Geotechnical engineering: Past, present, and future
Andrew Shirley
This presentation traces the development of Geotechnical Engineering as a distinct discipline in Australia, starting from the introduction of a separate soil mechanics course at The University of Sydney in the late 1950s and the formation of the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) in 1970. The session will explore:
- the transformation of geotechnical engineering from the ‘site drilling and testing’ approach of the 1960s and 1970s into a comprehensive ‘ground engineering’ discipline, integrating site history, geology, subsurface investigations, and analysis of ground conditions and their impact on structures
- examples of structural failures due to insufficient consideration of geotechnical factors
- recommendations for the training and development of seasoned geotechnical engineers.
The presentation will highlight critical lessons from the past, emphasizing the importance of geotechnical considerations in preventing structural failures. While most projects today succeed with sound engineering practices, a significant number of recent and ongoing structures have encountered failures or severe damage due to overlooked geotechnical issues.
About the speaker
Andrew Shirley Director, Shirley Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd
Andrew Shirley is the Director at Shirley Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd, a Sydney-based firm specializing in civil and geotechnical engineering. With a career spanning several decades, Andrew has extensive experience in forensic engineering investigations, slope stability, and ground engineering. He established Shirley Consulting Engineers in 1974, initially focusing on slope stability and site investigations, and later expanding to cover a wide range of civil and geotechnical projects12. Andrew is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and has been involved in numerous professional and technical groups, regularly presenting seminars and lectures. He has been honoured with AGS Gold member for the person who has been AGS member for 50+ years and are still working in the industry. His expertise and contributions to the field have made him a respected figure in the engineering community.
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