Editorial

On behalf of the Editorial Panel, welcome to Vol. 179, Issue 1 of the Ground Improvement Journal. This issue features five insightful research articles and two briefing papers, together with a published paper discussion and response. Aspects covered reflect the diversity and increasing sophistication of ground improvement. They include artificial intelligence (AI)-focused prediction of shear strength parameter enhancement for geosynthetic-reinforced sand; use of a decision tree framework for prediction of swelling behaviour of expansive soils; laboratory-focused studies investigating stabilisation of problematic soils, using a range of recycled additives (also stabilisation of coal mine overburden (OB) with microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP)), and assessment of the pull-out resistance of a glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) soil nail.It is also important to recognise the contribution that research and developments make to informing updates and revisions to guidance, codes, and best practice, covering various aspects of ground improvement (Essler and Serridge, 2025; Serridge, 2026).In the first of the two briefing papers, Sghaier et al. (2026) investigate the potential of GFRP bars characterised by corrosion resistance and favourable strength-to-weight ratio for soil nail application. Numerical analysis was undertaken to assess sand-GFRP nail interactions, with results validated against experimental data; comparative analyses with a ribbed steel nail are also captured. Numerical predictions are shown to be in good agreement with the experimental pull-out loads, with the parametric study showing that pull-out capacity is primarily governed by contact soil–nail area, overburden pressure, and soil friction angle. It is noted by the authors that while a GFRP nail exhibits a lower pull-out resistance than that of a steel nail, optimisation of design conditions can provide comparable performance. Further research is recommended on grouted applications, fine-grained (cohesive) soils, and installation techniques.In the second briefing paper, Serridge (2026) provides a review of recently published updated UK guidance (CL:AIRE, 2025) on the potential impact that intrusive ground improvement and piling techniques can have on pollution of the groundwater environment and migration of ground gas on land affected by contamination. It captures research and developments that have taken place over the last 25 years, supplemented by a literature review and industry consultation. The guidance is described as a good, well-structured document, with useful illustrations and photographs (including the ground improvement and piling techniques covered) supported by 15 case study examples.In the first of the five research articles, Kommanamanchi et al. (2026) investigate the integration of AI-based modelling with experimental testing to establish a reliable and time-efficient framework for predicting soil–geosynthetic interface behaviour. The soils investigated included both recycled and natural sand, reinforced with ten types of geosynthetics, utilising large-scale direct shear testing, to provide a comprehensive dataset from 66 tests conducted under varying normal stresses. A set of AI models was developed to predict peak shear strength and interface parameters. A deep neural network model demonstrated the best performance.Continuing on a similar theme, the second paper by Liyanage et al. (2026) combines constitutive modelling with machine learning to enhance the predictive capability of swell behaviour in expansive clay soil. A constitutive swell model was evaluated by one-dimensional swell tests, demonstrating its ability to accurately predict time-dependent swelling behaviour under varying surcharge pressures. A data-driven decision tree framework was created to relate key swelling parameters of the model to key soil index properties to improve predictive accuracy. It is recognised by the authors that additional high-quality swell data capturing a wider range of soil types and surcharge conditions will be required to extend applicability of the current model to a wider range of field conditions.In the third paper, Kamarudin et al. (2026) provide useful insight into the effectiveness of Mg-rich gypsum and concrete waste as recycled stabilisation additives in enhancing the strength and compressibility characteristics of organic (peat) soil. The soil was mixed with different percentages of the additives by weight, with the stabilised soil demonstrating significant enhancement in shear strength and reduced compressibility. The stabilised soil was found to develop a solid structure with cementitious material, enhancing bonding and soil strength. It is indicated that future research will focus on developing stress–strain curves and e-log p charts to further analyse the mechanical behaviour and long-term stability of treated peat soils.Continuing the stabilisation with additives theme, in the fourth paper, Gautam and Yadu (2026) evaluate the effectiveness of microbially induced MICP treatment for strengthening coal mine OB. Utilising cohesive soil samples collected from an opencast mine site, Bacillus pasteurii was added to the OB samples along with cementation solutions, with concentrations varying from 0.25 to 1.0 M. Unconfined compressive strength, California bearing ratio (CBR), and the resilient modulus (MR) were all shown to increase, with swelling pressure simultaneously reducing. Microstructural analysis confirmed denser particle packing and interlocking due to calcium carbonate crystallisation, which improved strength and stiffness. The greatest increase in CBR (from 2.85% to 8.49%) was recorded for OB cementation solution concentrations of 0.5 M, with the authors suggesting that the stabilisation approach could be sustainably used to treat OB waste soils for possible end-use as construction material in mine haul roads.In the fifth and final research article, Nazir et al. (2026) investigate the use of recycled waste asphalt (in proportions of 10%, 30%, and 50%) to stabilise a collapsible soil. Moisture content, liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index were observed to decrease, while maximum dry density, shear strength, cohesion, and CBR values all increased with an increasing asphalt dosage. This translated to a significant reduction in the collapse index of around 71% with a 50% dosage and was attributed to the asphalt coating the soil particles, in turn protecting the collapsible soil from the effects of water ingress. A 30% waste asphalt dosage was found to reduce collapse potential to a satisfactory level and, therefore, more cost-effective than a 50% dosage.Finally, Prakash (2026) provides a discussion contribution on the two computer-based radial consolidation methods described by Koslanant et al. (2025) in their published paper entitled ‘Observational techniques by curve fitting for predicting radial consolidation settlement’, with a response provided by Koslanant et al. (2026).I trust you will enjoy reading these interesting, informative, and thought-provoking papers. Written discussion contributions on any of the papers are encouraged to further enhance their research contribution. Details on how you can contribute can be found on the journal website Link to the cited article.The journal welcomes paper submissions on any aspect of Ground Improvement, from both researchers and practitioners. Serridge et al. (2024) provide useful guidance for potential authors (and reviewers) on the main types of paper submissions accepted by the journal, including expectations in terms of content and novelty.The journal also welcomes expressions of interest from both those working in academia and as practitioners to join the journal editorial panel. The journal will be happy to provide guidance on how to apply.Finally, I would like to extend my thanks to the authors, reviewers, editorial panel members, and Emerald Publishing staff, who have contributed to this issue of the Ground Improvement journal.