The New Zealand Geotechnical Society is the affiliated organization in New Zealand of the:

  • International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM)
  • International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE)
  • International Society for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG)

The local representative of each organisation can be found on our Committee page.

International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM)

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The field of rock mechanics is taken to include all studies relative to the physical and mechanical behaviour of rocks and rock masses and the applications of this knowledge for the better understanding of geological processes and in the fields of engineering.

The ISRM was founded in Salzburg in 1962. The ISRM is a non-profit scientific association supported by the fees of members and grants that do not impair its free action. In 2016 the Society has over 8,000 members and 60 national groups.

More information is available here:

International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE)

Geotechnical engineering is the science that explains mechanics of soil and rock and its applications to civil engineering. It includes the analysis, design and construction of foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, roadways, tunnels, levees, wharves, landfills and other systems that are made of, or are supported by, soil or rock.

The ISSMGE is the pre-eminent professional body representing the interests and activities of engineers, academics and contractors all over the world who actively participate in geotechnical engineering.  The ISSMGE provides a focus for professional leadership to more than 80 member societies and over 18,000 individual members.

More information is available here:

International Society for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG)

Engineering Geology is the science devoted to the investigation, study and solution of the engineering and environmental problems which may arise as the result of the interaction between geology and the works and activities of man as well as to the prediction and of the development of measures for prevention or remediation of geological hazards.

The IAEG was founded in 1964 and is affiliated to the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). IAEG is a worldwide scientific society with more than 5,200 members and 59 national groups.

More information is available here:

Federation of International Geo-Engineering Societies (FedIGS)

The Federation of International Geo-Engineering Societies is an umbrella organization linking international professional societies in the field of “Geo-Engineering” and serving to facilitate cooperation among them. These include ISSMGE, ISRM and IAEG.

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