Digitisation, sustainability, and disruption – promoting a more balanced debate on risk in the geotechnical community. Issue 4 (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pathmanandavel, Sukumar; MacRobert, Charles John
• Is Part Of: Georisk. Volume 14:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 246
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Digitisation -- digitalisation -- sustainability -- risk -- geotechnical engineering -- machine learning; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Hazardous geographic environments -- Risk assessment -- Periodicals; Reliability (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Risk management -- Periodicals; 624.151
• DOI: 10.1080/17499518.2020.1790012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-9518

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In a world facing significant disruption, geotechnical engineers must grapple with the existential uncertainties of tomorrow. Geotechnical engineers have to date rightly focused on expanding technical expertise. However, within a few decades, digital advancement and climate change may see current tools and solutions become obsolete. This paper encourages engineers to step back from their technical work and take a broader view of the world. This paper is written both to document and facilitate ongoing debate on real problems facing geotechnical practice hosted on various ISSMGE platforms (International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering). These interactions have shown that the geotechnical community has the talent and passion to both engage society and each other to develop solutions. Truly innovative solutions are urgently required to continue meeting society's needs. These solutions will likely come via digital approaches, which geotechnical engineers should collaboratively be at the forefront of developing. Visible leadership on sustainable approaches in all aspects of practice is required. Local and international geotechnical organisations, which have proactively advocated for technical development, should take a leading role in opening meaningful debate on the future direction of geotechnical engineering.