Laboratory Testing, Theory and Practical Application “Mistakes and Problems with Laboratory Testing”

AGS Foundation Training Series

Professor David Williams, Stephen Buttling, Colin Bruce and Dean Sawyer

The course aims to provide information on geotechnical laboratory testing methods to professionals working in the civil and mining industry. Although the subject is often taught during formal education, the actual implementation of that knowledge is not always straight forward. Some of the issues that will be covered in this workshop are:

The course is set-up with theoretical component as well as practical examples and a tour/explanation of laboratory testing equipment. It discusses both civil and mine tailings related geotechnical testing methods. Over the course of the day, Professor David Williams will provide three separate sessions on the theory of lab testing methods. Each theoretical session is followed by a case study from one of the industry experts. The workshop will be closed with a tour of TRI-Lab equipment where the participants can get a feel for an operating laboratory. A preliminary program is attached.

The course will allow for recording of CPD and lecture notes will be provide for your future reference.

The course will include morning tea, standing lunch and afternoon drinks. Transport to and from Tri- Lab will be provided by AGS.

About the presenters

Professor David Williams Golder Chair of Geomechanics

David Williams is the Golder Professor of Geomechanics and the Director of the Geotechnical Engineering Centre (GEC) within the School of Civil Engineering at The University of Queensland (UQ). The GEC is funded by Golder, Rio Tinto, AngloGold Ashanti and BHP Billiton, with matching funding from UQ to total $5 million over 5 years. The GEC initiated the Civil & Geotechnical Engineering and Mining & Geotechnical Engineering Degree Programs in early 2012, the only such programs in Australia, in response to the high demand for Geotechnical Engineers in civil construction and mining. These programs have attracted total enrolments of over 100, and will generate 60 graduates in 2014. The Centre has seven academic positions, including two professors, plus a number of researchers and 16 PhD students, and carries out research in mine waste management, David’s area of specialisation, in situ instrumentation, computational geomechanics and rock fracture.

Stephen Buttling Senior Principal Consultant, GHD

Stephen Buttling is a senior Principal Consultant at GHD and has become a well-known geotechnical engineer since his arrival in Queensland 5 years ago. He has nearly 40 years of experience, starting in UK, followed by 25 years in South East Asia, and has been specifying and interpreting CPT data for most of that time, including the mechanical cone, and electrical CPT testing in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Australia, providing technical input in the interpretation and theory and case studies.

Colin Bruce Associate Director, AECOM

Colin Bruce is an Associate Director at AECOM and has 25 years of international experience in geotechnical engineering and project management of major civil engineering projects, including site investigations, ground interpretation and design. Colin’s technical expertise lies in ground investigations, specification, procurement, supervision and interpretation, ground modelling, foundation design for major structures (shallow, piled etc.), earthworks, slope stability, contamination assessment, temporary works design, excavation assessment, retaining wall design, anti-flotation design (ground anchors, tension piles etc.), laboratory test scheduling and assessment, site investigation design, bearing pressure assessment, settlement assessment, risk assessments, claims assessments.

Dean Sawyer Senior Engineer and Manager, Waste Management Section, Knight Piesold

Dean Sawyer is a senior engineer for Knight Piesold and Manager of the Waste Management Section at Knight Piesold in Perth. Dean has 12 years’ experience in tailings testing, interpretations of testing results and application of parameters in tailings dam designs. Dean will provide valuable insight, using case studies and real life data, in what tests are required, shortfalls and problems when testing tailings in the lab when comparing to in-situ behaviour and general application of tailings parameters when obtained from lab tests.

Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.