Geotechnical Lessons Learntbuilding and Transport Infrastructure Projects: Proceedings of the 2024 Ags Sydney Annual Symposium

This book presents the selected papers from the 28th Annual Symposium organised by the Sydney Chapter of the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS). The symposium brought together key stakeholders from the Australian geological and geotechnical community. The book showcases state-of-the-art practices, design approaches, recent research findings, and case histories covering a wide range of topics, including emerging technologies in ground improvement, advanced numerical models for soil consolidation, applications of machine learning, rock modelling, slope stability risk management, and innovative and sustainable considerations in design and construction. It also highlights the application of recent in-situ testing equipment and methodologies. Furthermore, the book discusses recent innovations, trends, concerns, practical challenges encountered, and solutions adopted within the field. It serves as a valuable reference for academics and industry professionals engaged in geotechnical engineering. This publication represents the collaborative efforts of numerous authors and qualified reviewers.

Hadi Khabbaz is a Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney. He currently serves as the Head of Discipline for Geotechnical and Transport Engineering, the Vice Chair of the Ground Improvement Technical Committee (TC211) of the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), and the Deputy Director of the UTS Transport Research Centre. He received his Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales, Australia. He has made significant contributions to ground improvement techniques, transport geotechnics, and unsaturated soil mechanics, with a proven track record of leading research teams, supervising numerous research students, fostering strong industry collaborations, and publishing more than 300 technical papers. He has also served as the Chair of the Australian Geomechanics Society (Sydney Chapter).

Prof. Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Wollongong, Australia, specialising on effective ground improvement solutions for low-lying floodplains and coastal terrains for designing robust transport infrastructure. Currently, he is a professor of Geotechnical Engineering and a program leader of the UTS Transport Research Centre. He has been involved in real-life projects based on waste materials including reclamation works, highway maintenance and repairs, construction of access roads and railways using granular waste materials derived from local coal mining sites and steel manufacturing plants. He has published nearly 300 articles in international journals and conferences.

Mehdi Tamadon is a team leader and senior geotechnical engineer with over 14 years of experience in designing deep excavation retention systems, soil improvement, pile foundations, and geotechnical investigations. He earned his Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering, focusing on liquefaction, in 2011. Recognized as an expert in geotechnical analysis, 3D numerical modelling (FEM) and limit analysis of slope stability (LEM). Currently, he leads a team of 12 people the GHD Sydney Geotechnics and Tunnel group. Mehdi is a Chartered Engineer with Engineers Australia and serves as the Secretary of the AGS Sydney Chapter and the Organizing Committee Coordinator of the Annual Sydney AGS Symposium.

Dr. Ali Parsa-Pajouh is a Senior Associate Geotechnical Engineer with over 20 years of experience in both academia and industry. He earned his Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2014, focusing on soft soil improvement in collaboration with industry partners. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the successful delivery of numerous projects, including major infrastructure developments. His expertise spans a broad range of geotechnical disciplines, including numerical modelling, soil-structure interaction, ground improvement, deep excavation, slope stability, and the application of AI. His research contributions are well-regarded, with numerous publications.