Special Issue:Soft Rock Mechanics and Engineering

Published 24 June, 2025

Soft rock, with its intricate mechanical behavior, poses challenges in rock engineering, particularly in deep coal mining, water conservancy, and transportation projects. As engineering extends into deeper territories, the coupled effects of high geo-stress, elevated geothermal conditions, active fault, and groundwater richness further complicate the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of soft rocks. These issues increase safety risks and construction costs. Hence, a better understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of soft rock, their classification in complex geological environments, and the development of innovative design approaches are crucial.

This special issue aims to serve as a scientific communication platform for researchers worldwide to explore the core issues of soft rock mechanics and engineering. We invite original research articles and reviews that deepen our understanding of the complex phenomena in soft rock mechanics and engineering, and contribute to the safe, efficient, and sustainable development of soft rock engineering.

Submission deadline: September 30, 2025

Please read the Guide for Authors before submitting. All articles should be submitted online. All submissions will undergo a regular peer-review process.

Guest Editors:

Xiaoming Sun

China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), China;

ISRM Commission on Soft Rocks

sunxiaoming@cumtb.edu.cn

Luis Sousa

University of Porto, Portugal

ISRM Commission on Soft Rocks

sousa-scu@hotmail.com

Leandro Alejano

University of Vigo, Spain

alejano@uvigo.gal

Giovanni Grasselli

University of Toronto, Canada

ISRM Commission on Soft Rocks

giovanni.grasselli@utoronto.ca

Mostafa Sharifzadeh

Curtin University, Australia;

ISRM Commission on Soft Rocks

m.sharifzadeh@curtin.edu.au

Pingye Guo

China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), China;

ISRM Commission on Soft Rocks

guopingye@cumtb.edu.cn

 

Back to Call for papers

Stay Informed

Register your interest and receive email alerts tailored to your needs. Sign up below.