Key Success Factors for the Practical Application of New Geomaterials

Giovanna Monique Alelvan (), Hugo Naves Coelho Santos, Rodrigo Cesar Pierozan and Leise Kelli de Oliveira
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Giovanna Monique Alelvan: Department of Transportation & Geotechnical Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
Hugo Naves Coelho Santos: Department of Transportation & Geotechnical Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
Rodrigo Cesar Pierozan: Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rondônia (IFRO), Porto Velho 76820-441, Brazil
Leise Kelli de Oliveira: Department of Transportation & Geotechnical Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-19

Abstract: Geomaterials comprise naturally formed materials through geological processes, such as soils and rocks, or artificially processed materials, including mineral waste and geosynthetics. These materials find extensive use in geotechnical structures, such as slopes, dams, and pavements, among others. However, two issues commonly arise in earthworks: the materials available in the region do not meet the minimum engineering requirements, resulting in high transportation costs, and the exploitation of new deposits increases environmental impacts. Consequently, there is a need to develop stabilization and reinforcement techniques aimed at creating new geomaterials (NGs) to expand the range of local material applications. In this context, the present study evaluates the key success factors (KSFs) related to the application of NGs in geotechnical structures. The Delphi method was employed through a structured questionnaire developed after an extensive literature review. Brazilian experts from the public, private, and academic sectors were selected to identify the obstacles and potential pathways for the practical application of NGs. The outcomes of the study indicated that the lack of standardization, the complex behavior of geomaterials under varying conditions, as well as technical and economic limitations serve as barriers impeding the widespread adoption of NGs. Finally, a roadmap proposal was devised, encompassing a series of actions intended to facilitate the broader utilization of NGs.

Keywords: new geomaterials; key success factors; geotechnical structures; Delphi method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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