The use of computers is firmly established in geotechnical engineering and continues to grow rapidly in both engineering practice and academe. The development of advanced numerical techniques and constitutive modeling, in conjunction with rapid developments in computer hardware, enables problems to be tackled that were unthinkable even a few years ago. Computers and Geotechnics provides an up-to-date reference for engineers and researchers engaged in computer aided analysis and research in geotechnical engineering. The journal is intended for an expeditious dissemination of advanced computer applications across a broad range of geotechnical topics. Contributions on advances in numerical algorithms, computer implementation of new constitutive models and probabilistic methods are especially encouraged. The application of newly proposed numerical methods and techniques to complex geotechnical engineering problems or to well-documented case studies are of interest. However, submissions that predominantly report results from proprietary codes, describe computer modelling of laboratory tests, field monitoring, or case histories, or develop new design approaches are only welcome if they demonstrate novel user-implemented computational methods. Mining, petroleum, or transportation engineering topics are usually discouraged as they align more closely with other journals. Since the journal is willing to accept longer papers if justified, authors are asked to avoid two-part submissions.

Original contributions in the emerging areas of Machine Learning and Data Science are now welcome. Submissions should have a focus on geotechnical engineering problems and should provide either i) advances in foundational algorithms and computational frameworks or ii) innovative applications of physics-informed AI/ML techniques. Research results are sought that leverage the integration of observational data, fundamental physical laws and our domain knowledge in geomechanics and geotechnical engineering to offer new physical insights, uncover hidden intrinsic physical laws, and create new knowledge for both geotechnical researchers and practitioners.

Special Issue on Multiscale Modeling for Unsaturated Soils, from Surface Physiochemistry to Macroscopic Models – A Special Issue for the 8th Asia-Pacific Conference on Unsaturated Soils
Submission Date: 2025-03-14

This special issue will include selected papers from the 8th Asia-Pacific Conference on Unsaturated Soils, highlighting recent developments on multiscale modelling for unsaturated soils - from surface physiochemistry to macroscopic models. One of the most challenging issues in unsaturated soil research is that it involves nine or more orders of magnitude in length scales from nanometres (such as clay platelets) to metres (like soil embankments). The knowledge and methodology for different scales are very different. This special issue will encompass recent advances in multi-physical and multi-scale modelling of unsaturated soil under various thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) conditions, utilizing various numerical methods such as molecular dynamics, discrete element method, computational fluid dynamics, material point method, smoothed-particle hydrodynamics, phase-field method, finite element method (including constitutive modelling). Related field applications are also considered in the publication.

Guest editors:

Prof. Annan Zhou
Affiliation: Royal Melbourne Institution of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
(unsaturated soils; constitutive modeling; multiscale; THMC coupling)

Prof. Jayantha Kodikara
Affiliation: Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
(unsaturated soils; constitutive modeling; pavement; soil desiccation)

Prof. John McCartney
Affiliation: University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
(unsaturated soils; constitutive modelling; THMC behavior; geosynthetic engineering; energy geotechnics)

Manuscript submission information:

    Registration ID of the 8th Asia-Pacific Conference on Unsaturated Soils should be mentioned in the Cover Letter when submitting to this special issue
    Open for Submission: from 15-Mar-2024 to 14-Mar-2025
    Submission Site: Editorial Manager®
    Article Type Name: "VSI: AP-UNSAT 2024" - please select this item when you submit manuscripts online

All manuscripts will be peer-reviewed. Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, significance, technical quality, and clarity. Once accepted, articles will be posted online immediately and published in a journal regular issue within weeks. Articles will also be simultaneously collected in the online special issue.

For any inquiries about the appropriateness of contribution topics, welcome to contact Leading Guest Editor (Prof. Annan Zhou).

Guide for Authors will be helpful for your future contributions, read more: Guide for authors - Computers and Geotechnics - ISSN 0266-352X (elsevier.com)

For more information about our Journal, please visit our ScienceDirect Page: Computers and Geotechnics | Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier

Keywords:

    unsaturated Soils; 
    multiscale modelling; 
    multi-physics;
    THMC coupling; 
    numerical methods

Special Issue on Multiscale Modeling of Geomechanics
Submission Date: 2025-06-30

The proposed special issue aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on the latest research trends and significant advancements within the field of geomechanics, with a particular focus on multiscale modeling across various scales from nano, micro to macro. The issue will include selected high-quality research papers presented at the International Symposium on Innovations in Geotechnical Engineering towards Sustainability (IGES2023) held in Hong Kong and invited papers from outstanding scholars in this field.

This unique compilation of studies intends to systematically present the latest advancement of computational approaches in geomechanics, highlighting how innovative multiscale modeling approaches can enable more efficient and effective physics-based solutions in geotechnical engineering.

The primary goal of this special issue is to showcase state-of-the-art research and advancements in multiscale approaches. We aim to highlight the merit and potential challenges of numerical approaches across different scales – from the nano-level based on molecular dynamics, or the micro-level detailing of particle interactions to the macro-level understanding of large-scale geological structures. Key topics will include:

    Recent advancements in multiscale approaches (concurrent or hierarchical), in geomechanics;
    Development of computational homogenization or coarse graining theory;
    Exploration of nano-to-micro and micro-to-macro relationships in geomechanics and their implications in practical applications;
    Real-world applications of multiscale modeling in geotechnical projects.

Guest editors:

Dr. Weijian Liang
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Dr. Zhen-Yu Yin
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Em. Professor Pierre-Yves Hicher
Centrale Nantes, Nantes, France

Manuscript submission information:

    Guest Editor Invitation Only
    Open for Submission: from 01-July-2024 to 30-Jun-2025
    Submission Site: Editorial Manager®
    Article Type Name: "VSI: Multiscale Modeling" - please select this item when you submit manuscripts online

All manuscripts will be peer-reviewed. Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, significance, technical quality, and clarity. Once accepted, articles will be posted online immediately and published in a journal regular issue within weeks. Articles will also be simultaneously collected in the online special issue.

For any inquiries about the appropriateness of contribution topics, welcome to contact Leading Guest Editor (Dr. Weijian Liang).

Guide for Authors will be helpful for your future contributions, read more: Guide for authors - Computers and Geotechnics - ISSN 0266-352X (elsevier.com)

For more information about our Journal, please visit our ScienceDirect Page: Computers and Geotechnics | Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier

Keywords:

    multiscale modeling; 
    computational geomechanics; 
    particle method; 
    mesh-based method

Special Issue on Risk, Reliability, and Safety in Offshore Geotechnics
Submission Date: 2025-06-30

Risk in Offshore Geotechnical engineering refers to potential uncertainties and challenges associated with engineering activities in the seabed or subsea areas, such as seabed instabilities, submarine landslides, or foundation failures, et al. This special issue is meant to address these challenges, as a part of the 9th International Symposium for Geotechnical Safety and Risk (ISGSR 2025) to feature the latest research developments and innovations with a focus on the assessment, mitigation, and management of geotechnical risks in offshore engineering through advanced theory, technology, and methodology, and adherence to industry best practices and safety standards.

Guest editors:

Dr. Haoyuan Liu
Affiliation: Beihang University, Beijing, China
(Offshore foundation, Constitutive modelling, Finite element)

Prof. Jinhui Li
Affiliation: Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
(Offshore geotechnics, Geotechnical risk management, Smart geotechnics)

Dr. Wenjun Lu
Affiliation: Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
(Offshore geotechnics, Soil-structure interaction, Risk assessment)

Dr. Suzanne Lacasse
Affiliation: Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo, Norway
(Offshore geotechnics, risk assessment and management, pile design, soil stability)

Manuscript submission information:

    Open for Submission: from 01-Dec-2024 to 30-Jun-2025
    Submission Site: Editorial Manager®
    Article Type Name: "VSI: ISGSR2025-offshore" - please select this item when you submit manuscripts online

All manuscripts will be peer-reviewed. Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, significance, technical quality, and clarity. Once accepted, articles will be posted online immediately and published in a journal regular issue within weeks. Articles will also be simultaneously collected in the online special issue.

For any inquiries about the appropriateness of contribution topics, welcome to contact Leading Guest Editor (Dr. Haoyuan Liu).

Guide for Authors will be helpful for your future contributions, read more: Guide for authors - Computers and Geotechnics - ISSN 0266-352X (elsevier.com)

For more information about our Journal, please visit our ScienceDirect Page: Computers and Geotechnics | Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier

Keywords:

    Risk assessment
    Reliability analysis
    Bayesian method
    Uncertainty
    Geotechnical engineering
    Offshore engineering
    Numerical modelling
    Load and resistance