UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS POSTPONDED AND WILL NOW TAKE PLACE IN MARCH 2021
Symposium theme
The theme of the Symposium is inspired by the profound changes currently experienced internationally and in New Zealand:
- Natural disasters associated with climate change effects, are becoming increasingly frequent and severe.
- The learnings from the recent Canterbury and Kaikōura seismic events are shifting our thinking in New Zealand with respect to the way we perceive and address the seismic risk.
- Increasing urbanism and growth of population around the cities create more needs for capacity and resiliency of lifelines.
- The fragile international economy is limiting available resources, and potential changes in insurance practices and cover policies require a different approach in achieving resilience for our communities.
These are pressing future challenges for the geotechnical profession, but also great opportunities. The profession is playing a key role in achieving sustainability of our built environment and communities.
At the same time, new technologies, such as intelligent real time remote monitoring systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and computer power create new capabilities. New wireless communication technologies enable dissemination of knowledge and collaboration, without geographical or other barriers. New regulation and guidelines framework provide an invaluable tool for benchmarking geotechnical engineering practice.
Our past failures and achievements can provide invaluable learnings and assist us prepare for the future challenges and make the most of the future opportunities.
Symposium purpose and format
The Symposium aims to attract the most recent developments in geotechnical engineering, and associated disciplines in New Zealand and internationally. We look for stimulating technical discussions and out-of-the-box ideas in the fields of engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, seismology, geophysics, new technologies.
The Symposium will comprise a pre-symposium half-day workshop, one-day field study, and two days of technical talks and discussions. We will use a range of formats: keynote speakers, plenary special technical sessions and discussions, speaker presentations, and poster exhibitions.
Collaboration and communication with structural and infrastructural engineering will be key component of our technical sessions.