Evaluating the Impact of Innovative Geotechnical Technologies on the Environmental Sustainability of Urban Construction Projects: A Case Study in Tehran

Mehmani, Roghayeh; Nemati, Ramin

doi:10.48306/juem.2025.532071.1083

Evaluating the Impact of Innovative Geotechnical Technologies on the Environmental Sustainability of Urban Construction Projects: A Case Study in Tehran

Authors

Roghayeh Mehmani ¹

Ramin Nemati ²

¹ Department of Architecture, B. A,, Islamic Azad University, Bostanabad, Iran

² دانشجوی کارشناسی ارشد مهندسی عمران، دانشکده مهندسی عمران، دانشگاه تبریز، تبریز، ایران

https://doi.org/10.48306/juem.2025.532071.1083

Abstract

Abstract
The rapid pace of urban development and the increasing demand for construction projects in major cities have underscored the need to integrate environmental sustainability into project design and implementation. In this context, innovative geotechnical technologies have emerged as effective tools for enhancing the environmental performance of construction projects. This study aims to evaluate the impact of applying these technologies on key environmental sustainability indicators in urban construction projects in Tehran. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research integrates qualitative and quantitative analyses. Initially, a systematic literature review identified relevant technologies and sustainability indicators. Subsequently, three major projects in Tehran were selected as case studies. Qualitative data were collected through 20 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and analyzed using thematic analysis in MAXQDA software. Quantitative data were extracted from project technical documents and analyzed through descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that the application of innovative geotechnical technologies has significantly improved soil and groundwater quality, reduced energy and resource consumption, and increased the use of recycled materials. Improvements in soil permeability (up to 75%) and reductions in nitrate concentrations in groundwater (up to 55%) were recorded in the case projects. However, challenges such as high initial costs, limited technical knowledge, and the absence of local standards were also identified. These results highlight the necessity of developing supportive policies, enhancing technical capacities, and establishing localized standards to facilitate the transition toward sustainable urban infrastructure.

Keywords

Environmental sustainability

geotechnical engineering

innovative geotechnical technologies

urban construction projects

thematic analysis

life cycle assessment

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