Recent Advances in Image-Based Geotechnics

Dear Colleagues,

The use of image-based techniques has transformed the way we understand geomaterials and their behaviour. Imaging tools have opened up the possibility to not only access the internal structure of soils and rocks, but also investigate their behaviour at different scales, thus, advancing beyond the more conventional boundary measurements obtained in laboratory tests. Early examples of image-based studies in geotechnics include the quantification of particle shapes of rock fragments by Wadell in 1932, the investigation of fabric evolution in sands using thin sections carried out by Oda in 1972, and the use of radiographs to track strain localisation on retaining walls by Roscoe in 1970. The development of imaging techniques and computer power has enabled unprecedented insights into how the initial microstructure and its deformation determine the mechanical and hydraulic behaviour of geomaterials. In particular, a real breakthrough has been achieved in the last 15 years with the use of x-ray computed tomography coupled with 3D image analysis. This has been pivotal to advance both discrete modelling and fabric-informed continuum modelling. A number of challenges still persist, especially related to resolving images at the particle scale of complex microstructures and fine soils. However, not all problems require this level of detail, and, defining the right scale of interest and then, too, the representative sample size are critical aspects that are gaining more relevance as the application areas grow.

This Special Issue is dedicated to recent advances in image-based geotechnics. This is a broad topic that includes a variety of imaging tools, geomaterials, as well as, applications. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a forum to publish original research papers covering the use of imaging for the investigation, characterisation and modelling of geomaterials. We invite contributions that develop a fundamental understanding or address engineering problems.

Dr. Joana Fonseca
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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