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

An address delivered by Professor Harry G. Poulos at the inaugural E.H. Davis Memorial Lecture – 13th November 1985.

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
• 2001 – Associate Professor John Small
• 1999 – Professor Robin Fell
• 1997 – Professor Mark Randolph
• 1995 – Professor John Booker
• 1993 – Dr Philip Pells
• 1991 – Associate Professor Ian Johnston
• 1989 – Dr Mohammed Khorshid
• 1987 – Professor Harry Poulos
• 1985 – Dr Barry McMahon
  “Geotechnical Design in the face of uncertainty”

The award was first made in 1985.