Abstract:
The history of geotechnical engineering is not very old and it was initiated by an understanding of soil mechanics in the early 19th century. The term “Geotechnology” which is now referred to as “geotechnical Engineering” first appeared in 1945. However significant applications of geotechnical engineering can be traced back to as early as the 11th century. Despite this fact, the subject is relatively young with many progresses and developments made at an extraordinary rate in the last few decades. Geotechnical engineering involves ground investigation, geotechnical laboratory testing, geotechnical instrumentation, geotechnical design and analysis, ground improvement and ground engineering. Progressive developments in these areas are discussed and documented in this keynote lecture. These engineering principles are not only applied in the construction industry but also have been applied in rescuing valuable heritage structures, transporting extra heavy equipment, investigating new planets, demolition and reconstruction of famous structures, warship engineering etc. This keynote lecture describes services provided by the geotechnical engineering discipline and presents some well-known case studies of geotechnical engineering services provided during history and demonstrates how geotechnical engineers have been involved around the world in well-known construction projects, case studies and protecting the environment we are living in.
Biography:
Myint Win Bo is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Bo & Associates Inc., Canada. He graduated with a B.Sc. degree (Geology) from the University of Rangoon and received a Postgraduate Diploma in Hydrogeology from University College London, UK, and M.Sc. degree from the University of London, UK. He obtained his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (specialized in geotechnics) from the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and obtained a Certificate of Executive Management and Leadership from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society, London, UK, and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, UK. He is also a professional engineer, professional geoscientist, International Professional Engineer (UK), Chartered Geologist, Chartered Scientist, Chartered Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist, Chartered Manager, European Geologist, and European Engineer. Dr. Bo has been serving many professional societies as a committee member at both national and international levels. Dr. Bo has worked on four continents — North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Dr. Bo is an experienced practicing engineer, geologist, environmentalist, scientist, and entrepreneur as well as an educator, and he has given more than 40 special/keynote lectures and workshops at international conferences, tertiary institutions, and professional associations. Dr. Bo is also an Adjunct Professor at York University and Ryerson University, Canada, as well as at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. He has published five textbooks, five book chapters, and over 200 technical papers for international journals and conferences. Dr. Bo is an Editor for five international journals including the Environmental Geotechnics Journal and Geotechnical Research Journal published by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), UK. His work has been cited more than 5000 times in referred journals and proceedings. Dr. Bo is a winner of more than $ one million in research grants and also the winner of many awards for personal achievements as well as having designed many award-winning projects around the world.
