The Corporate Associate Presidential Group (CAPG) of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) is conducting a short 1-min survey on the emergence of regulation in the geotechnical engineering practice. The aim of the survey is to trigger talks on the diversity of the geotechnical practice, and also to collect feedback from professionals around the world regarding their local practice. The findings of the survey will be collected by the CAPG and will be presented to the ISSMGE board as a reflection on the evolution of the geotechnical practice and its diversity across the globe.
You can participate in the survey by clicking here!
The survey and the original relevant blog were prepared by Roger Estephan, member of ISSMGE's CAPG & Innovation and Development Committee, and Prof. Grace Abou-Jaoude Estephan.
Traces of geotechnical engineering practice is abundant in history and dates back to at least 2000 BC. The Worlds rich heritage reflects the undertakings of skilled civilizations who expanded their cities infrastructure and erected monuments with no formal science and design procedure in hand. This experience-based practice remained for centuries. One can describe this long period as an Experimental Era that had its own successes and unfortunate failures.
In the 18th century, when science started evolving, geotechnical engineering practitioners adopted a scientific-based approach to study soil behavior. Modern day geotechnical engineering practice began in the past century with the publication of Erdbaumechanik by Karl Terzaghi. The second half of the century brought forward the use of codes and standards. This Scientific Era allowed the identification and control of geotechnical failures.
Codes and standards have been adopted in engineering as they document recommended practices and procedures to ensure stability and safety. Although codes generally have legal bearing, adherence to them is not always mandatory in design and construction. Yet, engineers not adhering to the codes will face liability charges if the structure fails. Public and Private Authorities have recently began establishing their own regulations relevant to the geotechnical engineering practice. We are currently witnessing an Era of Regulation with gradual implementation of protocols and rules on how to perform geotechnical investigations, which design method(s) to apply, and how to proceed during construction.
The emergence of regulations in geotechnical engineering practice is surely not equal across countries and engineering companies. We can generally distinguish between three categories:
As this third Era of geotechnical engineering practice is emerging, the imposed regulation will lead to an evolution in the practice. Share with us your experience in the countries where you practice geotechnical engineering by participating in the 1-min survey by clicking here!
About the authors:
Roger Estephan is Director of the Geotechnical and Heavy Civil Engineering Department at Dar. He follows up on the geotechnical aspects of Dar's projects in more than 40 countries (Middle East, Gulf, Africa and India).
Grace Abou-Jaoude Estephan is Associate Professor in Civil Engineering at the Lebanese American University (LAU). She has a combined geotechnical experience in the industry and academic fields. Grace led geotechnical research projects funded by international agencies including NAS/USAID PEER programs.
Outside the geotechnical field, Roger and Grace are the parents of 4 kids.
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