Cognitive Dissonance in Geotechnical Engineering

AGS Practitioner Award (2018) Presentation Tour

Dr Burt Look

Cognitive dissonance is the incompatibility between any two elements of knowledge or belief. We often filter information that conflicts with what you already believe, to avoid contradictory statements occurring. The term can also be loosely used when contradictory statements occur. There are many contradictory statements in Geotechnical Engineering – a few of these will be discussed There are many common geotechnical practices that have historically served the engineering community well, but continue to be used in common practice, even when later knowledge has shown inconsistencies. Usefulness in practice is not the same as truth. Some of the “opinions” embedded in common data is exposed. Can risk management, correlations, or experience substitute for data? But even with data, why would a group of Engineers presented with the same data so often have different conclusions? When did data become a point of view? A sampling of such dissonance in common geotechnical practice is presented through case studies.

About the speaker

Dr Burt Look Senior Principal, Foundation Specialists Group

Dr Burt Look completed his master’s degree in Soil Mechanics and Engineering Seismology at Imperial College, London, and his PhD part time at The University of Queensland while also working at Queensland Main Roads. He also has a Graduate Certificate in Philosophy from The University of Queensland. Burt has over 40 years professional Engineering experience with his early years in structural and civil works. He was previously the Global Practice Leader in SKM (now Jacobs), and also at Aurecon. He was a previous director at FSG – Geotechnics + Foundations. Burt is the 2014 Queensland Professional Engineer of the year and the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) Practitioner 2018. Burt was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2020. Burt has published 4 geotechnical engineering books and 100 technical publications focused on industry practice developments.

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.