the Bir Later region with complex morpho-structural settings and arid climate conditions; geological maps have not been yet completed by competent authorities. However, this region harbours Algeria’s largest phosphate mine; with its reserves estimated at more than one billion tons of ore grading 20% phosphorus pentoxide. Geomatic-based techniques of Multi-source Remote Sensing data allow the classification and identification of the lithologic features. The adopted method quarries the spectral signal, the alteration processes, and the thickness of the rocky banks. For this task, we apply Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF), directional filters, and unsupervised classification (K-Means data) techniques to calibrate and correct Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2A multispectral images. A petrographic study with field and laboratory work was carried out in order to confirm the machine description of the different facies. The results showed that the proposed lithology classification scheme can achieve accurate classification of all lithologic types, in the Cenozoic, Mesozoic, and Holocene deposits of the study area. The lithological map obtained from the GIS-RS-Processing is highly correlated with our field survey. Therefore, multispectral image data (Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2A) coupled with an advanced image enhancement technique and field surveys are recommended as a rapid and cost-effective tool for lithologic discrimination and mapping. The experimental results fully demonstrated the advantages of the reliance on laboratory tests in the sensed lithology validation in an arid area.

Keywords: Nememcha mountains • PCA • MNF • directional filters • unsupervised classification

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Ali Ahmed Benyoucef , Larbi Gadri, Riheb Hadji , Faouzi Mebrouk, Elhaddi Harkati

Mining operations and geotechnical issues in deep hard rock mining – case of Boukhadra iron mine

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2022.4.27

Underground mining operations are a very problematic task, especially in poor geotechnical conditions. The right choice of excavation and support techniques leads to adequate and secure mining operations. This should ensure the overall stability of the underground mine with the best productivity and stability performance. In this paper, an empirical model for obtaining support systems for underground galleries was applied. Then, a numerical model for the evaluation of the performance of support measures for rock masses in the Boukhadra iron mine was introduced. Extensive field and laboratory tests were performed to obtain geological, geotechnical, and mechanical data on the entire geologic formations of the (1105 m) level. The performance of the design is supported by the selection of a common support plan between RMR, Q, and UBC systems for each geotechnical unit. Therefore, the rock masses classification based on the geo-mechanical model has determined the suitable support systems. The finite element model (FEM) was used for the analysis of rock mass behaviour, displacements, stress, and plastic point distribution. The results permit the optimization of the plastic zone thickness around the gallery. The outcomes of this study could improve the stability of the mine by choosing the right direction of excavation in consideration to the direction of the discontinuity planes. In order to choose between the current and the recommended mining operations, an equivalent calculation sequence was verified. Our study demonstrated that the consideration of discontinuity sets in the orientation of excavation highly improves the mining conditions with or without support.

Keywords: geo-mechanic • mining gallery • discontinuity • iron ore • underground mines

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Nabil Manchar , Riheb Hadji , Ahmed Bougherara, Kamel Boufaa 

Assessment of relative-active tectonics in rhumel-smendou basin (ne Algeria) – observations from the morphometric indices and hydrographic features obtained by the digital elevation model

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2022.4.47

The eastern Tell Atlas of Algeria is characterized by a complex neotectonic system including lateral strike-slips, and normal and reverse faults. The landscape of the Neogene basin of Mila-Constantine acquired its shape due to the perpetual action of tectonic activity, and erosion processes. Neo-tectonics in this basin have affected the geometry of the stream network and the contemporary landscape topography. Our methodology evaluates the active tectonics in this mountainous region by a combination of drainage network and geomorphic indices, namely, the basin-shape index (Bs), stream-length gradient (SL), hypsometric integral (HI), mountain front sinuosity (Smf), basin asymmetry factor (AF), and valley-floor ratio (Vf). The calculated values of the six measured geomorphic indices were used to differentiate the distribution of faults function as well as the relative tectonic activity in the study area. The obtained results from the GIS-based multi-criteria analysis of these indices consist of the index of active tectonics (IAT). Hence, we defined four hierarchic degrees of IAT, namely, very high (VH), high (H), moderate (M), and low (L). The relative active tectonics represents an obvious correlation between morpho-structural features, tectonic activities, and uplift rates. It selects the morphotectonic features and landforms that interpret the tectonic events in the study area. Our results prove that this approach discerns the most active regions related to the neo-tectonic action in the Rhumel-Smendou drainage basin. The combination of geomatics and field surveys highlights the cliffs which are still rising by using the drainage patterns, the landform model, and the mountain range shape.

Keywords: Bs • SL • Hi • Smf • AF • Vf • IAT

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Application of geomatic tools for the diachronic monitoring of landscape metrics in the northeastern algerian highlands, case of the city of Setif

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2022.4.67

Geomatic tools could be used efficiently for urban development planning. The problem of the study lies in the extensive land use of terrains that are now suitable for heavy construction which slows down the development of new facilities. Furthermore, the authorities are forced to plan future settlements around Setif, at a distance of 8 to 12 kilometers from the city limits, threatening the long-term viability of construction and the ring of farmland that connects them to the core city. This must be done during the planning stage based on a diachronic analysis of all the natural and physical factors/parameters. The main objective of this research is to explore the application of landscape metrics to the analysis and monitoring of urban growth in the city of Setif, north-east of Algeria. For this purpose, our research paper uses Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Angle Mapper Algorithm (SAM) target method for the analysis of urban land planning and sustainable urban planning of Setif. In the result of these analyses we propose suitability/buildability maps with more suitable construction sites. The research method is based on a 17-year time series dataset compiled from the Sentinel 2A and Landsat imagery between 2004 and 2021. Additionally, we used a cadastral Vs geotechnical overlay to estimate soil capacity. This work proves again that the integration of RS and GIS techniques allows for scientific identification of the lands suitable for urban development (LAUP).

Keywords: LAUP • GIS • RS • PCA • Sentinel 2A • Landsat

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Bogdan Jankowicz

The concept of smart city development in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic on the example of Kraków and Barcelona – cities combining tradition with modernity

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2022.4.81

The concept of a smart city is still being developed despite the lack of a single universally accepted definition. It is implemented through different approaches in different cities around the world. The presented study concerns the improvement of this idea and the possibility of applying the solutions from Barcelona to the city of Kraków. This paper is based on the author’s experience and observations during a trip to Catalonia and its capital – Barcelona – as well as a study of literature on the smart city. The author takes into account the specific topographical and environmental conditions of each city and the human-environment interactions that have shaped both cities over the centuries. The paper continues to focus on the challenges to smart cities following the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has demonstrated the need to modify ICT (Information and Telecommunications Technologies) applications related to the functioning of the city. Preliminary conclusions drawn from the pandemic also indicate that further development of smart cities should be based not only on ICT applications in public services and public spaces, but also on guaranteeing individual spaces for citizens to live in long-term isolation. In addition, attention was drawn to the need to improve both direct and electronic communication, especially by telephone with the authorities of Kraków, to enable “co-governance” in areas where the voice of the city’s residents can be very valuable.

Keywords: ICT • urban development • urban environment • smart city • COVID-19 pandemic

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Yacine Berrah , Aymen Chegrouche, Serhane Brahmi, Abderrahmane Boumezbeur

Land clayey deposits compressibility investigation using principal component analysis and multiple regression tools

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2022.4.95

The settlement and compressibility magnitude of the major clayey and marly sediments in Tebessa area (N-E of Algeria) depends on several geotechnical parameters such as compression Cc and recompression Cs indices. The aim of this study was to investigate the parameters related to soil compressibility through tools of statistical analysis, which save time in comparison to multiply repeated laboratory tests. The study also adopted the principal component analysis (PCA) method to eliminate a number of uncorrelated variables that have no influence on the compressibility magnitude, or their impact is insignificant. The highest mean correlation coefficients were obtained for different contributing parameters. Multiple regression analysis has been performed to obtain the best fit model of the output Cc parameter taking into account the best correlation by adding parameters as regressors to reach the highest coefficient of regression R2. The final obtained model of the present case study gives the best fit model with R2 of 0.92 which is a better value compared to different published models in the literature (R2 of 0.7 as maximum). The chosen input parameters using PCA combined with multiple regression analysis allow identifying the most important input parameters that noticeably affect the soil compression index, and provide with the best model for estimating the Cc index.

Keywords: compressibility index • geotechnical parameters • principal component analysis PCA • multiple regression models

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Reviewers 2022