Investigating Water-Induced Phenomena in Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering is critically influenced by the presence and behavior of water in geological materials. Water significantly alters the mechanical, thermal, and hydraulic characteristics of soils and rocks, subsequently affecting both the design and long-term stability of infrastructure. A central challenge in the field is understanding water-driven changes, such as phase transitions and their consequences for material integrity. Examples include the impact of water-ice transitions that induce thermal stress, alter porosity, and modulate permeability, thereby influencing groundwater movement and geotechnical stability. Recent studies have underscored the importance of these processes, particularly the effects of freeze-thaw cycling in cold and high-altitude environments, revealing key relationships between moisture state and phenomena like soil compaction, swelling, shrinking, heave, and settlement.


This Research Topic aims to expand the current understanding of how water influences the behavior and performance of geological materials and geotechnical systems to support the optimization of geotechnical engineering practices. Both theoretical and experimental studies are welcome, as well as comprehensive reviews and survey papers.



We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Effects of water on the physical and mechanical properties of soils and rocks

• Impact of water on the stability and durability of geotechnical structures

• Freeze-thaw processes and frozen ground behavior in polar and high-altitude regions

• Multi-field coupling effects involving water in geo-materials

• Influence of water in feasibility and performance assessments of geothermal energy systems

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: geotechnical engineering, geo-materials, water-soil interaction, water-rock interaction, freeze–thaw cycles, cold regions, geotechnical systems, geotechnical structures, geothermal energy systems

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.