EIT-Kyoto University - AIT Conduct Joint Seminar on Rock Engineering
The Geotechnical Engineering Program of the School of Civil Engineering together with Kyoto University and the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) recently organized a one-day seminar on the 'Development of Rock Engineering'. Held on November 16, 2002 at the Sol Twin Hotel in Bangkok, the event was partly supported by JICA and Kyoto University. Around 100 academicians, practicing engineering, and geologists as well as graduate students participated in the activity.
Four Thai specialists from the academe including Dr. Noppadol P. of AIT who delivered the keynote lecture entitled 'Overview of Rock Mechanics and Engineering in Thailand', and ten Japanese experts including prominent personalities such as Prof. Y. Onishi, Vice president of Japanese Rock Mechanics Society, and Prof. Y. Ashida, President of the Japanese Society of Exploration Geophysicists attended the event.
An international forum, the gathering of experts provided a venue for the discussion of emerging issues such as the current state of numerical analysis and its advancement, application of non-linear back analysis, risk analysis of slope stability and tunnel for decision making on maintenance plan, rock foundation grouting practice, use of photogrammetry in monitoring of tunnel and slope stability, geophysics for shallow exploration, and rock blasting.
Adjudged fruitful by attendees, similar events are planned in the future. One of the highlights of the activity was a deliberation on a collaboration in geotechnical engineering between Kyoto University and AIT.
Dr. Noppadol P. of AIT and Dr. H. Ohtsu of Kyoto University, who was a former seconded faculty member at the School of Civil Engineering, spearheaded the organization of the seminar.