Guidelines for Writing a Case Study Paper

Case study papers provide archival documentation of the investigation, analysis, design, and/or performance of a geotechnical project. Clear, complete, and insightful case studies constitute essential information for the advancement of practice and, as such, are highly valuable contributions to the Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering (JGGE). The instrumentation and monitoring of constructed facilities have experienced phenomenal change and growth in recent years, giving engineers the ability to identify and manage risk with a level of confidence never before possible (Marr 2013). Many excellent monitoring devices and systems are now available at relatively low cost to obtain field measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution and superior accuracy. Routine collection of high-resolution, high-quality field data also provides opportunities for the publication of outstanding case studies for the broader benefit of the profession. As members of the Technical Publications Committee (TPC) of the ASCE Geo-Institute, the writers have prepared this JGGE editorial describing the essential elements of a good case study paper as a guide to future authors.

The objective of a case study paper is to present information that will advance geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering practice. The nature of the advancement can range from an improved construction technique with limited impact on general practice to identification of a serious flaw in a widespread analysis or design procedure. Likewise, the scope can range from a modest change in a ground-improvement method to a comprehensive performance evaluation of a megascale project involving many aspects of geotechnical engineering. A case study paper can also provide validation of existing methods without recommending changes. Regardless, a simple presentation of facts is not sufficient. Instead, a good case study paper should present a clear message that describes the practical relevance of the findings and includes, where possible, specific recommendations. A case study paper should also contain sufficient details that allow readers to independently evaluate and fully understand the conclusions and recommendations. Taken together, the message and supporting documentation should have the potential to impact engineering practice, which is the primary goal of the JGGE.

As an example, a case study paper might consist of the following sections:

This editorial was written to assist practitioners and academicians in the identification of good case study projects and the organization and presentation of the results. The most valuable case study papers are well documented with visual observations, field-performance measurements, and analysis results that lead to a clear message and associated recommendations. Such papers are essential for the continued advancement of the geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering profession. The TPC and JGGE editorial board strongly encourage submission of case study papers to the JGGE, including those papers that have been previously published in ASCE conference proceedings. The editorial board is also committed to assisting authors regarding the preparation and submission of such papers.