Geotechnics: the next 60 years

Abstract

The authors were set the challenge of thinking about the next 60 years, not only of Géotechnique but of geotechnical engineering in general. They have attempted to do this by talking to colleagues, by dreaming a little, but mainly by trying to extrapolate the trends they see in society and in present-day geotechnical activity. Although the principal emphasis of Géotechnique tends to be research, this is driven by the requirements of design and construction. Hence, in looking to the future, even the future of research, likely trends in geotechnical construction activities are considered first, particularly noting the emerging importance of energy conservation and carbon dioxide reduction. This leads to discussion of the characterisation of material behaviour and investigation of the ground, and the development of design processes. The future of dissemination of geotechnical information is also discussed.