Introduction of unsaturated soil mechanics in Indonesia to improve the understanding on geotechnical engineering-related infrastructure problems

Abstract

Abstract Several geotechnical engineering-related infrastructure problems cannot be quantified comprehensively using classical soil mechanics for saturated soils. This emphasizes the need of analysis using the framework of unsaturated soil mechanics (USM). The graduate course on soil mechanics for unsaturated soils is provided in Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to answer these challenges. The understanding on geotechnical engineering-related infrastructure problems in Indonesia is improved in the course. The understanding on the basic topics in USM is emphasized throughout the course. The balance between the eagerness for innovative design and the carefulness in the design is conveyed using the course. The laboratory testing apparatuses are being developed as a part of the course as well as a part towards the implementation of USM in Indonesia. An option of stages in introduction of USM in Indonesia is proposed.