A message from the AGS Chair on how COVID-19 impacts our offering to members
Posted:
Dear Members,
We are all adapting to our new routines living with the hazard and disruption associated with COVID-19. The government guidelines and our personal circumstances are changing daily. The AGS is committed to serving our members during these uncertain times. Our plan includes the following:
Continue offering technical sessions to the geotechnical community
We are currently sourcing a suitable online platform to use for presenting technical sessions. We have in the past successfully offered online presentations at a chapter level, and we are now shifting all presentations to this format. The good news that comes with this development is that live presentations can be made to a large number of people, all over Australia, at the same time. A second positive is that we can offer presentations by geotechnical colleagues in other parts of the world, speaking from their homes to ours. We already have some plans for talks in the next couple of months and will be in touch soon with details. Please keep an eye on the AGS website and our LinkedIn feed for updates.
Postpone courses/events to a later date
We had the popular Geotechnical Mapping Course and a Soil and Rock Logging Course scheduled in a number of cities over the next 3 months (April-June). These will be postponed. We will provide updates on the Geotechnical Mapping Courses scheduled for August and September in the coming weeks when we know if holding courses at this time will be possible. Some chapter symposia, including the Western Australia event planned for May, will also be postponed. Planning for all these events will proceed, with new dates to be advertised when possible.
Australian Geomechanics Journal
Preparation and publication of the Australian Geomechanics (AG) Journal will proceed as usual. If you would like to contribute any papers or news to the journal please do so at ScolacticaHQ. Perhaps now is a good time to write that AG paper you have been meaning to write for a while.
Online Content
The AGS website offers links to online content, such as previously recorded AGS technical presentations and links to international resources such as Rankine Lectures. We are working to add more content and more links to international society resources on the AGS website, to assist members to find useful technical resources to access at home. We will provide updates via LinkedIn and notices on the website. We also anticipate uploading recordings of some live-streamed webinar events that we plan to hold over the next few months. If you know of any interesting recordings or other resources that you would like to suggest sharing with other AGS members, please contact the AGS webmaster Tim Thompson.
Forward Planning
We are continuing with our plans for future events, so that once the COVID-19 crisis passes we are ready to offer our usual suite of courses, symposia, conferences and in-person technical sessions and social events. We ask you to look forward to 2021 and support the ICSMGE Conference by submitting abstracts and encouraging others to do so. We are planning a number of chapter events, including AGS 50th anniversary celebrations, that will happen as soon as practically possible.
Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the AGS
We had envisaged a very different 50th anniversary year to the one that is unfolding. While in-person celebrations may need to be postponed, we are still determined to celebrate the history of the AGS and the success that the society has undeniably become. The 50th anniversary commemorative book is almost ready for print and will be available for distribution as soon as circumstances allow.
We hope that while our offering to members and the wider geotechnical community has changed in format, we can still gather (online) to share technical knowledge, support our fellow geotechnical colleagues and look towards the future.
Thank you for your continuing support and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions for the AGS as we navigate these difficult times.
Best regards
Nina Levy National Chair of Australian Geomechanics Society
ICSMGE 2021 Call for Abstracts
Posted:
The abstract submission process for the 20th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ICSMGE) 2021 is now open.
Abstracts will be accepted via the ISSMGE’s Member Societies websites. Please approach your Member Society for the opportunity to submit an abstract. If you would like to contact your Member Society please find the best contact here. Lists of accepted abstracts will be provided to the ICMSGE 2021 Conference Secretariat by each Member Society to finalise acceptance. Once accepted you will be directed to complete a submission link for the Conference.
Submission Guidelines for ICSMGE 2021
Abstracts must be written in English or in French.
Abstract submissions must include abstract title, author(s)’ name(s), affiliations, theme, up to five keywords, and a presenting author biography (up to 150 words).
Abstract body including references should be in text only and should not exceed 250 words.
All abstracts should clearly state: Objectives, Methods and Conclusions.
Abstracts must be received by 30 April 2020 to the Conference. Abstracts received after the deadline will not be considered.
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.
Submission Deadline
31 March 2020
Nominations
Please forward your submission, along with a completed Nomination Form, to the secretary of the Australian Geomechanics Society, Peter Robinson via: [email protected]
IAEG Newsletter, Issue No.1 March 30, 2020
Posted:
The latest IAEG Electronic Newsletter 2020 Issue No.1, March 30, 2020, is available to download here.
95th IAEG Connector
Posted:
Two conferences postponed and video of incredible rockfall in Iran — the 95th IAEG Connector is available online.
93rd IAEG Connector
Posted:
TGV train derailed in France from landslide and new IAEG Bulletin comes out — the 93rd IAEG Connector is available online.
92nd IAEG Connector
Posted:
Flooding in Iran, Glacier Collapse in Peru and Landslides in Brazil — the 92nd IAEG Connector newsletter is available online.
ISSMGE News & Information Circular, March 2020
Posted:
The most recent News and Information Circular from ISSMGE is available on their website.
91st IAEG Connector
Posted:
IUGS postpones the 36th International Geological Congress in Delhi, India — the latest issue of the IAEG Connector newsletter is now available online.
Call for Abstracts – 2020 AGS Sydney Golden Symposium
Posted:
The Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) Sydney Chapter is holding its 24th annual Symposium on Friday 13 November 2020, on ‘Geotechnical Advances and Challenges in Urban Development’. This year Symposium is also called Golden Symposium due to its coincident with the 50th anniversary of Australian Geomechanics Society.
The symposium forms part of the continuing program of events organised by the AGS Sydney Chapter. It aims to keep the engineering industry informed of recent geotechnical advances in urban development, as well as the challenges and opportunities out there.
The symposium will showcase state-of-the-art practices, new research findings and case histories that demonstrate geotechnical advances and challenges in urban development. The organising committee invites papers on geotechnical aspects of urban development, underground structures, restoration of geotechnical structures, innovative and cost-efficient solutions, groundwater modelling and application of smart technologies. 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.
Suggested Topics
The following are some suggested topics for this symposium:
Underground Structures in Urban Areas – Geotechnical Design and Construction Aspects
Retrofitting, Rehabilitation and Restoration of Geotechnical Structures in Urban Areas
Cost Savings through Innovative Construction and Design
Dealing with Groundwater in Design
Applications of Smart Technologies in Geotechnical Engineering
Deep and Shallow Foundations in Urban Areas.
Papers that have been previously published will not be accepted for the symposium.
Important Dates & Submission
Abstracts must be submitted by 24 April 2020, with papers to be completed by 24 July 2020. All papers will be peer-reviewed and should be submitted in the Australian Geomechanics journal format (the details of which will be forwarded to authors at a later stage). The final version of the papers, after addressing any reviewers’ comments, must be submitted by 9 October 2020.
By submitting a paper for the symposium, the author(s) are giving permission for the AGS to publish the paper in the proceedings and other AGS national publications.
Abstract Format
One-page abstracts should be submitted in the following format:
Title of presentation (font type: Times New Roman Bold, font-size: 14, alignment: centre)
Authors’ full names (font type: Times New Roman Bold, font-size: 10, alignment: centre)
Authors’ full affiliation and address including position, name of company/university, email address and contact number (font type: Times New Roman Italic, font-size: 10, alignment: centre)
Underline the presenter’s name (only one presenter)
Abstract’s text, maximum 500 words (font type: Times New Roman, font style: regular, font-size: 10, alignment: left-justified)
Page layout with 20 mm margins (top, bottom, left and right)
In the covering email sent to the organising committee, the author(s) must confirm that the abstract and the proposed paper have not been previously published.
90th IAEG Connector
Posted:
8th continent of Zealandia and a train is wrecked by a landslide — the latest issue of the IAEG Connector newsletter is now available online.
89th IAEG Connector
Posted:
The latest 89th IAEG Connector is available online.
Call for Abstracts, 2020 AGS Victorian Symposium
Posted:
The Victorian Chapter of the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) is pleased to announce the 2020 AGS Victorian Symposium titled “Sustainable Geotechnics – Excellence in Planning, Design and Construction” to be held on 30 September 2020.
The Symposium forms part of the continuing programme of events organised by the Victorian Chapter of the AGS. Its purpose is to provide a forum for the dissemination of technical information in relation to sustainable geotechnical engineering practice, with a specific focus on sustainable planning, design and construction approaches.
The Event
At the start of a new decade, our society faces many challenges of which engineers and geo-professionals are at the forefront. These challenges include managing our limited resources, finding new sources of energy generation, minimising waste, managing contaminated sites, and the risks and hazards associated with a changing climate. Addressing these challenges requires the innovative use of optimised and lean investigation, design and construction methods, use of alternative or recycled products, and finding ways to “do more with less”.
This Symposium will present overviews of current state-of-the-art practices, innovation, new research results and case studies related to sustainable practice in geotechnics, with a specific focus on planning, design and construction activities. Sustainability is often not explicitly discussed in our industry – this Symposium provides geo-professionals with an exciting opportunity to help define what it means for our profession.
The Symposium will bring together professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists, researchers, specialist contractors, regulators, educators and students to share and discuss their experiences on the topic of sustainable geotechnics. Best practices, case histories and innovative solutions for dealing with these challenges will be presented and discussed, with an emphasis on the geotechnical challenges affecting the Melbourne region and regional areas of Victoria.
This Symposium is aimed at professionals across the entire geotechnical industry, and participation is particularly encouraged from practitioners working in small to medium contractors and consultancies, along with those in larger firms or academia.
Nominations
The Victorian Chapter of the AGS invites local and national practitioners to submit abstracts on a topic related to sustainable geotechnics. Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and prepared in accordance with the abstract submission guidelines outlined below. Completed abstracts should be sent to Andrew Lochaden by 13 March 2020 for consideration by the organising committee.
Abstracts will be selected based on their quality and relevance to the topic of sustainable geotechnics with the successful authors invited to submit a six-page paper for presentation at the Symposium. We encourage submissions from practising engineers as well as academia.
Topics should align with the general themes of the ISSMGE TC307 – Sustainable Geotechnics and include:
Innovative, environmentally friendly and/or energy-efficient aspects of site investigation, design and construction, including monitoring and ground improvement techniques;
Sustainable use of geotechnical systems and materials, including retrofitting and reuse of waste materials, foundations and other geotechnical structures;
Use and reuse of underground space, including for the storage of energy and carbon dioxide;
Geotechnical considerations for managing or mitigating the effects of contaminated materials or sites;
Geotechnical techniques involved in the exploitation of renewable energy sources, such as shallow and deep geothermal, solar and wind energies;
Development of sustainability indicators and assessment tools in geotechnical engineering; and
Geohazard (man-made and natural) vulnerability and mitigation, including the effects of global climate change and multi-hazards.
Cost
The cost of the Symposium is to be confirmed. Presenters (one per paper) will enjoy free entry to the Symposium with discounts for co-authors.
Important dates and submission
13 March 2020 – Abstract submission
06 April 2020 – Notification of accepted abstracts
10 July 2020 – Full paper submission
31 July 2020 – Paper acceptance notifications
28 August 2020 – Final paper submission and early bird registration deadline
Abstract submission
Please submit a word document with the following information for abstract submission:
Authors’ full names: (i.e. Bob A. Smith, David S. Smith. Font type: Times New Roman, font style: regular, font-size: 10) (Please underline the presenting author)
Authors’ full affiliation (Position, name of company/university, email address and contact number): (font type: Times New Roman, font style: regular, font-size: 10)
Title of paper, maximum of 100 characters (font type: Times New Roman, font-style: bold, font-size: 12)
Abstract text, maximum 300 words (font type: Times New Roman, font style: regular, font-size: 10
Deadline extended for nominations, ISRM Science Achievement Award 2020
Posted:
The deadline for the submission of nominations for the ISRM Science Achievement Award 2020, has been extended from 15 to 29 February 2020.
In 2020 the Science Achievement Award will be conferred on ISRM individual members in recognition of one or more of the following contributions to the progress of the science of rock mechanics:
making an important advancement of knowledge;
proposing and confirming a new theory to explain certain phenomena.
Nominations for the award shall be by the chairs of the ISRM National Groups; nominations should be emailed to [email protected]
87th IAEG Connector
Posted:
The most recent IAEG Connector newsletter is available online.
86th IAEG Connector
Posted:
The latest IAEG Connector newsletter is available online.
ISC’6 Early bird accommodation
Posted:
Early bird accommodation — complete your reservation until 1st March!
During the 6th International Conference on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterization (to be held in Budapest between 7-11 September, 2020.) accomodation booking is provided for participants, exhibitors and sponsors as one of the main services.
Please find the link with detailed information here.
Kindly be informed that at the time of the conference there will be another event in Budapest starting at the end of the week which attracts around 100,000 people so hotel trade of Budapest expect full houses in all hotels.
For these reasons and for your convenience we advise to book your accomodation as soon as possible to avoid reservation rejection later.
We offer the following hotels to our participants which can be booked through our registration system after completing registration.
These hotels are close to the venue of the conference for your convenience:
Novotel Budapest City (Conference venue) – single 175 EUR/room – double 190 EUR/room
Hotel Mercure Budapest – single 170 EUR/room – double 180 EUR/170 EUR/room
Jagello Business Hotel – single 75 EUR/room – double 85 EUR/room
Registration for conference and accomodation here.
These hotels are close to the venue of the conference so you do not have to travel a lot daily.
We are pleased to announce that we offer Early Bird rate for accomodation until 1st March 2020 bookings.
Kindly be informed that bookings will be accepted after full payment.
The Western Australia Chapter of the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) is pleased to announce a one day symposium on “West Australian Geotechnics and Geology”.
Western Australia’s construction industry is currently booming. Investment in public infrastructure, mining and offshore developments is growing. Economical and safe geotechnical design requires efficient and well thought through ground investigation and characterisation to identify and manage ground risks and opportunities.
This symposium will present overviews of current state of-the-art practices, innovation, new research relating to WA geology and case studies of WA projects. There will be an emphasis on its implications for addressing and managing design and construction risk.
The symposium will bring together professional engineers, researchers, specialist contractors, regulators, educators and students to share and discuss their experiences on the topic of West Australian Geotechnics and Geology. Best practices, case histories and innovative methods for assessing and characterising ground risk will be presented and discussed, with a particular emphasis on the geology of the metro region and regional areas of WA.
The symposium will be a high profile event expected to attract in excess of 60 attendees. It is aimed at professionals from industry and academia including consultants, construction professionals, asset and project managers, researchers, graduates and students.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Organising Committee is calling for sponsorship from the engineering community.
Platinum $4000 + GST
Gold $2000 + GST
Silver $1000 + GST
Included delegates
3
2
1
Opportunity to give a 10 minute presentation on your company at the symposium
Y
Logo on USB memory stick containing presentations issued to delegates
Y
Banner on stage to side of podium
Y
Banner at back of hall
Y
Company brochure to be included in the Symposium’s USB memory stick
Y
Y
Company acknowledgement and/or company logos to appear on all advertising flyers, online advertisements and promotional material for the conference*
Y
Y
Y
Online advertising (AGS website) ‐ recognition with link to company website
Y
Y
Y
Opportunity to provide promotional material to delegates (may include brochures, branded pens, etc. )**
Y
Y
Y
Powerpoint advertising during symposium***
Y
Y
Y
^ Sponsor presentation should be technical in nature, consistent with the Symposium themes and not overly commercial. The presentation topic must be approved by the Symposium organising committee prior to the event and is at the discretion of the committee. * Advertising to appear on AGS WA chapter website and registration form (including in the one of the editions of AGS journal. ** Preferred choice of allocated space in the following order: Platinum, Gold and Silver *** Sponsorship advertisement will be played on loop before each session, during breaks with greater time and prominence given to higher levels of sponsorship.
Interested parties are to complete the Order Form and return to Peter Robinson at the Australian Geomechanics Society Secretariat to reserve the sponsorship slots available. Sponsorship opportunities will be sold in order of company interest. Sponsors’ logos will be displayed at a size proportional to the sponsored amount on the PowerPoint slides and forms.
Sponsorship applications close on Friday, 28 February 2020.
Call for Abstracts – WA Symposium
Posted:
Abstract submission deadline extended to March 6
The Western Australia (WA) Chapter of the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) is pleased to announce a one-day symposium titled “West Australian Geotechnics and Geology” which is to be held on 8 May 2020.
The event will be held in Perth and will bring together geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, geologists, geophysicists and academics to share and discuss their knowledge and experience in WA related to geotechnics and geology and its implications for design and construction.
The Event
Western Australia’s construction industry is currently booming. Investment in public infrastructure, mining and offshore developments is growing. Economical and safe geotechnical design requires efficient and well thought through ground investigation and characterisation to identify and manage ground risks and opportunities.
This symposium will present overviews of current state-of-the-art practices, innovation, new research relating to WA geology and case studies of WA projects. There will be an emphasis on its implications for addressing and managing design and construction risk.
The symposium will bring together professional engineers, researchers, specialist contractors, regulators, educators and students to share and discuss their experiences on the topic of West Australian Geotechnics and Geology. Best practices, case histories and innovative methods for assessing and characterising ground risk will be presented and discussed, with a particular emphasis on the geology of the metro region and regional areas of WA.
Suggested Topics
The relatively broad theme for this symposium is to encourage talks related to any aspect of WA Geotechnics or WA construction projects. The following are a few suggested topics:
Design of geotechnical structures in WA
Geotechnical site characterisation
In situ testing techniques and their interpretation
Geophysical methods and remote sensing
Laboratory testing, sampling and interpretation
Ground exploration techniques – drilling, probing, excavation and in situ testing techniques
Groundwater / geo-environmental characterisation, testing, interpretation and its implications
Application of statistical and probabilistic techniques for geotechnical characterisation and design
Geotechnical characterisation and its effects on design and construction
Managing ground risk in design and construction with an emphasis on geotechnical characterisation
Geosynthetics and their application in construction projects
Nominations
The WA Chapter of the AGS invites local and national practitioners, academics, contractors and other interested parties to submit abstracts on a topic related to WA Geotechnics.
Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and prepared in accordance with the abstract submission guidelines below. Completed abstracts should be submitted to Harun Meer via email at [email protected] by 6 March 2020 for consideration by the organising committee
Abstracts will be selected based on their quality and relevance to the topic of the symposium with the successful author(s) invited to give a presentation at the symposium. We encourage submissions from the geotechnical engineering profession as well as academia.
Submission of a paper is not required however we encourage you to prepare a supporting paper that will be considered for publishing in our Australian Geomechanics journal.
Cost
Presenters will enjoy free entry to the symposium.
PDF flyer
A PDF flyer of the Call for Abstracts is available here for distribution.
84th IAEG Connector
Posted:
The latest IAEG Connector newsletter is available online.
