New Developments in Observational Method
DETAILS
CALL FOR PAPERS
New Developments in Observational Method
Journal: Geotechnical Engineering
Publisher: Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), UK
Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 March 2026
Full Paper Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026
Introduction
Looking back upon the Géotechnique Symposium on the Observational Method (OM) held at the 25th Anniversary of Peck's 1969 Rankine Lecture Paper, it is clear that most of the concerns discussed almost 30 years ago remain relevant today.
In The Way Forward, Powderham & Nicholson (1996) set up the following objectives for future work based on the symposium discussion:
Establish a clear definition of the method including objectives, procedures, and terms — with clear emphasis on safety
Increase awareness of the method's potential and benefits, particularly to clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies
Remove contractual constraints
Identify potential for wider use
Initiate focused research projects
Improve performance and interpretation of instrumentation systems
Establish an extensive database of case histories
By now, advanced OM practice in construction — incorporating innovative new technologies in Instrumentation & Monitoring, data management, automated complex finite element modelling, and machine learning supported back analysis — has significantly advanced some of the above objectives. However, some of these objectives remain less progressed.
CIRIA is initiating research Project P3295 to upgrade the Observational Method Guide in 2024 — aiming to provide straightforward guidance to improve wider application of the Observational Method in the Civil Engineering industry. This Special Issue serves as a timely platform to collect and share best practices of the Observational Method over the past 30 years and advance discussion on how the industry can move forward by removing remaining barriers.
List of Topic Areas
Manuscripts are invited on themes including, but not limited to:
Case histories of the Observational Method in Civil Engineering
Overview of developments in the Observational Method over the past two decades
Contractual and procurement issues in Observational Method implementation
Instrumentation and Monitoring advances in the Observational Method
Machine learning supported back analysis in geotechnical engineering
Construction risk control through the Observational Method
Observational Method in asset management and Structural Health Monitoring
Finite element modelling and automated data management in OM practice
Barriers to wider adoption of the Observational Method and pathways forward
Comparative international practice and case studies in Observational Method
Guest Editors
Dr. Jiang Su Chief Tunnel Engineer, AtkinsRéalis, UK 📧 Jiang.Su@atkinsrealis.com
Dr. Ying Chen Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Transport for London, UK 📧 YingChen@tfl.gov.uk
Key Deadlines
📝 Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 March 2026
⏰ Full Paper Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026
Submission Guidelines
⚠️ Important — This Special Issue follows a TWO-STEP submission process:
Step 1 — Abstract Submission Authors must first submit an abstract for review. If the abstract is successful, authors will be invited to submit a full paper.
📝 Submit your abstract by 31 March 2026 via the official abstract submission link on the journal's page.
Step 2 — Full Paper Submission Once invited, register with the ICE editorial system ReView and submit your full manuscript:
🌐 Submission Portal: https://ice-review.rivervalley.io/journal/jgeen
When submitting:
Choose article type: "Special Issue Paper"
Select "New Developments in Observational Method" from the drop-down menu
Mention the Special Issue title in the author questionnaire during the submission process
For author guidelines, visit the official Geotechnical Engineering journal page on the ICE website.
⚠️ Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication elsewhere while under review for this journal.
About the Journal
Geotechnical Engineering, published by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), UK, is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing research and practice in geotechnical engineering. It provides an international platform for engineers, researchers, and practitioners exploring soil and rock mechanics, foundation engineering, underground structures, and geotechnical infrastructure across diverse geological and environmental contexts.
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