Plagiarism Policy

GEOCIVIA: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering and Civil Infrastructure enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism. The journal is committed to safeguarding the integrity of the scholarly record and ensuring that all published works are original and ethically produced.

1. Screening Mechanism

All manuscripts submitted to GEOCIVIA are automatically screened for textual similarity using Turnitin plagiarism detection software.
This screening is conducted during the Initial Screening stage, prior to the assignment of manuscripts to peer reviewers.

2. Similarity Threshold

The maximum acceptable similarity index for this journal is 25%. Similarity reports are reviewed qualitatively by the Editor-in-Chief, with consideration given to the following:

• Exclusions
  Reference lists (bibliographies) and properly marked direct quotations are excluded from similarity calculations.

• Engineering Standards
  In civil and geotechnical engineering research, certain technical terminology, standardized definitions (e.g., ASTM or SNI standards), and mathematical expressions may generate similarity matches. Such instances are generally acceptable provided that appropriate citations are included.

3. Decision Categories

Based on the similarity report, manuscripts are categorized as follows:

• Similarity < 25%
  The manuscript proceeds to the peer-review process, provided that it satisfies other scope and formatting requirements.

• Similarity > 25% (Procedural)
  If elevated similarity results from inadequate paraphrasing or insufficient citation—while the underlying data and research remain original—the manuscript is returned to the author for revision.

• Similarity > 25% (Substantial)
  If the manuscript contains significant verbatim reproduction of text, data, or figures from other sources without proper attribution, it will be rejected at the editorial level (desk rejection) without peer review.

4. Types of Plagiarism

GEOCIVIA strictly prohibits the following practices:

• Verbatim Copying
  Reproducing text word-for-word from another source without quotation marks and appropriate citation.

• Self-Plagiarism
  Reusing substantial portions of one’s own previously published work without referencing the original publication, including practices commonly referred to as salami slicing or data fragmentation.

• Image Manipulation
  Using figures, charts, tables, or diagrams from other sources without obtaining permission and providing proper attribution.

5. Post-Publication Policy

If plagiarism is identified after publication, GEOCIVIA will initiate a formal investigation.
Where plagiarism is confirmed, the article will be formally retracted, and an official retraction notice will be published to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record.