Key developments in physical and numerical modelling

Key developments in physical and numerical modelling

This theme highlights the latest developments in experimental geoscience and geotechnical engineering modelling. It covers innovations in scaled physical modelling and advanced numerical simulations that capture complex ground behaviour for efficient cable and foundation design. Papers are invited that show how these approaches provide deeper insight into fundamental processes and offer more robust tools and reliable design methodologies for design and performance prediction.

Physical and numerical modelling continue to play a central role in advancing our understanding of ground behaviour and improving the reliability of geotechnical design. As offshore wind, subsea infrastructure, and major civil engineering projects grow in scale and complexity, the need for accurate, predictive engineering modelling tools has again, never been more acute. This theme explores the latest breakthroughs in experimental geoscience and computational modelling, showcasing how these approaches are transforming the way we analyse soil–structure interaction and predict performance under real‑world conditions.

We highlight innovations in scaled physical modelling and advanced visualisation techniques that allow researchers to replicate complex loading scenarios and observe fundamental processes that cannot be captured through field data alone. These physical insights provide essential validation for numerical methods and help refine our understanding of soil behaviour across a range of geological settings.

Alongside this, the theme examines cutting‑edge developments in numerical simulation, from limit state finite‑element and finite‑difference models to advanced constitutive frameworks and multi‑physics approaches. These tools are enabling engineers to capture non‑linear, time‑dependent, and anisotropic ground responses with increasing accuracy, supporting more efficient and optimised designs for foundations, anchors, pipelines, and cables.

Contributions are encouraged that demonstrate how physical and numerical modelling complement one another to improve design confidence, reduce uncertainty, and enhance predictive capability. Case studies, methodological advances, and comparative studies are all welcome — particularly those that show how integrated modelling approaches can lead to more robust engineering solutions and a deeper understanding of the processes governing ground behaviour. This covers both the in-place analysis and installation assessment project phases from concept selection and FEED to detailed design.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS DEADLINE: 26 JUNE 2026

The conference organising committee invites authors to submit abstracts, of up to 250 words.

The conference proceedings will be produced with an ISBN number. All published papers will be Scopus indexed and have searchable DOI numbers.

Submission Timeline

• Friday 26 June 2026 – Deadline for completed abstracts
• Friday 17 July 2026 – All primary authors will have been notified of their abstract status and given technical paper instructions
• Friday 29 January 2027 – Submission of draft papers for review
• Friday 30 April 2027 – Submission of final papers for publication after addressing review comments.