Engineers Australia

Society News

90th IAEG Connector

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8th continent of Zealandia and a train is wrecked by a landslide — the latest issue of the IAEG Connector newsletter is now available online.

Call for Abstracts, 2020 AGS Victorian Symposium

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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

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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.

A complete description of the nature and objectives of this new Award, as well as of the nomination procedure, can be found in the “GUIDELINE for the ISRM Science and Technology Awards”.

Nominations for the award shall be by the chairs of the ISRM National Groups; nominations should be emailed to [email protected]

ICSMGE 2021 Call for Abstracts Extended

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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 the 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 31 May 2020 to the Conference.

Should you have any enquiries regarding any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact the Sydney 2021 Conference Secretariat.

EH Davis Award – Call for Nominations

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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]

ISC’6 Early bird accommodation

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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.

Links

The conference has 8 major themes:

  • Equipment, Measuring Techniques, Sampling
  • Mechanical Testing (CPT, SPT, DMT, PMT, VST, PLT)
  • Geophysics in Geotechnical Engineering
  • Site Characterization, Case Studies, Uncertainties
  • In Situ Testing and Numerical Modelling
  • Engineering Applications
  • Problematic Soils (e.g. gravels, volcanics, expansive, sensitive, intermediate, mine tailings)
  • Education

Call for sponsors – WA Symposium

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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.

^ 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

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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
  • Liquefaction assessment
  • Characterisation of non-standard soils such as; arid, collapsible, expansive soils, non-engineered fills, organics/peat soils, acid sulfate soils, soluble ground, residual soils
  • 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.

ISSMGE Circular, January 2020

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The ISSMGE News & Information Circular for January 2020, is available online with information about the 20ICSMGE and 7iYGEC Paper Allocation and Calls for Abstracts.

18th Glossop Medal Lecture: Variability and ground hazards: how does the ground get to be unexpected.

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Australian lectures cancelled

Please note that due to health reasons, the Australia presentations of the Glossop Medal Lecture have been cancelled. If there are any updates or the situation changes, news will be posted to the website.

The Glossop Award and Lecture was established in 1997 as the most prestigious lecture of the Engineering Group of the Geological Society, to be presented by an invited eminent engineering geologist.

The 18th Glossop Medal was awarded to Jackie Skipper (BSc, PhD, DIC, CGeol.) for her lecture: Variability and ground hazards: how does the ground get to be unexpected.

When something goes wrong in a civil engineering project, ‘unexpected ground conditions’ are often blamed. Natural variability of the ground can indeed be the cause of engineering hazards – but what are the causes of this variability? The systems in which sediments are laid down, weathered, eroded, faulted, frozen, transported, all make soils (and their behaviour) more complex. Engineering itself represents a type of assault on the ground, and variable sediments respond variably – leading to a wide range of potential hazards. Understanding why the ground is variable therefore leads to a better understanding of this response, allowing improved prediction and management of risks.

Using case histories, the 18th Glossop Lecture will explore the relationship between ground variability and engineering risk, in particular how training can increase the level of understanding of the ground at every level of a project.

NZGS Newsletter, 28 November

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The New Zealand Geotechnical Society newsletter is available online.