Website for Geotechnical Case Histories

This brief article serves as an introduction to the International Journal of Geoengineering Case Histories, a new online journal that focuses on geotechnics. The author defines geotechnics as the branch of civil engineering that deals with materials made by nature through geologic processes, in contrast to materials manufactured by humans under controlled conditions. Geotechnics includes the processing and modification of these materials to improve their properties for human use, but the most distinctive characteristic is their origins through the natural processes of deposition, erosion, weathering, and similar geomorphic activities. Due to this origin, no two natural deposits are exactly alike with regard to their physical properties and behavior, so the engineering properties cannot be specified, they can only be investigated, determined, and coped with under the physical conditions to which they may be subjected, whether in foundations, excavations, embankments, or other engineering works. Case histories become vital as tools in this environment. And, because practice changes with new procedures, new ideas and equipment, and even because of a new generation of engineers, yesterday’s case histories may not be adequate to improve today’s practices. Thus, this new online journal serves the purpose of supplementing older case histories with current strategies and techniques. The author concludes that this journal could well become the most complete and useful means for updating the knowledge of the geotechnical community and improving its practice.