A view on the state of practice in transportation geotechnics in Australia

Abstract

A transport project typically involves design and construction of pavements, track, earthworks, ground improvement and structures. In addition, there are a host of other factors that practitioners need to consider such as ground modelling, sustainability and management of uncertainties. This paper attempts to provide an insight into the many factors that practitioners need to address in order to present a snapshot of the state of practice at this point in time. Some data is obtained via a survey distributed mainly to Australian practitioners. The author provides some interpretation of the survey data and commentary based on his experience in the Australian context.Fundamental attributes of a practitioner are considered to be understanding ground behaviour, applied mechanics including various forms of analysis and experience. It is argued that our ability to develop ground models has regressed in recent decades during which time our analytical capability has increased. However, although significant advancements in analysis have been made, often design uses simple methods for a range of reasons. Our knowledge of the ground is always imperfect and hence experience is required to understand the implications of what we know and do not know.The host of other factors include sustainability, resilience, digital methods, standards and legislation, litigation and claims, and education. These are discussed partly as emerging areas of practice and partly because there are non-technical aspects of practice that are as important as the technical aspects.Geotechnical practice will evolve into the future. Transport infrastructure will get bigger, heavier, faster and longer and practice will need to evolve to match these changes. While practitioners currently often use simple methods these may not be applicable in the future and hence practitioners will need to have a deep understanding of their subjects to succeed including ground modelling, applied mechanics, sustainability, resilience, artificial intelligence and human skills.