Summary

Keynote lectures presented at GeoCongress 2012, held in Oakland, California, March 25-29, 2012. Sponsored by the Geo-Institute of ASCE.

This Geotechnical Special Publication contains 30 peer-reviewed papers that survey the entire breadth of research and practice in geotechnical engineering. Each paper is contributed by distinguished geotechnical engineers who were invited to create a comprehensive overview of the profession by focusing on a specific technical subject. About half the papers present the state of the art by describing current challenges for geotechnical researchers. The other half demonstrate the state of the practice by reporting on issues tackled by geotechnical engineers in the field. Taken together, these papers showcase the best of the profession and form a basis for integrating geotechnical research with its practice.

Topics include: foundations and earth stability; geotechnical modeling; site characterization, testing, and monitoring; geoenvironmental engineering; embankments and slope stability; soil properties; pavements; tunneling and underground spaces; and earthquake engineering.

GSP 226 is an important touchstone for geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineers, whatever their focus on research and practice.