The first seminar of term was given by Dr Matthieu Vandamme (Laboratoire Navier (ENPC, CNRS, IFSTTAR), Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees) in Darwin College. Matthieu discussed the success and difficulties of using molecular simulations to predict evolutions of properties of clays with moisture, and how they compare with experiments on thin clay films.
The second seminar was given by Neil Moss (Transport for London) in Queens’ College on some geotechnical considerations and impacts on the operational railway. Neil presented a number of recent problems experienced on the Jubilee Line, and how they have been overcome with minimal disruption to operation of the line.
The third seminar of term was given by Dr Martin Preene (Preene Groundwater Consulting) in Sidney Sussex College, where Martin discussed the many options for groundwater control for construction. The Society AGM was held prior to this seminar, where a new committee for the 2018/19 academic year was appointed.
The final seminar of term was given by the Senior Treasurer of the Society, Dr Giovanna Biscontin (University of Cambridge) on seismic triggering of submarine landslides. Giovanna’s talk was a brilliant way to end the year, and we are particularly grateful for her standing in with 2 days notice after a speaker was unable to travel due to personal reasons.
Thank you for making this year another successful year for the Geotechnical Society! We are already excited for the 2018/19 academic year. Seminars will resume in October after a summer break.