Showing 83 results for kh
Mister Hamzeh Torkamanitombeki, The Doctor Mashalah Khamehchiyan, Mistress Maryam Nazari, Mister Shazdi Safari,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (Autumn 2023)
Abstract
The purpose of the research is to investigate the risk of liquefaction risk at the beaches of Bustano in the western part of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province. The periodic stress method was used as the method to evaluate the liquefaction potential based on the data obtained from Standard Penetration Test (SPT). The acceleration of 0.35 g was chosen as the maximum acceleration of the bedrock, and cross sections were extracted using Rockwork software. From an engineering geological point of view, the characteristics of the sedimentary deposits and the collected geotechnical information were analyzed to generate geotechnical index profiles. As the study area is located at the edge of the folded Zagros, seismically it has the characteristics of the Zagros-Makran transition zone which basically exerts the most pressure on the saturated sediments of the area. Due to the strong movement of the earth in generating liquefaction, the seismic bedrock acceleration (PGA) and the maximum horizontal acceleration at the ground surface (amax) were evaluated by liquefaction analysis using LiqIT v.4.70 software. The results indicate that the sandy and silty sediments of the study area are the outcome of the weather changing processes at the northern altitudes of the region. Granular sand and silt sediments were found under favorable conditions with high groundwater level, confirming the presence of liquefaction phenomenon in the area. Zoning maps of the intensity of liquefaction were extracted at the surface and at depth were obtained in different parts of the Bustano, indicating the different classes of risk of liquefaction in the soil of this area. In general, the occurrence of liquefaction with high intensity liquefaction was predicted for the Bustano area.
Khandani, Atapour, Yousefi Rad, Khosh,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (Autumn 2023)
Abstract
Backfill materials used to fill underground mines are a type of engineered material whose particle size distribution (PSD) directly affects their mechanical and physical properties. According to the authors' review, there is no comprehensive standard for the properties of aggregates used in underground mine backfill materials. In this paper, the particle size ranges and particle size distribution curves of various mine backfill materials, including hydraulic backfill, paste backfill and rock backfill, have been reviewed. The available data on different types of backfill materials were collected. Based on the collected data, the smallest particle size, the largest particle size and the PSD curve ranges for each type of backfill material were determined. Then the characteristics of the particle size distribution curve of each backfill material, including the mean particle diameter (D50), the uniformity coefficient (Cu) and the curvature coefficient (Cc), were calculated. The results of the analysis of the PSD curves for paste backfill, hydraulic backfill and rock backfill materials showed that the particles in rock backfill and paste backfill had the largest and smallest sizes, respectively. Finally, the particle size distribution characteristics of a new backfill material prepared from construction and demolition waste (CDW backfill) are presented and compared with the particle size distribution of each of the conventional backfill materials. The results indicate that the PSD curve of the CDW backfill lies at the upper limit of the range of the particle size distribution curve of hydraulic backfill and at the lower limit of the range of the particle size distribution curve of rock backfill.
Prof. Mohammad Nakhaei, Dr. Amin Mohebbi Tafreshi, Dr. Tofigh Saadi,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (Winter 2023)
Abstract
A sharp drop in groundwater level as a result of indiscriminate extraction over a long period of time leads to the drying up of groundwater flows, which is called the phenomenon of groundwater drought. In this regard, this research aims to investigate the process of change and reduction of groundwater level, which is characterised by the phenomenon of groundwater drought. Based on this, the Groundwater Resource Index (GRI) was used to evaluate the drought condition of groundwater and analyse its spatial and temporal patterns based on groundwater level data of 21 observation wells between 1993 and 2019. ArcGIS software was used to create zone maps. The results of the research show that certain areas of the study area have experienced moderate to severe drought since 2001. In addition, the GRI zonation maps show that the southern and south-eastern regions of the aquifer have been more sensitive to drought than other parts of the aquifer during the defined period. The spatio-temporal pattern of groundwater drought in the aquifer shows that after a period of moderate drought from 2001 to 2003, the condition of the aquifer improved slightly, and generally stable conditions were established from 2001 to 2010, but since 2011, the occurrence of drought has intensified and the aquifer has been in severe to very severe drought conditions. These conditions highlight the need for careful attention and implementation of management measures. One of the study's recommendations is to use satellite data on groundwater levels to assess the progress of the drought, and compare it with the findings of this study.
Dr Masoud Amelsakhi, Eng Elham Tehrani,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (Winter 2023)
Abstract
This research is a laboratory study to improve the geotechnical properties of sandy soils. Concrete waste with a grain size of 1.2 to 1 inch was used for this purpose. The effect of using concrete waste at 0, 10, 20 and 30 weight percent on dry sandy soil in two loose and dense states was investigated. Based on the results of the direct cutting test, the addition of concrete waste has increased the shear strength and the internal friction angle of the soil; The loose samples made with ٪30 of concrete waste had the greatest effect, so adding ٪30 of concrete waste to loose sand increased the internal friction angle of the soil by ٪32 and the shear strength by ٪42 Similarly, adding ٪10 of concrete waste to dense sand increased the internal angle of friction of the soil by ٪4 and the shear strength by ٪6.
Eng. Zahra Soleimani, Dr. Ebrahim Rahimi, Dr. Houshang Khairy,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (Spring 2024)
Abstract
This article deals with the strength evaluation of concrete obtained by adding different percentages of three types of nanominerals, including nanocalcite, nanobarite and nanofluorite. To measure the velocity of ultrasonic waves and compressive strength of concrete, 15×15×15 cm cube samples were prepared with 7-, 28- and 90-days curing. 10 types of mix designs with 0.39 water-cement ratio, including the control sample (without additives) and the samples with 0.5, 0.75 and 1% nanominerals were subjected to the mentioned tests. The results showed that the addition of nanocalcite, nanofluorite, and nanobarite with values of 0.75%, 1%, and 0.75%, respectively, have the highest compressive strength compared to the control sample. Although these do not have pozzolanic properties, they play a positive role in increasing the concrete strength by filling concrete voids and due to their high specific gravity, increasing concrete density.
Seyyed Mahmoud Fatemi Aghda, Seyyed Sara Mousavi Herati, Mehdi Talkhablo, Amir Maziar Raeis Ghasemi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (Summer 2024)
Abstract
The alkali-silica reaction of aggregates is one of the most significant factors in the destruction of concrete structures worldwide. This is due to chemical reactions between alkaline fluids in concrete voids and active silica minerals present in some aggregates. Considering that many physical, chemical and mechanical properties of concrete are related to aggregates, the role of aggregates in concrete is crucial. This research aims to investigate the compatibility of aggregate petrographic studies and accelerated prismatic mortar testing in predicting the reactivity of aggregates and determining the intensity of aggregate reactivity using the DRI index (a semi-quantitative complementary petrographic analysis). The study was carried out on laboratory samples of aggregates from mines around Tehran, using the ASTM C295, ASTM C1260 and ASTM C856-4 tests. The results showed that pyroclastic aggregates, which include sandy tuff, crystalline tuff (dacitic andesite) and glassy tuff, have the potential to cause an alkali-silica reaction due to their glassy background and microcrystalline silica. During the alkaline reaction tests of the aggregates, evidence of gel was found in cracks, holes and cement paste. In addition, the DRI index showed that the fine aggregates of both study areas were in the "slightly damaged" category and the coarse aggregates were in the "severely damaged" category.
Dr Masoud Amelsakhi,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (Autumn 2024)
Abstract
Tunnels behave differently under seismic conditions due to their geometric shape, geotechnical parameters and installation depth. Although tunnels are less damaged compared to surface structures, they are still damaged during earthquakes. Various experiences have proved this matter, so researchers are concerned to study the seismic behavior of tunnels. In this research, circular tunnels are discussed under static and pseudo-static loading. In addition to different pseudo static earthquake factors, internal soil friction angle, soil behavior models, sliding and non-sliding of tunnel wall are also studied. Three different soft, medium and stiff soil conditions are studied. Some results show that in all three soil conditions and two soil behavior models, Mohr-Coulomb and hardening soil, the horizontal displacements increase due to the increase of the pseudo static earthquake factor. It should be noted that softening of the soil increases the horizontal displacements.
Dr Sasan Motaghed, Dr Marzieh Shamsizadeh, Dr Nasrolla Eftekhari,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (Autumn 2024)
Abstract
In this study, we present the Seismic Hazard Possibility Space (SHPS) for the city of Ahvaz. To achieve this, we applied the intuitionistic fuzzy method to weigh the logic tree used in the hazard analysis and constructed the SHPS based on expert opinions regarding the degrees of membership and non-membership. Hazard disaggregation was performed by through the concept of intuitionistic fuzzy sets, leading to the development of an intuitionistic fuzzy of an Intuitionistic Fuzzy Logic Tree (IFLT). The SHPS includes both the degree of membership and non-membership for pathways contributing to hazard generation. The SHPS illustrates the acceptance, non-acceptance, and ambiguity associated with potential hazard values from an expert perspective, thus assisting analysts in selecting appropriate hazard values. According to the numerical results of our analysis in the Ahvaz region, the seismic hazard is located in an uncertainty (unacceptability) zone, indicating that experts have low confidence in the results of the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) for Ahvaz. In addition, the hazard is characterized by an "unconfident zone". This finding indicates that experts are fairly confident in the results of the analysis for Ahvaz. This finding implies that the models and parameters used in the PSHA for this region are not accepted by experts, and further efforts are needed to identify or develop appropriate models and accurate parameters specific to the area. In conclusion, this research demonstrates how intuitionistic fuzzy sets can be used to construct SHPS, providing a novel framework for quantifying uncertainty and expert opinion in hazard assessment.
Akbar Khodavirdizadeh, Hassan Moomivand,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Winter 2024)
Abstract
In this study, the stability of the Gougerd landslide of Khoy was investigated with respect to changes in the soil internal friction angle. Statistical analysis of the results of changes in the FS of different methods in analyzing the stability of the Gougerd landslide in 282 analyses showed that: 1) In static conditions, under the influence of groundwater conditions, the results of the stability analysis of various methods showed up to 35.2% changes in the FS, and the largest differences in the FS values were obtained in the conventional Fellenius, Spencer, and Morgenstern-Price methods. 2) In static conditions, the FS of various methods showed changes of up to 35% with respect to the effect of the internal friction angle, and the largest difference in the FS values compared to other methods was obtained in the conventional Fellenius method and the Spencer method. 3) In pseudo-static conditions and in the dry state, up to 5% changes in the FS were obtained in different analysis methods, and under the influence of groundwater conditions, the changes in the FS were up to 39.9%. The largest changes in the FS of the dry state were obtained in the simplified Janbu method, Spencer and Morgenstern-Price methods, and under the influence of groundwater, the largest changes in the FS were obtained in the conventional Fellenius method and Spencer method. In examining the results of this research, the effect of different conditions of groundwater level, soil internal friction angle, and earthquake force on the analytical mechanism of the relationships existing in various methods is recognized as the main cause of the difference in the results of different stability analysis methods.
Mr. Masoud Esmaeilzadeh, Mr. Ebrahim Keshavarz, Mr. Mohammad Golkhandandan,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Winter 2024)
Abstract
Estimating tunnel construction costs is one of the critical steps in project management. Several factors influence the total cost of a tunnel project, and the complexity and uncertainty in identifying these factors often lead to inaccurate cost estimates. Various analytical methods have been developed to estimate tunnel construction costs, but all have drawbacks. Utilizing real data from other projects can mitigate these shortcomings. In this research, we first discuss the growth of the tunneling industry and its impact on the development of economic infrastructure. We then review the historical research on tunnel cost estimation and the methodologies that have been developed in this area. The lack of a pricing schedule for tunnel construction in Iran, unlike in developed countries, results in inaccurate cost estimates for tunnel projects. This study examines both definite and probabilistic methods for estimating the cost of mechanized tunneling, based on the price schedule of "Dam Field 1403." We compare the cost of tunneling in Iran with other countries. The results indicate a 30% difference in the ratio of labor costs to the total project cost and a 92% difference in the cost per meter for mechanized tunnels in Iran compared to other countries. This discrepancy discourages private contractors from engaging in tunnel projects in Iran. Therefore, we propose the development of a comprehensive pricing schedule for tunneling to enhance the accuracy of cost estimation for tunnel projects in Iran.
Amir Khoshgoftar, Mahdi Khodaparast,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (English article specials 2024)
Abstract
Soil contamination by petroleum contaminants and their derivatives has harmful effects on the soil environment. The structure and geotechnical parameters of the soil will change as a result of the interaction between the contaminant and the soil. The double layer thickness of the clay will change, and the structure of the clay soil will become similar to that of the granular soil. In the present study the effect of contamination by burnt-oil waste from refineries on the compaction and resistance behavior of clayey sand soils was investigated. The geotechnical characteristics of soil types contaminated with different percentages of hydrocarbons from previous research were also reviewed and analyzed. The primary effects were decreases in the internal friction angle, California bearing ratio and permeability of the soil and increases in the cohesion and Atterberg limits of the soil. The shear strength of the contaminated soil did not show a definite or constant trend of change. When contaminated with acidic sludge, despite an increase in the cohesion of the soil, a decrease in the internal friction angle caused a decrease in the shear strength. When contaminated with dirt filter residue, the shear strength of the soil increased with the substantial increase in cohesion, despite a decrease in the internal friction angle.
Mohammad Reza Haddad Tehrani, Mehdi Talkhablou, Mohammad Reza Asef, Mehdi Ostad Hasan,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Summer 2025)
Abstract
Complex carbonate reservoirs, such as the Asmari Formation, present challenges to the accurate determination of geomechanical parameters and effective stresses due to high lithological and structural heterogeneity. The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive three-dimensional model of geomechanical parameters and effective stresses in the Kupal oil field. Well log, core, and seismic data were used, and three-dimensional modeling was performed using the Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGS) method based on variogram analysis. The prevailing stress regime was validated using FMI logs and wellbore breakout analysis. Additionally, a one-at-a-time sensitivity analysis was conducted on key parameters, including static Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, cohesion, internal friction angle, and pore pressure. Results indicate that the maximum vertical effective stress (σv) is 87 MPa and the maximum horizontal effective stress (σHmax) is 127 MPa. Analysis of wellbore imaging data confirms a normal faulting stress regime (σv>σHmax>σhmin) in the field. Stress concentration around minor faults was also identified. The model was validated against one-dimensional models achieving 88% agreement. The findings of this study can be applied to well design, gas injection, and reservoir stability assessment in the Kupal field.
Majid Taromi, Abbas Eftekhari, Jafar Khademi Hamidi, Mahdi Saeidi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (Autumn 2025)
Abstract
The Sabzkuh Water Conveyance System was planned as an inter-basin water transfer project in the Sabzkuh region of the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, a tributary of the Karun River. Initially, the project included a diversion dam, an open canal, and a tunnel. However, in the initial feasibility studies, the potential environmental risks to the Choghakhor lagoon, ecosystem and regional groundwater resources were not given sufficient consideration.Only due to land acquisition problems in the Chahartagh forest area, the tunnel route was changed and the channel was also removed. Consequently, the project was scaled down to comprise only a diversion dam and a 11-kilometre-long tunnel. This is while the geological and environmental risks of the project area were not fully investigated in the selection of the final route. After 484 meters of excavation, the Solaqan fault was encountered and a sudden inrush of water with a flow rate of 100 liters per second and the liquefaction of the excavation front caused the TBM to get stuck. Subsequently, the drainage of water caused the drying of the Aloqareh spring and the depletion of the Shirkoshteh spring, and negative environmental and social consequences for the region. To release the TBM, two side galleries were constructed and grouting and drainage were carried out. Ultimately, the tunnel excavation operation was stopped due to the problems that arose. The challenges that arose in this project indicate the need for a comprehensive study and planning in the selection of the route and TBM, as well as environmental, economic and social assessments at all stages and examining their interaction with each other.
Eng. Mohammad Hossein Jowlar, Dr. Mashalah Khamehchiyan, Dr. Mohammad Reza Nikudel, Dr. Asghar Azadi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (Autumn 2025)
Abstract
Over the past three decades, research into the factors influencing the development of gypsum karsts has become an active and growing area of study. The mechanically weak nature of gypsum, along with its rapid dissolution and deformability, contributes to the formation of gypsum karsts, voids, and caverns in regions where gypsum deposits are present. This process can significantly undermine geotechnical stability by reducing bearing capacity and increasing settlement. This issue is particularly critical in heavy industrial settings such as petrochemical facilities, where large storage tanks and other infrastructure are founded directly on the ground surface. Consequently, identifying and assessing these processes is essential for the design, construction, and maintenance of engineering projects. This study assesses subsurface gypsum karsts within the Masjed Soleyman Petrochemical site using an integrated geophysical and geotechnical approach. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was employed across 24 profiles totaling 2,307 meters, also geotechnical data were obtained from 113 boreholes drilled to depths of 20–40 meters. Following data analysis, 32 occurrences of subsurface gypsum karsts were identified at depths ranging from 4 to 36 meters. Subsequently, surface water drainage patterns were analyzed and digitized from historical Corona satellite imagery (1968). In parallel, groundwater levels and flow direction maps were generated using data from electric probe depth finder measurements in boreholes. The integration of these datasets revealed that most gypsum karsts are concentrated in areas where groundwater tends to accumulate and flow. Finally, groundwater sampling and chemical analysis revealed an average sulfate concentration of approximately 1,480 ppm, indicative of a severe sulfate exposure environment.
Reza Mohseni Afkham, Dr Mojtaba Bahaaddini, Dr Abbas Majdi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (Autumn 2025)
Abstract
Tensile strength is one of the most important mechanical properties of brittle materials and plays a decisive role in the stability of many civil and mining structures. The Brazilian test is the most common indirect method for determining tensile strength and is widely employed. In this test, it is generally assumed that a central tensile crack initiates and propagates along the loading axis. However, the actual fracture process in the Brazilian test remains a controversial issue, and using curved loading platens has been recommended to better concentrate tensile stresses at the center of specimen. This study investigated the influence of platen curvature on the estimated tensile strength and the fracture patterns. To this end, five types of platen with curvature ratios of 0, 0.50, 0.57, 0.67, and 0.80 were prepared. All tests were recorded using a high-speed camera to precisely capture the initiation and propagation of cracks. To minimize the effect of rock heterogeneity and obtain consistent results, synthetic specimens were used, and five samples were tested for each curvature ratio.The results indicated that increasing the platen curvature led to a higher estimated tensile strength. While the increase was negligible for curvature ratios up to 0.67, at the ratio of 0.80 the tensile strength was approximately 48% higher compared to 0.67. Analysis of fracture patterns revealed that at the curvature ratio of 0.80, the fracture mode shifted to an unstable and disturbed pattern, characterized by secondary shear cracks and the irregular propagation of the main crack.
Younes Mousavi, Mohammad Nakhaei, Gholamhossein Karami,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (Winter 2025)
Abstract
Planning the management and optimized consumption of groundwater resources is a critical infrastructural necessity, as these resources supply a significant portion of the country's drinking water. A key component of this planning is accurately calculating the water balance, which requires determining the aquifer's hydrodynamic parameters, including transmissivity (T) and hydraulic conductivity (K). This study calculated these parameters using step-drawdown pumping test data from a single-well system across various locations in the 411-square-kilometer Hashtgerd Plain aquifer (an unconfined aquifer) with AquiferWin32 software. The results indicate that transmissivity is distributed unevenly across the plain. The lowest transmissivity values were observed in the southern (Kourosh Town) and southwestern (Najmabad) sectors, while the highest values were associated with the Kordan alluvial fan and its downstream lands. Based on these findings, maximum transmissivity was estimated at 3,682 square meters per day, with an average of 440 square meters per day. Hydraulic conductivity was determined by integrating saturated thickness data from geoelectrical studies with the previously calculated transmissivity values. The final results showed that hydraulic conductivity ranges from a minimum of 0.2 meters per day in the southern regions to a maximum of 9.7 meters per day in the central aquifer.
Masoud Khahanipour, Hossein Sarbaz,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (Winter 2025)
Abstract
This study aims to numerically analyze the axial force, shear force, and horizontal displacement in Tunnel B on the Pataveh-Dehdasht axis. The tunnel is part of a national project that was inaugurated in the summer of 2023. The project's technical specifications include 2.2 million cubic meters of earthwork, 2,100 meters of retaining walls, 110,000 tons of subbase and base layers, and 95,000 tons of asphalt. This study investigated the effect of tunnel lining thickness on shear force, axial force, and horizontal and vertical displacement using PLAXIS finite element software in a two-dimensional framework. Plane strain theory was employed with 15-node elements for modeling. The Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model, one of the fundamental stages in numerical analysis and a common model for tunnel excavation simulations, was applied to model the soil behavior of the study site. The results indicate that increasing the lining thickness reduces vertical and horizontal displacement at all points while increasing axial and shear forces. Maximum deformation occurs at the tunnel invert and minimum deformation occurs at the right sidewall of the tunnel. Increasing the lining thickness from 20 cm to 35 cm leads to a reduction of approximately 100% in tunnel floor settlement and a significant decrease in horizontal displacement exceeding 90% at certain points. These results demonstrate the importance of selecting an appropriate lining thickness for controlling deformations, enhancing load-bearing capacity, and improving the tunnel's seismic safety.
Dr Seyed Mahmoud Fatemi Aghda, Dr Mehdi Talkhablou, Habibolah Heidari,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (English articles 2025)
Abstract
Reliable assessment methods are required for designing initial support for tunnels in complex geological conditions. This study provides a thorough comparison of the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Rock Engineering System (RES) frameworks, examining a substantial dataset comprising 38 tunnels situated in various lithological and tectonic zones across Iran. While the RMR framework offers empirical simplicity, the RES framework provides a systems-based approach that quantifies parameter interdependencies. Analysis of field data, including shotcrete thickness and bolt density, revealed that the RES framework captures hydro-mechanical coupling more effectively, particularly in intermediate rock masses. To reconcile discrepancies between the two systems, we explored an integrated statistical formulation combining normalized RMR ratings with RES stability indices. This approach demonstrated a significantly higher correlation with field performance (R² ≈ 0.99) than the individual methods. The results emphasise the importance of integrating empirical and systems-based approaches to improve the reliability of predictions in tunnel support design and provide a solid foundation for engineering decisions in heterogeneous rock masses.
Dr Ali Ghanbari, Dr Mohammad Nakhaee, Dr Saeed Kalani, Dr Hamidreza Azizi,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (Accepted Articles 2025)
Abstract
Land subsidence represents a multifaceted geotechnical hazard that exerts profound impacts on environmental stability, infrastructure resilience, and socio-economic security. This research presents a systematic field-based assessment of subsidence manifestations across the Hashtgerd, Eshtehard, and Karaj plains in Alborz Province, derived from extensive surveys conducted during the spring and summer of 2025. Diagnostic indicators—including extensional and compressional ground fissures, localized structural deformations, wellhead displacements, large-scale surface cracks, and variations in groundwater levels—were systematically documented. The Hashtgerd plain, particularly the Saeidabad, Sepehr, and Najmabad areas, exhibited the highest density of subsidence evidence, encompassing progressive surface settlements, widespread fissuring, and instability of near-surface strata. In the Eshtehard plain, structural cracking in school buildings, ground ruptures adjacent to transmission towers, and failures in retaining walls were frequently observed. Deep surface fissures were also identified in the Fathabad region, situated between Eshtehard and Buin Zahra. Conversely, despite significant groundwater withdrawal, field surveys in parts of the Karaj plain revealed no pronounced subsidence indicators. The findings highlight a strong spatial correlation between the severity of subsidence and geological heterogeneity, unregulated groundwater exploitation, and the absence of smart metering systems in wells. This study underscores the urgent need for integrated monitoring frameworks, adaptive management strategies, and the application of advanced remote sensing technologies to mitigate and control the expansion of land subsidence in Alborz Province.
Akramalsadad Ghadami, Houshang Khairy, Ebrahim Rahimi,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (Accepted Articles 2025)
Abstract
Land subsidence is a major geomorphological hazard in arid and semi-arid regions, primarily driven by excessive groundwater extraction. In such areas, declining water tables can cause irreversible compaction of fine-grained sediments, reduced aquifer storage capacity, and damage to critical infrastructure. This study aims to monitor subsidence rates in the Damghan aquifer and analyze their relationship with groundwater level decline using satellite imagery and ground-based data. The study area covers approximately 1,522 km² of the Damghan aquifer in Semnan Province, characterized by a layered and heterogeneous alluvial structure. Data sources include Sentinel-1A radar images (2017–2021), groundwater level records from 38 observation wells (2012–2019), and drilling logs from 13 production wells. Radar data were processed using SNAP software, and spatial-temporal analyses were conducted in ArcGIS and GMS environments. Results indicate that groundwater levels in central and southeastern parts of the aquifer have declined by over 7 meters, with an average annual drop of 0.46 meters. Radar interferometry maps revealed subsidence rates of up to 32 cm in these zones. Soil texture and saturated layer thickness analyses showed that areas with high clay and silt content are more sensitive to water level decline and subsidence. Zoning results indicate that 44% of the aquifer surface is affected, with the highest rates observed in zones with alluvial thickness exceeding 230 meters. Field evidence—including surface fissures, well damage, sinkholes, and structural failures—highlights the practical implications of this phenomenon. Findings underscore the urgent need for continuous groundwater monitoring and targeted management to mitigate infrastructure risks and ensure environmental sustainability.
