Modern Ground Improvement Techniques: Innovations for Sustainable and Resilient Geotechnical Infrastructure

Ground improvement has remained a critical domain within geotechnical engineering, offering solutions to fundamental challenges such as low soil strength, excessive settlement, liquefaction potential, and slope instability. In recent decades, the increasing demands on infrastructure resilience driven by climate change, rapid urbanization, and heightened seismic risk have necessitated the advancement of innovative ground improvement techniques (GITs). These techniques are designed not only to enhance geotechnical performance but also to align with the broader objectives of sustainability, cost efficiency, and long-term reliability. Modern GITs have progressed significantly beyond conventional practices. Established approaches such as deep soil mixing, vacuum consolidation, energy-based densification, prefabricated vertical drains, and geosynthetic inclusions are now being complemented by emerging methods, including bio-mediated soil improvement, passive site remediation, soil desaturation, and induced partial saturation. Collectively, these strategies represent a paradigm shift from traditional ground modification toward approaches that are mechanistically informed, environmentally responsible, and adaptable to complex site conditions. Equally transformative is the integration of digital technologies into ground improvement practice. IoT-enabled sensing systems, machine learning based predictive modelling, and digital twin frameworks are increasingly being applied to enhance design optimization, construction quality control, and life-cycle performance monitoring. This convergence of geotechnical engineering with digital innovations ensures higher accuracy, faster adaptability, and improved decision-making capabilities across the full span of infrastructure projects. Within this evolving landscape, the relevance of modern ground improvement techniques extends far beyond conventional applications. Their role in addressing the challenges of seismic-prone regions, soft soil environments, and densely urbanized settings underscores their importance to both academia and industry. By advancing the mechanistic understanding, field performance evaluation, and digital integration of GITs, this proposal aims to position the discipline at the forefront of resilient and sustainable infrastructure development.The primary objective of this proposal is to highlight recent advances in ground improvement techniques with a focus on sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced performance in geotechnical engineering. Specific objectives include:1. To present state-of-the-art and eco-efficient techniques such as bio-mediated improvement, geopolymer grouting, and the utilization of recycled materials for critical infrastructure including dams, highways, ports, and high-rise foundations.2. To provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing the behavior of improved ground, enabling performance-driven design, particularly for projects in seismic-prone and soft soil regions.3. To emphasize the role of emerging digital tools such as IoT-based field monitoring, machine learning for predictive modeling, and digital twins for life-cycle performance assessment of ground improvement measures.4. To compile rigorous laboratory studies, field case histories, and validated numerical models that illustrate the application and effectiveness of modern ground improvement methods in complex geotechnical environments.5. To provide a forward-looking perspective on future developments in ground improvement by creating a platform that fosters knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, thereby accelerating the translation of innovative research into industry practice.Proposed Subtopics:1. Mechanisms and applications of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) and enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP).2. Advanced techniques for the mitigation of soil liquefaction hazards in cyclically loaded environments.3. Strategies for passive site remediation through induced partial saturation and soil desaturation techniques.4. Synergistic use of vacuum preloading and prefabricated vertical drain systems.5. Geosynthetics in ground reinforcement (reinforced soil walls, basal reinforcement, landfill liners).6. Innovations in jet grouting and deep mixing methodologies for soil modification.7. Applications of dynamic compaction, vibro-flotation, and explosive compaction for granular soil improvement.8. The role of nanomaterials and novel chemical additives in enhancing soil properties.9. The application of artificial ground freezing and other thermal methods for temporary ground support and stabilization.10. The integration of the internet of things (IoT) and distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) for performance verification.11. Leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence for the optimization of ground improvement design parameters.12. The convergence of AI, advanced sensor networks, and digital twin technology for construction monitoring.13. Documented case studies on ground improvement for embankments, dams, port facilities, tunnels, and offshore foundations. Topic editors: Yang Chen, Jianyong Han, Pengjiao Jia Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78255/modern-ground-improvement-techniques-innovations-for-sustainable-and-resilient-geotechnical-infrastructure