On behalf of the Editorial Board of Geotechnical Research (GeoRes), it is our pleasure to welcome you to Volume 11, Issue 3 of 2024. GeoRes stands as one of the pioneering gold Open Access (OA) journals dedicated to amplifying the impact of research papers andknowledge-based case studies across a broad spectrum of geotechni-cal concerns. Authors, much like in many other open-access journals,contribute a publication fee of £1,250. Nevertheless, we are commit-ted to fostering inclusivity by offering various discounts to disadvan-taged researchers, particularly those from countries within theInternational Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications(INASP). Such a discount scheme endeavours to alleviate the finan-cial burden associated with disseminating scientific findings fromdeveloping nations.
This GeoRes issue is an Infocus issue on Remote sensing and GIS applications in geotechnical engineering. It features two articles dedicated to 3D slope analysis utilising Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and land-management through the Global Positioning System–Personal Digital Assistant (GPS–PDA). Overall, this issue presents five key studies aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability in geotechnical and environmental practices.
In the first infocus article, Jian (2024) used unmanned aerial vehicle survey data to capture slope topography and create a high-precision 3D surface, followed by geological and mineral models using geographic information system (GIS) technology. In the surface modelling, the average absolute error of sample points was less than 0.5 meters, and the average relative error was under 2%. The model was then applied to identify the most dangerous sliding surfaces during rainfall conditions. The points with the lowest safety factors can be related to the most hazardous sliding surfaces.
Liu (2024) aimed to address the noise issue in land-management data collected using the Global Positioning System–Personal Digital Assistant (GPS–PDA). A dynamic acquisition method for detecting land resource changes based on differential GPS was proposed. The study demonstrated that this method effectively reduces noise in GPS–PDA data collection, offering improved accuracy. This approach provides valuable technical support for land-resource management departments in their planning and development efforts.
Rock joints filled with mud and gum exhibit low strength, and their instability mechanisms are complex. Su and Tu (2024) conducted splitting tests on weak-filling joints at different angles and analysed typical failure processes, splitting mechanical properties, and fracture morphologies. They found that joint angle significantly affected the failure patterns under both dynamic and static splitting loads. Joint angles notably reduced the bearing capacity of the sandstone mass, particularly in samples with lower joint angles. Under static loading, the peak displacements of samples with joint angles of 0° and 90° were approximately 7 and 13 times greater, respectively, than those under dynamic loading. They suggest monitoring rock masses with different joint angles under dynamic tensile loads to prevent sudden accidents.
Embankments are typically constructed over time, leading to a history of step loading. When built on compressible soft organic soil, their consolidation is often accelerated through preloading with vertical drains. These embankments exhibit complex primary and secondary consolidation behaviours, which can be challenging to predict. Cui et al. (2024) applied the original Barron consolidation theory to calculate variations in settlement, pore water pressure, and the degree of consolidation due to the incremental step loading of embankments stabilised with vertical drains (such as gravel compaction piles, sand compaction piles, and prefabricated vertical drains). Their comparisons show that the results from the proposed method align closely with actual field measurements.
Bhadiyadra et al. (2024) reviewed 857 articles from the Scopus database (2000–2024) on microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP), analysing publications, citations, authors, countries, journals, trending keywords, and research topics. The most cited papers focus on ureolytic microorganisms enhancing soil properties, the fundamentals of the MICP process, reducing concrete damage, improving soil and groundwater systems, and the effects of MICP on urea hydrolysis and ammonia production. The review emphasises the need to address environmental impacts, particularly ammonia production and energy consumption in ureolytic MICP. Life-cycle assessments show that while ureolytic MICP lowers carbon dioxide emissions, it often requires higher energy input, underscoring the importance of alternative nutrient sources and cost-effective practices for large-scale applications.
These five articles in this GeoRes issue provide engineers, researchers, and society with valuable insights into improving safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability across various fields. This infocus issue presents the advancements in noise reduction for land management data collection improve accuracy and decision making. These studies empower engineers to develop more reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions that positively impact society and the environment. Readers also benefit from a deeper understanding of rock joint instability, embankment behaviour, and innovative slope stability assessments, which can help prevent accidents and infrastructure failures. The research on microbially induced carbonate precipitation highlights environmentally friendly practices that can enhance construction and soil systems.
We thank the authors, reviewers and editorial board members for their contribution to GeoRes.
