Paving the path to sustainable infrastructure: a bibliometric analysis of soil stabilization using sustainable materials

Abstract

The drive toward sustainable infrastructure is accelerating demand for soil stabilization techniques that avoid the substantial environmental liabilities of conventional methods. This momentum has spurred a marked expansion of research into solutions based on industrial by-products and waste streams. To clarify how this arena is structured and evolving, a bibliometric investigation was conducted, charting the global research landscape through 3 303 open access documents indexed in Scopus (2000 to early 2025). Using performance analysis and science mapping, visualized with VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R package, the study examined publication trajectories, citation impact, geographical distribution, and thematic focus. The findings reveal a significant increase in publication output after 2015, with an average annual growth rate of 19.1% (2000–2024). While China and the United States lead in publication volume, research from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia shows higher average citation rates, indicating geographically differentiated influence. Keyword analysis confirms a persistent research focus on established binders (e.g., fly ash, lime) and foundational metrics like compressive strength, with bio-enzymatic binders representing an emerging theme. The analysis indicates a misalignment between the quantitative growth in publications and a qualitative shift towards holistic sustainability, as comprehensive performance metrics and life-cycle frameworks remain peripheral. This study concludes that advancing the field requires a paradigm shift from a focus on initial strength and material substitution towards an integrated approach that prioritizes long-term durability testing, comprehensive life-cycle assessments, and the development of context-specific solutions.