In a recent news article (published on 6 May 2019), Stephen Johnson reports that we may be seeing evidence of the birth of a subduction zone (for the non-geologists a subduction zone is where one tectonic plate is being driven under another). Since 1969, some…
The Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission (CERC) was formed in recognition of the importance of reviewing the performance of buildings in the Christchurch central business district (CBD) during the earthquakes. It considered the adequacy of current legal and best-practice requirements for building design, construction and maintenance….
Draft Practice Notes on the Geotechnical Investigations of Dams, their Foundations, and Appurtenant Structures were presented to a workshop at the recent ANCOLD 2018 Conference in Melbourne. The purpose of the Practice Note is to benefit dam owners through more effective and targeted investigations to…
We are looking for dense, crystalline lava with few vesicles and a ‘sugary’ texture (see 2b, above). This kind of lava is found in the center of lava flows and usually breaks off into large (5-15 cm thick) plates. For organic material, we are looking…
The draft Chartered Professional Engineer (Geotechnical) Body of Knowledge and Skills was distributed to our NZGS members and also to the IPENZ membership over the last six months. The BOKS is intended to define the minimum technical capabilities that a CPEng (Geotechnical) is expected to…
INTRODUCTION The NZGS Management Committee structure comprises, as a minimum, 6 elected members and an appointed secretary. Up to 3 co-opted members may be appointed. In accordance with the Society rules, elected membership of the committee is for a two-year period. Eleni Gkeli is mid-way…
The following statement was issued by IPENZ: The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand is revamping its membership structure to appeal to a broader range of engineering professionals, including engineering geologists. From 1 October, the Professional Member category will be renamed Chartered Member, and will…
NZ Ground Investigation Specification Soil and Rock Celebrates 30 Years! This year Soil & Rock Consultants is celebrating its 30th anniversary of service to New Zealand businesses and developers. Soil & Rock was founded in 1987 and started with only a couple of staff….
Above: Great turn out at the Auckland round of the 56th Rankine Lecture by Professor Richard Jardine. Professor Jardine is perched ready for questions post talk, at the front in the blue suit, as local branch representative James Johnson manages the eager crowd. Waikato On…