Recent Developments in the Machine Learning Modeling of Geotechnical Data

A special issue of Geotechnics (ISSN 2673-7094).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 733

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Interests: machine learning modeling of geotechnical data; 3D geological model with AI-predicted point cloud data

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Machine learning-based approaches offer numerous advantages for field inspection, testing, data modeling, and prediction, enabling significant cost savings by utilizing historical datasets and seamlessly integrating machine learning into workflows. Recent advancements in machine learning, particularly deep learning, have empowered computational models to effectively represent complex datasets. Cutting-edge machine learning models, which were previously underutilized in geotechnical engineering and geoscience research, are now addressing critical challenges in design and construction, materials testing, data management, operational optimization, and field inspection.

In the geotechnical field, extensive engineering and construction datasets accumulated over time provide an excellent opportunity to apply machine learning models for the reliable prediction of engineering characteristics and other key features. These models can estimate geotechnical asset conditions and the characteristics of civil infrastructure, such as foundations and slopes, throughout their life cycle. Additionally, they can optimize scheduling, construction, and maintenance processes, enabling data-driven decision-making and improving overall efficiency.

Machine learning models are increasingly being applied to address challenges in geotechnical engineering. Previous studies have demonstrated that machine learning algorithms can serve as valuable tools for generating the essential information required in geotechnical and foundation design. The difficulty of obtaining borehole logs and subsurface soil profiles in areas with scarce or unavailable data can potentially be mitigated using artificial intelligence (AI) methods. By leveraging historical data, machine learning offers a promising opportunity to reduce the costs associated with geotechnical subsurface investigations while enhancing the prediction and understanding of subsurface conditions. This Special Issue focuses on exploring emerging methods for developing and applying machine learning models to geotechnical data.

Prof. Dr. Yunfeng Zhang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • machine learning
  • artificial intelligence
  • geotechnical data
  • subsurface investigation
  • soil properties
  • slope

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

29 pages, 8550 KiB  
Article
Rockfall Dynamics Prediction Using Data-Driven Approaches: A Lab-Scale Study
by Milad Ghahramanieisalou and Javad Sattarvand
Geotechnics 2025, 5(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics5010013 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Predicting rockfall dynamics is essential for effective risk management and mitigation in mining and civil engineering, where uncontrolled rockfalls can have serious safety implications. This study explores machine learning (ML) approaches to model rockfall behavior, using experimentally derived data to predict key parameters: [...] Read more.
Predicting rockfall dynamics is essential for effective risk management and mitigation in mining and civil engineering, where uncontrolled rockfalls can have serious safety implications. This study explores machine learning (ML) approaches to model rockfall behavior, using experimentally derived data to predict key parameters: translational and angular velocity, coefficient of restitution (COR), and runout distance. Rockfall behavior is complex, influenced by factors such as rock shape and release angle, which create irregular, nonlinear patterns that challenge traditional modeling techniques. Three ML models—K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), Perceptron, and Deep Neural Networks (DNNs)—were initially tested for predictive accuracy. This study found that the Perceptron model could not capture the nonlinear intricacies of rockfall dynamics, while DNNs, though theoretically capable of handling complexity, faced issues with overfitting and interpretability due to limited data. KNNs emerged as the most effective model, offering a balance of accuracy and interpretability by using instance-based predictions to reflect localized patterns in rockfall behavior. Each parameter was modeled individually, leveraging KNNs’ strength in handling the dataset’s unique characteristics without excessive computational requirements or extensive preprocessing. The results demonstrate that KNNs effectively predicts rockfall trajectories across diverse shapes and release angles, enhancing its practical application for safety and preventive strategies. This study contributes to the understanding of rockfall mechanics by providing an interpretable, adaptable model that meets the challenges posed by small, high-dimensional datasets and complex physical interactions. Full article
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