Artificial intelligence transformations in geotechnics: progress, challenges and future enablers
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Our reliance on the underground space to deliver critical civil engineering infrastructure is growing: to accommodate utility and transport infrastructure in urban environments, to provide innovative housing and commercial solutions, and to support proliferating renewable energy infrastructure, particularly offshore. Artificial intelligence (AI) is arguably the most promising enabler to transform geotechnical engineering by extracting knowledge from data to achieve step-change increases in efficiency, sustainability, reliability and safety. This paper seeks to develop a shared understanding of the state of the art of AI in geotechnics and to explore future developments. By way of example, specific popular use cases in geotechnics are considered to highlight current progress in AI applications including intelligent site investigation, predictive modelling for soil behaviour, and optimisation of design and construction processes. The paper then addresses key research challenges, such as data scarcity and interpretability, and discusses the opportunities that lie ahead in the integration of AI with geotechnical engineering. Finally, priority technological enablers are identified for future transformations.
Date Issued
2026-01-01
Date Acceptance
2025-08-26
Citation
Computers and Geotechnics, 2026, 189
ISSN
0266-352X
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Computers and Geotechnics
Volume
189
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
10.1016/j.compgeo.2025.107604
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
107604
Date Publish Online
2025-09-08