Geotechnical Innovation

This open access book includes the select, peer-reviewed proceedings of the 2nd International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC 2025) held in May 2025. This book is a compilation of research and case studies relevant to geotechnical engineering challenges in mega and giga projects across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. With rapid infrastructure development in the region, geotechnical engineering has become increasingly critical in ensuring the stability, efficiency, and sustainability of large-scale projects. This book covers deep foundations, soil stabilization, soil mechanics, geotechnical site characterization, and risk assessment, among other key topics. It highlights real-world case studies, offering insights into innovative solutions for high-profile projects in challenging environments such as coastal, desert, and urban terrains. The contributions in this book are curated by experts, researchers, and industry practitioners who have contributed to various engineering and development of complex geotechnical projects. The book aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry applications, providing valuable technical knowledge and best practices for infrastructure resilience, sustainability, and optimization.

Dr. Marwan Alzaylaie is a geotechnical engineer and Professor of Practice in Geotechnical Engineering, currently serving as Senior Manager – Geotechnical Engineering at the Dubai Development Authority (Government of Dubai), United Arab Emirates. His work involves regulatory review, technical assessment, and oversight of geotechnical design and construction activities associated with major urban and infrastructure developments. He holds a PhD in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering from Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt), Germany, and MSc and BSc degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Sharjah (UoS), UAE. His professional background includes public-sector engineering practice, geotechnical design review, and construction compliance. Dr. Alzaylaie holds academic appointments as Adjunct Professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Abu Dhabi University, and Professor of Practice at ZIGURAT Global Institute of Technology, Barcelona. He has also served as Visiting Professor at the University of Dubai, contributing to postgraduate teaching and research supervision in civil and geotechnical engineering. His research interests include foundation engineering, soil–structure interaction, weak rock behaviour, deep excavations and shoring systems, ground improvement, application of Eurocode 7, and the use of numerical modelling and digital tools in geotechnical engineering practice.

Dr. Saeed Alzahrani is an accomplished geotechnical engineer and academic with extensive experience in both research and teaching. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Ohio, USA. Currently, Dr. Alzahrani serves as an Assistant Professor in the Civil and Construction Engineering Department at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, where he also heads the Summer Training Program and the Senior Design Project Committee. In addition to his academic role, he works as a consultant for several local and global companies, providing expertise in geotechnical engineering and infrastructure projects.

Prof. Deepankar Choudhury is Prof. T. Kant Chair Professor (HAG) and former Head of Civil Engineering department at IIT Bombay, Mumbai, India. Always 1st class 1st and Gold Medalist in academics, Prof. Choudhury also worked as a faculty at IIT Kanpur, mentored new IITs at Gandhinagar and Dharwad on deputation from IIT Bombay. Also, he was mentor Head of newly started Civil Engg. dept. IIT Dharwad and was instrumental to start the department with double charge of Headships both at IIT Bombay and IIT Dharwad in parallel. He was a Visiting Fellow/Faculty at NUS Singapore, UoW Australia, UC Berkeley USA, Kagoshima Univ. Japan, TU Darmstadt Germany and Incheon National Univ. South Korea.

Dr. Robert Y. Liang, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, is a distinguished geotechnical engineer and Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Dayton, Ohio, USA. He has an extensive academic and professional background, with decades of contributions to geotechnical research, engineering mechanics, and infrastructure resilience.

Professor Jie Han, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE is the Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas. He is a globally recognized expert in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on geosynthetics, ground improvement, soil-structure interaction, and pavement engineering.