Implementation of Integrated Life Cycle Design Principles in Ground Improvement and Piling Methods—A Review

Abstract

This study aims to investigate researchers’ interest in the topic of integrated life cycle design in the context of geotechnical works (ground improvement and piling solutions). In the first part, the authors conducted a literature review to assess the popularity of sustainable development themes in research related to the aforementioned topics using the VOSviewer software. Several main categories were then identified, such as environmental aspects, noise, vibrations, economic aspects, process efficiency, and the most frequently addressed issues were highlighted for each category. The conclusions drawn from the review were used to conduct a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis to investigate the inter-relationships between the identified factors and their impact on the implementation of integrated design principles in the relevant technologies. Analysis carried out using the VOSviewer program revealed that publications on ground improvement and piling solutions mainly focus on two thematic areas: design and the broadly understood materials used in these methods. A more in-depth review confirms the scarcity of publications addressing the technology selection process from a multi-aspect perspective, particularly in terms of sustainable development criteria and the assessment/characterization of individual technologies. This highlights a significant research gap. This study notes the promising potential of new, green materials in sustainable geoengineering and the need for comprehensive tools to assess their sustainability. It also acknowledges the potential cost savings offered by sustainable technologies, while discussing the challenges in their adoption due to resistance to new technologies, the lack of consistent emissions data, and the absence of uniform standards. These factors contribute to difficulties in comparing and implementing sustainable solutions effectively.