This volume of Environmental Geotechnics covers a wide range of themes, with authors from various countries. The high-quality papers in this volume cover a range of issues and challenges that geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineers constantly face in geotechnical engineering design, research and construction.
The first paper, by Khabbaz and Fatahi (2016), identifies key geoenvironmental issues in Australia. Key issues identified include mining, mineral processing, landfill sites, soil degradation, landslides, climate change as well as transport infrastructure in challenging soil conditions.
The second paper, by Kasozi et al. (2016), is on the use of geosynthetics for mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) walls in the USA. This paper focuses on the tensile strength degradation of geogrid reinforcement as well as other important design factors for scenarios when geogrids are used for MSE walls. An approach was developed using temperature data, applicable to the design of MSE walls with geogrid reinforcement.
The third paper, by Federico et al. (2016), presents results from experimental research into lime and cement stabilisation of dredged clays from a port in Italy. The focus of this paper was to determine the best reuse option for dredged spoils. A plasticity path chart was developed to interpret the data and analyse the treatment efficacy for the dredged spoils.
The fourth paper, by Razakamanantsoa et al. (2016), investigates the interaction of clay polymers with bottom liners. The polymers’ permeability was reported to reduce when in contact with synthetic leachate. Various polymer charges were found to have differing effects, and a performance index was furthermore developed.
The fifth paper, by Arairo et al. (2016), proposes a numerical modelling approach to understand the behaviour of unsaturated soils in soil slopes when subject to rainfall. A numerical modelling approach has been proposed to understand the sliding mechanism of unsaturated soils in slopes.
The last paper, by Chang and Sheen (2016), studies the effect of electro-osmosis on soil strength near anodes and cathodes.
Key current issues in environmental geotechnics include the effect of climate change, sustainability and disaster management. These key issues continue to play an important role in challenging geo-professionals to come up with innovative, practical and economical engineering design and construction techniques. Advanced geotechnical and geoenvironmental techniques, including advanced laboratory testing, in situ testing and numerical modelling methods, continue to develop at a rapid pace. This is furthermore evident by the quality and diversity of the papers in this volume. It pleases me to know that geo-professionals are constantly able to adapt and innovate with our rapidly changing planet. I am sure readers will find the papers to be of interest and representative of various challenges encountered in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. It has also been my joy to serve on the editorial board of this journal since its inception a few years ago. My best wishes to all for 2016.
