AGS Sydney Symposium 2024

Advances in Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

Keynote speakers: Prof Lidija Zdravkovic, Prof Jianhua Yin and Dr Richard Kelly

The Australian Geomechanics Society Sydney Chapter is holding its 28th annual Symposium on Friday 1 November 2024: ‘Advances in Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering’. The symposium forms part of the continuing program of events organised by the AGS Sydney Chapter. It aims to encourage ideas and discussions about one of the key aspects of design, construction and research which are becoming more prevalent in industry and academia.

Overview

The symposium will showcase state-of-the-art practices, new research findings and case histories that demonstrate advances in geomechanics and geotechnical engineering.

The organising committee welcomes submissions of papers covering various aspects of geomechanics and geotechnical engineering from practitioners and researchers.

The symposium presents an opportunity for professional engineers, researchers, specialist contractors, regulators, educators and students to meet and share their knowledge and experiences in geotechnical engineering.

Keynote Speakers

Prof Lidija Zdravkovic Imperial College London

The 62nd Rankine Lecturer: Geotechnical Engineering for a Sustainable Society

Prof Jianhua Yin Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Fully Coupled Numerical Methods and a Simple Method for Consolidation Analysis of Viscous Clayey Soils

Richard Kelly, SMEC

Dr Richard Kelly SMEC

Creation of city scale landslide susceptibility maps using machine learning

Invited Speakers

Dr AHM Kamruzzaman Transport for NSW

Slope risk management using InSAR technology

Prof Chin Leo Western Sydney University

Evaluating impact loading from a heavy vehicle collision against traffic barriers integrated with retaining walls

Prof Samanthika Liyanapathirana Western Sydney University

Significance of anisotropy and structure in simulating natural clays

Dr David Oliveira Aurecon

Effective block size scaling for advanced rock modelling in practical applications

Dr Ali Parsa, Design Manager/Associate Geotech. Eng., AGS Sydney Chapter Chair

Dr Ali Parsa JK Geotechnics

Practical Implementation of Numerical analysis automation in geotechnical engineering with generative AI assistance: advantages and challenges

Program

08:00-08:45 — Registration

8:45-10:40 — Session 1: Sustainability and Innovation in Geotechnical Engineering
  • Opening address
  • Keynote: The 62nd Rankine Lecturer: Geotechnical Engineering for a Sustainable Society
    Prof Lidija Zdravkovic, Imperial College London
  • Invited: Slope risk management using InSAR technology
    Dr AHM Kamruzzaman, TfNSW
  • Collaborative engagement for better city outcomes – building within the Sydney Metro First Reserve at 55 Pitt Street
    Adrian Callus, Arup
  • Innovative and sustainability considerations of contaminated materials for embankment Construction of Coffs Harbour Bypass Project
    Dr Jim Yang, Arcadis
  • Session 1 Q&A

10:40-11:00 — Morning tea

11:00-12:30 — Session 2: Innovations in Soil Testing and Ground Treatment Techniques
  • Keynote: Creation of city scale landslide susceptibility maps using machine learning
    Dr Richard Kelly, SMEC
  • Invitied: Significance of anisotropy and structure in simulating natural clays
    Prof Samanthika Liyanapathirana, Western Sydney University
  • Application of advanced in-situ testing equipment and methodologies to characterise a low strength soil deposit in Sydney Harbour
    Mark Chapman, Insitu Geotech Services
  • Concrete injection column ground treatment design within a brownfield site with compressible soils
    Michael Lee, SMEC
  • Session 2 Q&A
  • Research Award and YGPN Award Presentation

12:30-13:30 — Lunch

13:30-15:00 — Session 3: Numerical Modelling and AI
  • Platinum Sponsor Presentation – Rockwell Drilling
  • Keynote: Fully coupled numerical methods and a simple method for consolidation analysis of viscous clayey soils
    Prof Jinhua Yin, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • Invited: Practical implementation of numerical analysis automation in geotechnical engineering with Generative AI assistance: Advantages and challenges
    Dr Ali Parsa, JK Geotechnics
  • Invited: Evaluating impact loading from a heavy vehicle collision against traffic barriers integrated with retaining walls
    Prof Chin Leo, Western Sydney University
  • Advances in numerical modelling for quantifying the role of cohesion in clogging of granular materials
    Dr Thao Doan, UTS
  • Session 3 Q&A

15:00-15:30 — Afternoon tea

15:30-17:00 — Session 4: Geotechnical Design and Excavation: Advances and Challenges
  • Invited: Effective block size scaling for advanced rock modelling in practical applications
    Dr David Oliveira, Aurecon
  • Retrofitting a pressure relief system to a tanked basement
    Dr Gareth Swarbrick, PSM
  • Observations on the behaviour of surface and underground excavations in the shales of the Sydney Region: Geotechnical lessons
    Mei Ai Khoo, Gamuda
  • Design challenges associated with deep retaining walls in weathered / faulted Silurian age siltstone
    Manuel Neves, Fortify Geotech
  • Session 4 Q&A
  • Closing remarks

17:00-17:30 — Networking Drinks

Benefits of sponsorship

Gold and Silver Sponsorship can be purchased directly.

Organisations wishing to be a Platinum sponsor, should contact Saman Zargarbashi via [email protected]

Organising committee

Registration

Registration has now closed.

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.