Number 19, December 1990 – Editorial and society news

This is the ftrSt edition of Australian Geomechanics to be edited by the Western Australian Group. We have of course approached the task with muchjoumalistic zeal, aiming to at least emulate the high standards set by our predecessors in the editorial chair.

In this edition you will note a few changes of format. In the future you may see more, hopefully for the better, as we develop the a fore mentioned journalistic zeal.

One of the principal objectives of the new Editorial Panel is to narrow the gap that seems to exist between geotechnical people in the mining and civil engineering areas. Whilst recognising that such a gap is purely artificial, it is nevertheless there. This was underlined when the AGS W A Chairman only knew, even by sight, approximately half of the audience at a recent meeting addressed by Prof Barry Whittaker, whose special areas of interest include mining subsidence and slope stability.

The WA Group proposes to try to strengthen the bonds between the two groups and, to this end, we are scheduling several talks of mining interest. We are also investigating the possibility of setting up an AGS group in Kalgoorlie, where there is currently a great deal of interest in geotechnical matters, probably because of the recent open pit slope failures and the subsequent interest now being directed onto mining geotechnics by the Department of Mines!

It is in the interests of all of us to promote liaison between the “miners” and the “civil engineers” to overcome the perception that “the AGS is just for civil engineers” (heard during recent discussions with a group of mining people.) Will potential mining topic authors please take it on notice that their contributions will be gratefully received (and may even get “special consideration”!).

In 1991, we will embark on something of a ftrStas we produce an edition containing a special feature dealing with “Waste Management”. This topic appears to be an ideal vehicle to provide for this greater level of interchange between the miners and the civil engineers.

To support an expanded edition, we will be actively canvassing advertisers. This in itself will result in a somewhat changed format. Your comments in due course would be welcome.

These changes may be considered as representing something of the changes within Geotechnical Engineering in Australia as we see people like Professor Mark Randolph bringing a fresh approach to many aspects of the profession. This issue of Australian Geomechanics brings together some of these new developments as we present a major article on the UWA centrifuge and a guest editorial prepared by Mark Randolph.

Also in this issue we feature the 1989 E.H. Davis Memorial Lecture. This is particularly fitting as the award is a memorial to one of the pioneers of geomechanics in Australia whilst this lecture presents a new generation pioneering a new era. The subject of the lecture, “Geotechnical Aspects of the North West Shelf Project”, represents the catalyst which proved to be so much a part of the development of the new facilities and faces which are now a part of our profession particularly in Western Australia.

It would be difficult to overestimate the part played by Dr Khorshid and Woodside Offshore Petroleum along with its joint venturers in developing local engineering and geotechnical skills through the foundations project for the North Rankin A platform.

The research and investigation associated with the project has significantly advanced our understanding of calcareous soils and elevated Australia to an eminent position in this area. To this, the success of the Calcareous Soils Conference in 1988 is ample testament.

Notwithstanding this position, we must remain forward thinking and move to meet the new challenges of this, the last decade of the twentieth century.

One of these major challenges must surely be the management of waste. In this generation we are presented with a two pronged challenge as we set about to manage the “mistakes” of the past as well as managing the mass of environmentally threatening products which are generated by our industrialised lifestyle. The whole style and quality of life which will be enjoyed by our children and other generations to follow may well depend upon how successfully we meet this challenge today.

Another challenge confronting all professions including geotechnical practitioners is the vexing question of legal liability. The “era” of waste management can only elevate the importance of this challenge as the consuming public seeks to place higher and higher levels of responsibility upon the shoulders of all professionals.

In this regard there are some promising signs that we may avoid the legal morass that seems to beset the professions in the United States. The Institution of Engineers, Australia has recently conducted a series of seminars around the country to bring engineers up to date with the present position and canvass the views of those directly involved.This exercise will be followed by the publication of a discussion paper later in the year. Hopefully this may present further light at the end of the tunnel.