04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005

International Congress of Soil Mechanics and

Geotechnical Engineering, Osaka, Japan
by

Frans B. J. Barends
Chairman Scientific Council GeoDelft, The Netherlands
Professor Groundwater Mechanics TUDelft

Thank you Mister Chairman,

Article 14A.2(i) of the regulations of the International Society of Soil Mechanics and
Geotechnical Engineering states that the Terzaghi Oration is delivered as a tribute
to Professor Karl Terzaghi, first President of the International Society. The Terzaghi
Oration should preferably cover case histories, derived from professional activities
and explore the dynamic interaction between consulting work, teaching, research
and publication. It should exemplify Prof. Terzaghi’s intellectual approach to
engineering and geology and to the observational method both for improving design
and for the advancement of knowledge.
I am particular grateful to Prof William van Impe who asked me to hold the Terzaghi
lecture, today, in Osaka. It is a great honor and, honestly said, quite a job.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, in this oration I focus on the context, the outside
world, of the geotechnical engineering and on promising possibilities of ICT and
Knowledge Management, emphasizing the potential impact of knowledge and ways
of communication. There is a great value to sell.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 2

outline of the presentation

• some historic benchmarks

• characteristics of soil mechanics
• knowledge and communication
• contextualization
• challenges and opportunities

I will touch the following topics.

What history can tell?
What makes soil-mechanics so different from other fields of engineering?
After capital and labor knowledge is considered the third production factor. And,
probably today we can say that communication, i.e. knowledge transfer, can be
seen as the fourth production factor.
Communicating outside our technical world is becoming essential, specifically to
inform others of soil-related uncertainties and how to address them in a context of
societal values. I use the term “contextualization” for this process.
Finally, I give some examples of challenges and promising innovations.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 3

7000 years ago

Prehistoric water well at Erkelenz,
Erkelenz, Germany

band-ceramics culture

About 15 years ago, a prehistoric water well was found near Erkelenz, north of
Aachen, in Germany, dug about 7000 years ago by early farmers, members the so-
called band-ceramics culture. It was the early Stone Age. The saw and the wheel
were not yet invented.
Oak trees were dragged to the fertile loess plateau and with stone axes 200
branches were cut of 3 meter length, 50cm wide and 15 cm thick. For the
connection notches were carved by using the animal bones as chicels.
For the construction of the 15 meter deep well smart engineering and a perfectly
organized cooperation were required.
This structure is the oldest known underground wooden construction.
It is a nice example of prehistoric geotechnical engineering.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 4

Pieter Breughel, Triumph of Death

700 years ago

IT WAS SO HOT
everywhere fields and
cities were burning
no water
a real catastrophe
FORGOTTEN?

About 7 centuries ago, chronicles, archives of old towns, melting of glaciers and
crops data tell us that the years 1176-1200 and 1226-1250 belong to the warmest
periods in Europe. The summers of 1473 and during 1536-1540 were the warmest
ever. During these summers, tropical heat lasted nine months! The year 1540 was
called the Great Sun Year. Crops desiccated. The air was thick with ash, dust and
smoke from burning fields and woods. Rivers dried up. In Paris people crossed the
Seine without wetting their feet. The water became polluted, undrinkable. Water
mills stopped and there was no bread. Insects could not find food and attacked the
people in towns, who suffered from hunger, dysentery, heart attack and sun stroke.
In 1562, Pieter Breughel was probably inspired by this hazard when painting the
background of his Triumph of Death. This is a climate change, or not?
We, at least myself, do not remember this.
One believes today is particular!
Our collective memory is short, not much more than a life time.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 5

oedometer

70 years ago
Soil mechanics becomes a science
Start of national Institutes
First International Congress

1936
GeoDelft
Karl Terzaghi
1883-
1883-1963
1925: “Erdbaumechanik
“Erdbaumechanik auf
Bodenphysikalischer Grundlage”
Grundlage”
5

At the beginning of the 20st century in several countries tragic disasters of railway
and harbor embankment collapse urged politicians to assign investigation
committees to understand the cause.
Soil mechanics as we know today did not exist.
Then in 1925, Terzaghi published his book ‘Erdbaumechanik auf
Bodenphysikalischer Grundlage’,
It was said that Terzaghi’s book put all committees in a second position and
everywhere since then one agrees that every coming engineer should be introduced
to the basic principles of this new science enriched with local practical experience.
We mark this moment as the birth of our profession. In many countries national
geotechnical institutes were established. And in 1936 the 1st Int. Congress on Soil
Mechanics was held in the US.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 6

today
• many international congresses
• many thematic conferences and symposia
• wide range of journals and magazines
• many institutes and many companies
great achievements

what do we actually know?

who can absorb this information,
remember and apply it?
who should be informed?
6

After reading the slide

It is recognized that the international society nor the national geotechnical research
institutes individually do possess the size and means to take substantial steps
towards achieving a clear socially accepted profile.
The problem of low societal awareness is also common in other branches of the
construction sector. But, in particular, the role of the geotechnical profession is
hardly recognized, even within the construction sector, despite the fact that that
geotechnical engineering is often a major element of the uncertainty or risk in any
construction project.
At the level of national or European RTD programs, research investment in
geotechnics is small compared to the potential benefits.
This situation needs a change, if society is to see the benefits of our advancing
insight in the field.
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geotechnical message
Geotechnical engineering is the application of the
science of soil and rock mechanics, engineering
geology and other related disciplines to civil
engineering design and construction, and to the
preservation and enhancement of the environment.
Geo-
Geo-engineering plays a key role in civil engineering
projects, since the built environment is based on or in
the ground. ELGIP, 2004

First let us define what our profession is and which message we would like to send
to the outside world. ELGIP, a European platform, where large national
geotechnical institutes from at present 11 countries meet, has made the following
statements
read slide and next.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 8

geotechnical message
Soil is a natural material which cannot easily be
quality controlled. Because of complexities of soil
behaviour and natural variations the
corresponding uncertainties have restricted the
profession traditionally to largely empirical
solutions. At present, the state-
state-of-
of-the-
the-art in the
geotechnical profession adopts on many
occasions a factor of 50% to account for
unforeseen circumstances. ELGIP, 2004

After reading the slide

In concrete the uncertainty is less than 10%, in steel less than 5%, but in
geotechnics usually more than 50%. This is not generally known.

The Task Force Professional Practice focuses on this issue. And I quote Harry
Poulos: “Stating the obvious is extremely important for others to understand what
we are doing.”
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 9

geotechnical message
“Any construction project deals with soil;
every project seems to get a calamity,
small or large
related to soil
The soil advisor is usually wrong? NO!
It has to do with risk perception
related to the intrinsic large uncertainty in soils.
Wentink, 2000

My colleague Joost Wentink, an experienced contractor and consultant, and not a

geotechnician but acquainted with geotechnical specialists, stated, I quote: “Without
exception, if you work in the construction sector, in any function, you will be
confronted with the aspect soil. Every project seems to get a calamity, small or
large, related to soil. I thought that after such an event the soil mechanics advisor
was wrong, but now I know that every advisor could be right. The difference is the
individual risk perception related to the intrinsic large uncertainty in soils.” end of
quote
We clearly need to explain better the intrinsic uncertainty in geotechnics, to the
outside world: the construction sector, the authorities, the politics and the public.
But before doing this let us first collect what we have to offer. What do we know
about soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. Of course, I cannot speak for
you, so let me tell you what I have learned as engineer the last 35 years.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 10

what have I learned?

• a historic event
• nature’s surprises
• unseen processes trigger failure
• the engineering factor
• pluriformity, multi-processing
• pluriformity, multi-disciplinarity

10

Read
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a historic event
1449 START TOWER CONSTRUCTION
1619 WOODEN TOP HIGHEST;
1645 WOOD ROTTEN !
REPLACED BY HEAVY MARBLE STONE
1650 STORM SHOOK THE TOWER; TILT OF 3.5 FEET
1655 CLAES J. PERSOONS PUT THE TOWER STRAIGHT

OLD FOUNDATION
FRICTION PILES 4-6 M
NEW FOUNDATION

LAURENS CHURCH AT 500 12M WOODEN PILES

ROTTERDAM UP TO A SAND LAYER 17- M

11

Amazing achievements where made in the past when so little was known about
what we know to day.
In Rotterdam, in 1620, the Laurence Church Tower was lower than the church
tower of Delft. This was not acceptable and a two stories wooden upbuilding was
placed. It was cheep wood, Dutch savingness, and soon rotten. In 1646 the
upbuilding was replaced by expensive and heavy marble. But it was forgotten that
the architect in 1620 had warned not to add heavy load. In 1650 a SW storm blew
the tower leaning, but the structure did not collapse.
It was decided to put the tower straight and Claes J. Persoons succeeded in doing
so, earning eternal fame. With the newest pile driving machines, by hand, 500
wooden piles of 12m length were driven just outside the existing foundation, next by
horse power and heavy iron chains the tower was put straight – so it is said - and
finally new brick-work buttresses, still visible to day, (see figure) carry the tower.
How Persoons moved and twisted this heavy tower remains a miracle.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 12

nature’s surprises
Fore land
negative delay in A B A B

cyclic response

negative retardation
signal A H A H

B
damping
loading t t
dt -dt
tail effect
c∇ p = p,t - σ,t
2
c∇ 2 p = p ,t

response A consequence of Terzaghi’s

time effective stress concept

12

Nature surprises. Sometimes peculiar behavior is being noticed, not immediately

understood.
The observed transient excess pore pressure response in earth river dikes due to
cyclic tidal water level changes show a damped response with, surprisingly, a
negative retardation (the peak response occurs earlier than the peak loading),
already noticed in 1904 by Honda in the potential tidal response in Yokohama. No
proper explanation was found.
It can be explained with close inspection of the physical process that takes place, a
kind of self-propelling storage effect, related to Terzaghi’s effective stress principle.
The loading can, in fact, be imposed as a boundary condition or as an internal
condition (direct total loading) in the case of a submerged foreland. The boundary
condition (left) shows positive retardation and the internal condition (right), which
has a large foreland, negative retardation.
This understanding that the maximum induced pore pressure may occur earlier than
the maximum water level in the river, was crucial in 1995 for the decision when,
after critical high river-waters, evacuated inhabitants of the Dutch cities in danger of
inundation could safely return to their homes.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 13

unseen processes trigger

dry slope failure failure wet slope failure

WILNIS 2003 WEESP 1918

uplift and shift burst and liquefaction

13

Unseen processes, not noticed, sometimes suddenly emerge and cause a tragedy.
LEFT: On the night of 26 August 2003 at 02.00 an embankment slid away with a
loud snap, after months of severe drought. The water of the canal inundated a part
of the village of Wilnis in the Netherlands. It was unexpected, and, in fact, it
appeared to be a new failure mechanism, which is now being investigated.
RIGHT: On 13 September 1918 at Weesp in the Netherlands a serious railway
accident took place that had a lasting social and political impact. The press
reported: “Due to collapse of a railway embankment over 95 meters a passenger
train rolled seven meters down from the rail near the bridge over the Merwede
Canal, the locomotive bumped into the bridge and several wagons were splintered;
41 were killed and 80 heavily injured. Help and equipment arrived soon at the
location, which offered a touching scene.” Most important was the shock; people
lost trust in transport by train.
The parliament assigned next day a committee to investigate this unexpected loss
of bearing capacity of soil. The committee pointed out that actually the construction
had been dangerous from the beginning and advised the remedial measures which
even with the limited soil mechanics knowledge available in those days were
correct.
This accident was the start of soil mechanics in the Netherlands.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 14

the engineering factor

The engineering choice of schematization, arbitrary?
factor HA HA
a

• parameters may
?
b
be incorrectly x
m = a /b
determined A B
θ
• the influence area HB
may be largely HB

underestimated clay
• unexpected
problems in sand
extreme situations ?
14

Interpretations of observations can be highly subjective, depending on the arbitrary

schematization of reality: the engineering factor.
An example is presented here concerning cycles in groundwater pressure as a
result of tides. The response of two piezometers HA and HB placed perpendicular
to the coast at a mutual distance x is shown.
The geological stratification is schematized in a two-layer system, a sand layer and
on top a clay layer. Both layers have a certain permeability and compressibility,
which in the sandy layer induces phenomena of storativity and compaction and in
the clayey layer consolidation and compression. One may disregard or include any
of these particular phenomena and doing so, six geohydrological systems can be
identified.
I and IV: impervious clay, II and V permeable stiff clay, III and VI permeable
compressible clay.
I, II and III rigid permeable sand; IV, V and VI permeable compactable sand.
It is the designer or engineer who will choose a representative part of the
measurements and the soil schematization. See two question marks.
Geohydrologist and reservoir engineers usually take V, Geotechnicians III. The best
one is VI. In fact, one is unaware of the consequences. It has significant effect on
parameter determination, the influence area may be largely underestimated, which
may cause serious problems under extreme conditions.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 15

pluriformity, multi-processing
Q

superposition! d, C, c

T, S
∞
p/(Qγ/4
p/(Q /4ππT)
T)== ∫∫ exp[-x-fy
exp[-x-fy/4x]
/4x]d(lnx)
d(lnx)
uu r
2 1.0 8%
with y =r /TC c
18% C
choice
choice u
u ff 29%
I 0.00
0.00 1.00 S T
II ySC/4t
ySC/4t 1.00
III ySC/4t d/√(2c(1
√ -u/x))
ySC/4t d/ (2c(1-u/x)) 0.0
45% Ln(t)

in reality all processes are active; in theory each one is taken apart
15

When observing specific phenomena in nature, it should be realized that all

phenomena that may be present will be active. Nature is pluriform.
In the theoretical approach we use concepts that are specific and attributed to
chosen phenomena, treated independently.
The following example of a closed form solution to the problem of predicting pore
pressures due to pumping illustrates this complexity. A well function describes the
pressure drop p at position r and time t in a semi-confined aquifer for a constant
well production Q. Like in the previous example we may include one, few or all
phenomena in the aquifer, being transmissibility T and storativity S, and in the
aquitard, being permeability (here hydraulic resistance) C and compressibility (here
consolidation) c.
As you can see from the formula and the table left the superposition is not a simple
algebraic addition, since the various processes interact (I only flow, II also storativity
and III also consolidation). There is no alternative, because field measurements
contain integral information of all the processes. Moreover, each process has its
optimal period (right). It may lead to calibrating a certain soil property with the wrong
process. Then problems will occur, unexpected.
In risk analysis different phenomena are usually considered independently and
stationary and simply linear superposition is commonly applied. I wonder if this
approach is reliable.
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pluriformity, multi-disciplinary
MAXIMUM SUBSIDENCE

prediction of land subsidence

TIME
Reservoir 1970 2000
Surface
Environment
Prediction
Prediciton

Reservoireng *** * * *** 1970

Geology *** ** ** *
Geodesy * *** * *
Geotechnicaleng * *** *** **
Hydrology * *** **
Construction ** *** *
Seismology ** *** ** ** 2000
time

16

The lowlands in Groningen Province (down right) in the Netherlands subside due to
gas production from a huge gas field at 3 km depth.
Early prediction of the ultimate maximum subsidence was in 1970 1m (upper right),
by reservoir engineers and geologists. Then geodetic surface measurements
showed a much smaller value, 25cm. Geotechnical soil modeling showed rate
effects, which caused an adjustment, maximum subsidence 50 cm.
In the environment, the water system of canals, pumping stations and sea dikes
was redesigned by hydrologists and geotechnicians, and damage claims due to
induced settlements increased, which asked for judgment from foundation
specialists.
Since 1985 light earthquakes were noticed in the area. Earthquakes in this area are
unusual. A national multi-disciplinary commission succeeded in elucidating the link
with gas production and establishing a reliable method for the determination of the
maximum possible induced earthquake intensity to be expected and its effect on the
environment. A close cooperation of several disciplines proved indispensable to
reach that goal.
Multi-disciplinarity becomes effective only after differences in jargon and vested
interests are overcome and solidarity towards a common goal is settled.
In this case, as a reward of a fruitful multi-disciplinary approach, the accuracy of the
predicted ultimate subsidence improved significantly with time (upper right).
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 nn

pluriformity, multi-disciplinary
prediction of tunnel performance soil stiffness ?

Duddeck, 1980
60m deep
17

cancel
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 17

lessons learned
• advances proceed after failures
• processes, unseen or not fully understood
• multi-disciplinarity becomes essential
• experience is not transparant
• we forget
• awareness and alertness evaporate

18

What have I learned? Advances in geotechnics seem to proceed after failures.

Insight in soil behavior has been obtained by observation of processes, unseen and
not fully understood. Multi-disciplinarity is an essential feature, but it is only effective
after the inevitable differences in approach are resolved. Implementation of new
insight takes much time and effort. Information, knowledge and experience are not
sufficiently transparent, not properly disseminated and updated, and when the
return period of an event is longer than a human lifetime, we forget. Experience,
awareness and alertness evaporate with time.
I believe that all of you may have gained during your engineering work similar facts,
identical experience and obtained certain wisdom. Let us see what we do and what
we can do with this knowledge.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 18

knowledge ?
rivalry
laxity
knowledge is our best defence against decay
ignorance
disregard
perspectives
knowledge
feature appearance feeling
1 facts data veni
mode 2 experience meaning vidi
3 wisdom value vici
Hendriks, 1999

19

Knowledge is the best defense against (read). So it is crucial you exploit the
knowledge as a person, or the profession as a society.
I have listed the perspectives of knowledge in three modes, following a general view
in philosophy. Facts are data which you come across (veni).
Experience is obtained when observing facts in a context, so that data get meaning.
You recognize it from the past (vidi).
Wisdom is understanding of the impact (value) of experience in specific
circumstances, in the past, in the present or the future. You know how to project
experience on new situations. You know what to do to direct what may happen
(vici).
So, in life it is all about gaining knowledge, in other words learning by using our
abilities and talents, of which the most important and crucial one is language, in
other words communication, transfer of facts, experience and wisdom.
This is a huge power. It is a power to change things.
And I believe that we, geotechnicians, do not use this power today, as we should.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 19

(global) learning
complexity
Prigogine development
stable

(1977) unstable
combinations
progression

oscillations
about possibilities possibilities

global disorder

learning,
stable
evolution, structure
regression

change, genesis
and time Source: Ilya Prigogine, Nobel Prize 1977

20

Gaining knowledge is a difficult and energy consuming process. An illustrative

picture of this process is given by Prigogine, nobelprize winner 1977 chemics:
“Order out of chaos”. He proved that time is irreversible and related to the process
of the system. Quote: “From a past of uncertainties we arrive in a present of quests.
We must look for a reality that fits our time. The future is unsure, but this is the drive
of human creativity. In systems in unbalance we should look for possibilities in
stead of certainties.”
I feel that our profession is at present in unbalance.
Terzaghi stated: “Unfortunately, soils are made by nature and not by man, and the
products of nature are always complex …”.
In the XIII ECSMGE Pedro Pinto put the question : “Is nature so complex that it
does not allow us to reduce probability of failure?”
Indeed, uncertainties in geotechnical engineering are large. Modern society does
not accept anymore that issues, which are recognized for quite some time, are not
being understood. This is becoming a problem particularly in geotechnics, since
uncertainty here is well-recognized, but differently managed from other technical
fields. At least, we should made this clear to the outside.
Soil-related uncertainties in a societal context, that is our quest.
That is our cycle of innovation, as shown in Prigogine’s graph.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 20

innovation cycles
EURO

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION

DISCIPLINES TECHNOLOGIES PRODUCTS SERVICES

KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING MARKET

CYCLE CYCLE CYCLE
Berkhout, 2000
EURO

21

Innovation cycles exists in many forms. Here I show three of them: knowledge
cycle,engineering cycle and market cycle in connection to the subsequent process
of performing research, being further developed for application and finally the
innovation in the industry.
Related output are: disciplines, technologies, products and services.
Th Practitioner-Academic Forum at this conference considered the interplay
between these cycles: the application of research in practice.
It is worthwhile to recognize how money flows in this system
In the knowledge cycle money is converted into knowledge. Usually money from
taxes. In the engineering cycle investments are made, either taxes or private
money. In the market cycle knowledge is converted into money. Usually for
shareholders.
It would be better if this loop is closed, as shown in the slide, which unfortunately
not.
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innovation cycles

Berkhout, 2000

Joint European WG GeoDelft Van de Weerd. 2005

22

Cancel
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 21

technology cycle in silico

in vitro A in spiritu
about knowledge TECHNOLOGY

expertise and creativity in vivo

imitation
tuning prediction
translation in silico interpretation

investigation concepts
code in vitro A in spiritu idea
lab testing innovation

verification in vivo selection

validation proofing
image
23

I like to introduce another cycle: the technology innovation cycle (A) which contains
four elements
in vitro: lab tests
in vivo: field tests
in silico: numerical predictions
These three form the institutional innovation cycle. In research projects insight is
gained by exploring field tests, lab tests and numerical prediction models, together
and in balance, as they are complementary.
To these three elements I add
in spiritu: human brain
so important for observations and interpretations.
Innovations, as a result of knowledge, expertise and creation, are being realized as
a process of sensing and thinking through these 4 elements.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 22

knowledge? in silico

knowledge transparency in vitro A in spiritu

TECHNOLOGY
self-learning by KM
in vivo

self-orientation by ICT

perspectives w.r.t. innovation cycle A

knowledge
in vivo in vitro in spiritu in silico
facts 1 observation simulation objective Dbase
experience mode 2 impact association subjective Ebase
wisdom 3 purpose concept collective Vbase

24

If now I project the technical innovation cycle A on the 3 modes of knowledge and
assign appropriate characteristics for each of the elements and modes, I have a
system by which I can identify the status and quality of any specific activity or
product in the process of innovation.
Using this system provides a uniform manner to elucidate strong and weak aspects
in a technical knowledge level in some institute, some company or some society.
For example. What is the knowledge level of a geotechnical centrifuge?
Answer: It fits ‘in vitro’ and a bit ‘in vivo’. The knowledge mode is 1 and a bit of 2. It
is associated to numerical prediction models (validation). It is hardly used for impact
studies and prediction purposes or new concepts.
However, it can be used for impact and concepts very well, i.e. modeling of models,
since a centrifuge test is multi-processing, like in nature.
I would like to ask your special attention to the last column of the table which refers
to modern carriers of knowledge, such as ICT and KM, which opens doors to self-
learning and self-orientation.
Here, I recognize three knowledge systems: data bases, experience bases and
value bases.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 23

value, meaning, data

size
VBASE
VBASE
EBASE
EBASE
wisdom experience facts

DBASE
DBASE

KM impact ICT
25

Dbase: Despite the abundance of databases in use everywhere, it is a challenge to

truly capture reality in the form of facts and store these as a collective memory,
which is designed to be transparent, consistent and extensive. Computer databases
will become an inevitable collective human memory expansion. Although ownership
of data is still an issue, data will become free in the coming years.
Ebase: A database of information (data in an experience context) is a different
concept to a database of facts. At present expertise knowledge is stored in
handbooks, encyclopedias, lecture books, PhD theses, professional reports,
publications, computer programs, etc. How we can store this knowledge in
‘collective brains’, which are designed to be logical, communicative and, above all,
associative, is an important current research topic. The concept of expertise-bases
(Ebases) will open the way to a free exchange of ideas and expertise in specific
networks and selected groups. It will become generally accepted that sharing
information improves profitability, competitiveness and value (benefit).
Vbase: The greatest challenge facing us in KM is to define a socially, culturally,
ecologically, economically and scientifically sound and consistent scale of
measures, against which aims and strategies can be evaluated. Its electronic (in
silico) manifestation I call the Vbase. V stands for values, in a general sense. I
expect that Vbases, in the near future, will play a leading role in valuing knowledge
development along a way of progress.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 24

innovation cycles
TECHNOLOGY
progress
technological society A

societal technology B

SOCIETY

in silico survival

in vitro A in spiritu science B culture

TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY

in vivo nature
26

But there is more than the technology cycle.

There is an equivalent innovation cycle for society, where selection and direction
are decided.
Nowadays, social values have also entered the technological innovation cycle,
exposing the value of knowledge to its cultural, ecological and economic relevance.
Technology and society are more connected than ever. We live in a technological
society and the society is more and more scientificated.
Together the technology cycle and the society cycle determine the changes and
progress of our existence.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 25

society survival

B
about communication science

SOCIETY
culture

engagement and integration nature

economy
scenario chance
translation survival threat

invention positioning
cognition science B culture emotion
trial & error promotion

modification awareness
nature
preservation risk
existence
27

In the society innovation cycle I recognize four elements

•survival or economy
•culture
•nature or environment
•science or technology
The first three aspects comply with the prepositions made by the World Bank in its
policy for development investments. Science is disregarded. Because the means for
knowledge generation depend on such policies as the World Bank, the omission of
science is remarkable and disputable.
It seems that technical science, as an independent intrinsic characteristic and an
essential element of our prosperity, is not anymore widely accepted. This is
probably a reaction to the period of technocracy that started in 1850 and continued
until long after World War II.
But it should not be denied that technical science plays an important role in
knowledge development. The World Bank should incorporate science in its policy.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 26

knowledge? survival

science B culture
knowledge plays a crucial role SOCIETY

in policy support, planning and nature

management

perspectives w.r.t. innovation cycle B

knowledge
science survival culture nature
facts 1 trial chance emotion risk
experience mode 2 cognition existence awareness system
wisdom 3 synthesis champion pride harmony

28

If now, again, I project the society innovation cycle B with its four elements: science,
survival, culture and nature, on the 3 modes of knowledge: facts, experience and
wisdom, and assign appropriate characteristics for each of the elements and
modes, I have a system by which I can identify the status and quality of any specific
activity or policy in the process of innovation.
Using this system provides a uniform manner to elucidate strong and weak aspects
of the societal knowledge position of some organization, some country or some
development program.
For example, what is the score of our profession, in society?
Answer: Are we recognized as we feel we should? Are we looked at as a
champion? Is society aware of our added value? Isn’t our work full of risk?
If knowledge plays a crucial role in policy support, planning and management – and
I think it does – then our profession is not in a proper position.
Do we need to invest in more knowledge? And if so, which knowledge. At this
conference, the Practitioner-Academic Forum looked at this question.
Or should we play a stronger role in this cycle? How?
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 27

mission OBJECTS
OBJECTS
safety
safety
maintenance
maintenance
instruments
durability
durability
soil schematization risk management
residuals
residuals
soil structures space
spaceuse
use
soil behaviour design model risk
riskcontrol
control
objects process
processcontrol
control

1 1.1.knowledge
knowledgeasasresource
resource
2 2.2.policy/planning
policy/planningsupport
support
3 3.3.research
researchand
andinnovation
innovation

29

Back to our profession.

The societal objectives are: safety, maintenance, durability, residuals, space use,
risk control and construction process control.
One may recognize the society cycle B on the right side.
On the left side is our world, technology cycle A, where we develop instruments, like
soil schematization techniques, risk management tools, soil behavior concepts and
design or prediction models, in order to realize soil structures designed to promote
the society objectives.
To play this role well – and I believe it is important, and insufficiently recognized in
the outside world -, what is needed?
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 28

what is needed

• value of knowledge
• communication
• contextualization
• new agora
• networking
• vision
• strategic agenda
30

We need to define the value of our knowledge, both in our profession and for the
society.
We should communicate this value. How communication works?
I will look at contextualization, the process of getting involved.
In a changing society and market, the new agora.
I will mention some examples in international networking.
And a vision document and a strategic research agenda is available for you to direct
your strategy for research, for teaching or for investment.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 nn

value of knowledge
appreciation in terms of quality

q u a lity item sc ien tific p ra c tic a l

su c c ess fu l yes yes
p le as a n t yes yes
d u ra b le yes yes
strate g ic yes yes
e x c elle n t yes no
tru e yes no
fu n d a m e n tal yes no
e fficie n t no yes
c o m p e titiv e no yes
p ro fi t ab le no yes

31

Cancel
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 29

value of knowledge
value of knowledge determined by appreciation
of its quality

to a client: “Yes, Everything is possible.”

to a subsidizer: “No, I don’t really understand.”
to a client AND subsidizer: “?”

32

The value of knowledge is determined by the appreciation of its quality.

It can be visualized from a scientific and a practical perspective.
As for fundamental knowledge innovation, the prime aim is to know how innovation
is done and how the quality is measured by past performance, so it is for practical
knowledge innovation to make sure that it is done and the quality is shown in actual
performance.
To this aspect there is some ambivalence in promoting knowledge innovation.

I am aware I give different answers to clients and subsidizers.

Client:: answering his question, “is it possible?” with, “Yes, everything is possible!”
Subsidizer: answering his quest, “do you know?” with “No, much I don’t really
understand!”
If the client is also a subsidizer there is a problem!
And in collective research programs this is the case.
What counts is the success factor. We advertise our added value and successes
not widely enough.
This is important particularly for young people who are looking for occupations that
promise competence, recognition and personal success, whether it requires effort
and courage or promises status and wealth.
We should do something about our way of communication our added value.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 30

communication
past present future

transfer of knowledge
views and information

provider implicit explicit

receiver
implicit 11. socialization 12. internalization

explicit 21. externalization 22. combination

Nanaka & Takeuchi, 1995

33

By communication transfer of knowledge, views and information takes place.

In the previous section knowledge was the object. In this part the persons involved
are the object, as it is essential that knowledge be communicated, at least in
selected groups. Communication takes place in many forms and ways. It is transfer
from a provider to a receiver, by subject or object-organized information, in terms of
orally presented ideas or written instructions, implicit and/or explicit. Implicit means
inherent, suggested or being understood while explicit means definite or distinctly
and clearly expressed.
In communication and information exchange it is therefore obvious to connect
implicit to mind (expressed, explained, and subjective) and explicit to word (written,
defined and objective).
Where minds interfere in consensus, socialization is created (11). Words may be
combined to define commitment (22). Self-education is when words are used to
enter the mind, i.e. by instruction (internalization) (12). When the mind is used to
create words, it is education (externalization) (21).
This deduction is helpful in understanding means of information and
communication, and hence to give direction and proper expectation from the
outrageous developments in ICT, in other words: in which quadrant ICT is really
useful?
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 31

Implicit knowledge Explicit knowledge

SOURCES OF Mental database Written Numerical
KNOWLEDGE database database
(efficiency) Æ 75% 20% 5%
(transfer time) Æ long moderate short
ICT Vbase Ebase Dbase

Ontology Epistemology
communication IMPLEMENTING
KNOWLEDGE A way of life Craftmanship
Mind ↔ Mind Mind ← Word
Implicit Evaluation Excercise
knowledge communication training
direction and selection information to knowledge
wisdom & balance study & coaching
PULL PUSH
Socialisation Internalisation
11 12
Word ← Mind 21 22 Word ↔ Word
Explicit Expertise Experience
knowledge teaching the art application
knowledge to information data and information
research & adventure practice & profit
PUSH PULL
Externalisation Combination
34

This complicated table reflects knowledge transfer for learning, understanding,

teaching, application and use, in all its manifestations.
It is a more complete view on the process of knowledge transfer. In every quadrant
the role of provider and receiver is different; object oriented (pull) and provider and
receiver being at equal level in sharing and policy making (11) or in joining and
doing (22), and discipline oriented (push) and provider and receiver being at
unequal level in teaching and learning (21) or studying and coaching (12).
A new approach (from field of accountancy and information systems) is to extracting
information from unstructured resources (experts, teachers, unstructured
documents) based on application of ontology and reformulate it as a structured
information. Ontology is a branch of philosophy that attempts to model things as
they exist. Later I will give an example.
Epistemology is the study or theory of origin, nature, methods and limits of
knowledge. Today the world is even more dependent on the statements of
scientists and experts and the call for independent proof and control when a society
is accepting new technologies, codes of practice and handbooks and guidelines
becomes louder.
Inspiring trust by communication, and sharing in and beyond the field of our
profession, become inevitable for the future of the geotechnical profession.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 nn

communication

carriers
for
knowledge
transfer

35

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 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 32

contextualization
complexity
development

instable
stable
the way ahead
progression
combinations
oscillations
possibilities possibilities
VISION
disorder
VISION

stable
CONTENT
regression
structure TECHNOLOGY
change, genesis
Source: Llya Prigogine, Nobel Prize 1977
A

B PROGRESS

Know your position SOCIETY

Have a vision, or two CONTEXT

POSITION

36

Science and technology are not any longer separated from society. Our way of life
is dominated by science and technology, and societal and technological
development have become strongly interconnected. Innovations require
contextualization.
The course of progress involves innovation and development within the discipline,
i.e. the content, and growth in its environment, i.e. the context. The anchor for this
approach is the actual societal and scientific position of the profession.
The focus of the progress should be a vision at a foreseeable horizon, a vision that
is supported in a wider context, based on firm grounds and accepted by a majority
of shareholders. In fact, it is a dynamic process, as visions change under changing
economic, cultural and natural conditions.
The realization of the vision is not the issue. Like in Prigogine’s graph: the future is
unknown and unsure, but the vision is the focus that drives human creativity.
It is a lighthous that directs collective energy and creates a breeding ground for
successful moves.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 nn

new agora
status by another man’s eyes
Technician’s world Manager’s world
Think in terms of risks, Thinks in terms of chances,
threats, problems opportunities
Wants to control risks Wants to avoid risks
Deals with rational Deals with non-rational
processes processes
Operates integrally to Operates stepwise reacting to
optimize changes
Wants to develop Wants to realize and score,
arguments flexible, dynamic
(fundamental, justified)
Sees managers as slow and Sees technicians as slow and
inert inert
Sonja Karstens, 2004

37

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Terzaghi Oration 2005 33

new agora TECHNOLOGY

progress
A

drivers and motives B

SOCIETY

Actor Desire Concern

position POLITICIANS POWER VOTES

AUTHORITIES CONTROL CAREFULNESS
vision INDUSTRY PROFIT COMPETITION

strategy MEDIA SCANDAL NEWS

SCIENTIST PERFECTION IGNORANCE
tactics PUBLIC SECURITY COMFORT
NATURE EXISTENCE EXTINCTION
authority
38

Talking about drivers and motives, be aware that society counts a variety of
species, each with its own desire and concern.
Politicians are not interested in money or cost reduction. At present, multinationals
and politicians seem to be dominant, waiting for the response of a new multi-
national society.
Authorities become nervous from being accused of negligence and carelessness.
Industry is in principle not transparent.
The strongest role is, and probably will be, played by the media. Damage, failure
and corruption are magnified in mass media, as in a public trial, producing a
negative image. But the media are also the perfect carrier for positive achievements
and messages.
Scientists complain that economic and political forces are threatening to undermine
integrity.
People require security and comfort in a society where risks are increasing because
of its dependence on technology. And technology has to provide the answers.
There is no way back.
Decisions are made in this new “Agora” where the context is defined, where public
and private interests meet, where different opinions emerge, and where – if they
want to play their role – geo-engineers have to raise their voice. If we express our
added value in the correct wording, in a context that is easily understood, our
position will gain strength and the value it deserves.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 34

new agora networking

A grouping representing the
R&D interests of the European
ECCREDI construction sector

ECTP Construction Technology Platform

Network of large geotechnical

ELGIP research institutes

YELGIP Young researchers network

Integrated Projects
EC R&D Networks of Excellence
Joint Technology Initiatives

39

Some existing networks in the new Agora in Europe:

ECCREDI is the European Council for Construction Research, Development and
Innovation, hosted by BBRI, Brussels; members are architect unions,
infrastructure sector, building research institutes, building industry, material
producers, engineering councils, consultancy and approval associations and a
geotechnical platform. ECCREDI has an advising role to the international
research policy of the EU.
ECTP is the European Construction Technology Platform. It emerged in October
2004. The ECTP is industry led, it provides a shelter for the national construction
technology platforms, which are established now in 21 EU-member states.
ELGIP is the European Large Geotechnical Institutes Platform, established in 2002,
11 European countries are member. ELGIP’s R&D targets are (1) sustainable
development of urban underground space (2) mitigation measures against
geohazards (floods, landslides, earthquakes, waste disposals) (3) risk
assessment in the construction process, reducing uncertainties and costs.
YELGIP is ELGIP’s young-researchers’ platform focusing on exchange and on
getting acquainted with the international research world.
GEOTECHNET An EC funded thematic network developing a European strategy
for the geo-sector on 6 key issues that will affect our costs and performance
over the coming decade. The project will complete its task in November 2005.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 35

VISION
demand driven European Global Sustainable
challenges competition development
Ageing population Pollution
New technologies
Health Water demand
New products
Safety& Security Cost of energy
Low wages
Growth & Jobs Climate change
E-CORE, 2004

40

This slide shows the problems, challenges and opportunities, the European
continent is confronted with. They are the drivers for research.
ECCREDI started project E-CORE (European Construction Research) to define a
strategy for European construction research, based on mapping challenges and
opportunities that research can deliver over the coming decades
On October 2004, in Maastricht, during the conference Building for a Future
Europe, the E-CORE vision for the construction sector was launched.
Ladies and gentlemen, the report of E-CORE is a must for your research strategy.

ECTP statement led by industry: Read

 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 36

ECTP’s strategic agenda

FOCUS AREA VISION 2030 MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH
CITIES ARE DESIRABLE ENERGY OPTIMIZED,
CITIES AND BUILDINGS TO LIVE IN EASILY ADAPTABLE

UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURES ROBOTIZED, NO IMPACT,

CONSTRUCTION SAFELY UNDERGROUND COST EFFICIENT
INTEGRATED DESIGN,
A GUARANTEE FOR BETTER
NETWORKS LIVING AND WORKING
MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATION
BUILT PAST INTERNATIONALLY
CULTURAL HERITAGE FOSTERED IN FUTURE ACCEPTED REGULATIONS

BUILT SUSTAINABLE SAFE, HEALTHY BUILDINGS,

QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MAN AND NATURE HAZARDS CONTROLLED

MULTIFUNCTIONAL, SYNTHESIS AT ALL SCALES

MATERIALS SUSTAINABLE, NO IMPACT AND PROCESSES

Geo-engineering plays a role

41

The ECTP-organization involves many actors, stakeholders and shareholders.

ECTP’s main products are a European Vision 2030 and a Strategic Research
Agenda (SRA) in 6 Focus Areas. More than 400 experts worked together.
There is a role for geotechnics almost everywhere.
These documents are valuable for defining your strategy.
ELGIP has been active Focus Area Quality of Life, i.e. Mitigating Natural and Man-
made Hazards, related to soils and construction that affect and threatens humans,
property and the natural and built environment. The potential damage and socio-
economic loss can be tremendous, as shown by the tsunami in the Indian Ocean on
26 December 2004 and the cyclone Katrina on 29 August 2005.
An important issue is the vulnerability of the infrastructure, roads, embankments,
railways, pipelines, cables, etc., that prevents immediate adequate rescue and aid
from reaching stricken areas after a calamity. This is, in particular, a task where
geotechnics is involved.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 37

challenges and opportunities

• micro-mechanics
• SmartSoils(R)
• collectiveness
• GeoBrain
• GeoQuest

42

Ladies and gentlemen. The last part of this lecture deals with promising challenges
and opportunities. I will focus on these subjects (read).
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 38

micro-mechanics 1-500 µm

identification of fabric of 1-10 µm

organic estuarine soil intact organics

Cheng, 2004

micro-
micro-crystals
micro-
micro-fossils 30-50 µm

aggregates of decomposed
5-20 µm
organics and clay minerals

concepts of friction and

1-20 µm
cohesion are not valid
at micro-scale. Should
mineral silts they be redefined?
43

The micro-mechanical behavior of soil, in particular organic soils, is not well

understood. Interpretation of field behavior using common principles of soil
mechanics may appear improper. Understanding the micro characteristics makes
drastic changes in the behavior and sustainability at macro-scale possible. This has
been proven for other granular media, like concrete, so why not for soils?
The slide shows a recent study on the mechanical behavior of organic soil at micro-
level using special preparation techniques (Soxhlet) and an advanced electronic
microscope (ESEM and EDAX). One of the challenging puzzles is strain
localization. The real physico-chemical activity occurs on a micro-level (at µm-
scale), and the fabric of micro-structures and micro-fossils have been found to play
a central role.
It seems that the concept of friction and cohesion does not apply for organic soils
and we may conclude that our understanding of soil mechanics may be false.
Knowledge of microstructure behavior is indispensable to bring our insight in the
mechanical behavior of soils a firm step forward. It provides a basis to modify soils
using advanced bio- and chemo-technology.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 39

SmartSoils(R)
calcite

pore

silica

wave flume SmartSoil(R) sand dune

GeoDelft, 2006
44

Terzaghi once said: “Unfortunately, soils are made by nature and not by man, and
the products of nature are always complex …”. This statement is becoming
opposed. Soils can become man-made, on the spot, on demand.
The SmartSoils® concept offers such promising opportunity. It allows to modify the
properties of soil, in situ. In some cases, there is also potential to recycle waste
materials and turn them into new construction materials. Soils will become
modifiable and adjustable on demand.
SmartSoils®, an initiative of GeoDelft, are technologies that can direct the
localization and rate of natural soil processes that influence soil properties. By
influencing these processes, there is real potential to alter the properties of the soil
(for example, permeability strength and stiffness). Bio-technology and insight in
micro-mechanics and soil chemistry allow to direct natural soil processes changing
soils properties to suite a desired purpose.
The slide shows a planned test on the use of SmartSoils® in dunes. Actually
changing a part of the dune into sandstone in a period of days, by using bacteria
which – when fed properly – produce strong calcite bindings of sand grains (see
picture, upper left), just like nature is doing, during thousands of years.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 40

Rodin
collectiveness
Paradox
between
separation,
required for Kyaikto
creation and Birma

collectiveness
required for
acceptance

45

In separation one is more likely to develop unusual hobbies and activities. The more
isolated one is from the masses, the more isolated one is from their rules and
customs. The more separated from collective consciousness, the more open-
minded and accepting of unorthodox and revolutionary ideas, wondering the
purpose of existence and looking for it outside everyday reality, a true basis for
innovation. The result of this quest eventually can be rewarding.
Collective consciousness enables a group of living beings to perform activities or
share experiences as if being just one organism. It seems that the more advanced a
species is, in terms of evolution, the less collective consciousness there is, and the
more self-consciousness arises.
For a real breakthrough separation is necessary, and for the acceptance of
breakthrough, collectiveness is required.
This paradox finds its root in our brains where rational and emotional parts of mind
control our individual behavior and social needs.
The challenge is to “collect” multiple brains, both in rational as well as in emotional
sense, by forming a selective collective consciousness with a focus on sharing. An
application of this concept is GeoBrain, where rational methods and expertise meet
intuitional feelings and experience.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 41

GeoBrain
Gathering
experiences

Experience View
database experiences

+
Expert
Knowledge Making
+ predictions
Artificial
Intelligence

GeoDelft, 2002

46

Design and construction is becoming more and more complex. his calls for quick
and comprehensive answers in a clear and understandable manner adopting all
available expertise and experience, and all parties involved.
GeoBrain provides a new toolbox for the integral approach of complex situations
where the subsoil is an important risk. It can provide an objective view on the
consequences of choices. This development has a strong parallel with medical
science where with diagnostic systems empirical knowledge is being translated into
generally applicable concepts.
Today’s ICT makes an “intelligent” tool possible complementary to common
physical and numerical facilities, using Bayesian Belief Networks, built from expert
knowledge and validated by real case experiences, translated into objective
information.
GeoBrain offers the possibility of systematic learning from case histories of
completed projects. Geobrain works as a facility for a specific group, which forms
an alliance for a specific application. It aims at bringing the vast experience of
various aspects of foundation construction together and make it available to design
and practicing engineers in the form of readily usable tools, which can close the gap
between theory and practice.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 42

GeoBrain

47

(I am sorry for the Dutch text).

This sheet shows a GeoBrain application: the design of sheet piling. It was made
with about 40 designers and contractors using the latest knowledge of design and
practical experience with a focus on the economics of a project.
Based on collected experiences, the evidence of failure to surrounding utilities and
foundation elements was found in at least 40% of all cases. So, using an a-priori
design check is worthwhile.
Input is the soil profile (left), and (right) you see the chosen sheet piling profile.
GeoBrain makes a prediction of the risk (top colored diagram); in red! Problems are
to be expected: the risk that the depth will not be reached is large.
Six additional measures are suggested, each with the corresponding risk.
•predrilling
•pull down
•yetting
•fluidize
•friction reduction
•post driving
Obviously the last one is the best. This answer is obtained in minutes.
The concept GeoBrain has the potential to make a real difference in geo-
engineering.
 04/10/2005

Terzaghi Oration 2005 43

GeoQuest
transfer
GeoQuest Questioner
knowledge database
by asking
questions GeoQuest

and making ANSWERS QUESTIONS

e-mail
answers and
experts ICT-
Respondent
accessible
GeoDelft, 2004

48

The time to collect knowledge as it is, is over. No need anymore to be afraid to miss
something.
Don’t chase knowledge, beacuse it will come to you as a dog who is waiting for his
boss. Wait with looking for knowledge until you have a question. And your question
will give the solution, since with a question you can invite the answer to come to
you, if you store and organize all questions and answers in your field.
This is the idea of Geoquest.
Mobilize knowledge from a question; the question is the route to a report or expert.
Look for similar questions in a database where questions are linked to answers.
Every question is collected (automatically: what, who, where, when) and
connections to relevant knowledge are marked (what, who, when). Lack of answers
will shows missing knowledge. This open process suits a learning environment.
GeoQuest is a knowledge motor: its fuel is questions, it moves you to answers and
shows on the way subjects of research.
GeoQuest needs a wide network. And that brings me to the closure of this lecture.
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Terzaghi Oration 2005 44

Closure

The spider is showing us how to network

using fabulous art and unbelievable skill
with daily maintenance, no energy spoiled
crossing inaccessible gaps and gorges
by using just gravity and external wind
49

The geotechnical profession, though being highly empirical, provides many

opportunities and chances.

There is a great added value to sell.

We have to network with other disciplines and the outside world.

Nature tells. Read the text

So, make your network wide, and cross to other sides.

use your weight (added value) and go with the stream.

Thank you for your attention.