E.H. Davis Memorial Lecture
This biennial lecture commemorates the work in geomechanics by Professor Edward Hughesdon Davis. Professor Davis was one of the pioneers of geomechanics in Australia. He perceived that progress and understanding of the theoretical basis of geomechanics would only come if consistent, sound, but simple models of soil behaviour were used. The two topics that were the central focus of his research were the application of the theory of elasticity to foundation deformation and the theory of plasticity to stability. He also made a major contribution to the theory of consolidation of clay soils. Ted Davis was always extremely conscious of the link between theory and practice, the relationship between the idealised and the real material, and the engineering significance of his work.
Basis of the award
The lecturer is a person selected by the National Committee as having made a distinguished recent advancement to geomechanics knowledge in Australia.
Nomination
Nominations should be made through the Chapter Committees, or by individuals, to the secretary of the National Committee, following a call for submissions in Australian Geomechanics. Determination of the award is by a subcommittee of the National Committee. The nominee is expected to be a member of the Australian Geomechanics Society.
Selection
The Chairman of the National Committee shall promulgate a sub-committee of 3 members of the National Committee to consider nominations for the award.
Presentation
In the first instance, the Lecturer’s presentation is made separately to a meeting of members of the Sydney Chapter and the Victorian Chapter of the Society. At one of those meetings, the award memento will be presented by the National Committee, or as otherwise arranged. The memento consists of a framed certificate and a glass plaque. The Lecture may be presented at other Chapter meetings, subject to individual arrangements.
Introduction to the E.H. Davis Memorial Lecture
Past winners
- 2023 – Professor Anna Giacomini
- 2021 – Professor Jayantha Kodikara
Reimagining unbound road pavement technology: integrating advances in unsaturated soil mechanics, testing, design, construction and performance in the post-digital era - 2019 – Garry Mostyn
Fill design – It is a thing - 2017 – Professor Barry Lehane
CPT-based design of foundations - 2015 – Professor Daichao Sheng
Mechanics of unsaturated soils and applications - 2013 – Professor Malek Bouazza
Geosynthetics in Geoenvironment Systems: Pushing the application boundaries further. What have we learned? And where to from here? - 2011 – Dr Mark Cassidy
Combined loading of offshore foundations - 2009 – Professor Buddhima Indraratna
Recent advances in the application of vertical drains and vacuum preloading in soft soil stabilisation - 2007 – Dr Chris Haberfield
Performance of footings in rock based on serviceability - 2005 – Professor John Carter
Who needs constitutive models? - 2003 – Professor Scott Sloan
Geotechnical stability analysis: New methods for an old problem - 2001 – Associate Professor John Small
Soil-structure interaction - 1999 – Professor Robin Fell
Embankment dams – Some lessons learnt, and new developments - 1997 – Professor Mark Randolph
- 1995 – Professor John Booker
Part 1: Application of plasticity theory to geotechnical engineering
Part 2: Heat flow and contaminant migration in soils - 1993 – Dr Philip Pells
Rock mechanics and engineering geology in the design of underground works - 1991 – Associate Professor Ian Johnston
- 1989 – Dr Mohammed Khorshid
- 1987 – Professor Harry Poulos
From theory to practice in pile design - 1985 – Dr Barry McMahon
Geotechnical Design in the face of uncertainty
The award was first made in 1985.