'Head out of the sand!', 16 November 2023

Retrospective
The theme of Geotechnics Day 2023 was 'Head out of the sand', with this theme we showed that geotechnics can play a central role in major societal transitions that are all over the news.
This edition focused on the role of geotechnical engineering in climate change, energy transition and circular construction. Geotechnical knowledge is crucial to optimise the use of our natural resources and minimise our impact on the earth. The theme "Look around you!" encouraged participants to explore new developments in the field, both nationally and internationally, and learn from them for their daily practice.
As usual, the Geotechnology Day attracted a wide range of experts in the field of geotechnical engineering and related sciences. Participants were employed by clients, contractors, engineering firms, geotechnical consultancies, water boards and in scientific education in the Netherlands and Belgium.
In conclusion, the presentation of the Keverling Buisman Prize took place. This prize for the best graduation research in geotechnical engineering was won this year by Bram van der Werff (HBO) and Lexin Li (TU).
We look back on a successful day full of inspiring presentations and valuable exchanges.
Presentations
Plenary
- Recent advances in pile design, construction, monitoring and testing - Maurice Bottiau (Franki Foundations)
- Bio-based geotechnics - Leon van Paassen (Boskalis & Arizona State University)
- Energy everywhere: the implications of using geotechnical infrastructure as energy infrastructure - Phill Vardon (TU Delft)
Hydraulic engineering session
- Macrostabiliteit van dijken bij opdrijven en opbarsten van dunne deklagen in het achterland - Britt Wittekoek (Deltares)
- Pneumatisch afzinken 2.0 - Antoine Feddema (Van Hattum en Blankevoort)
- Probalistisch ontwerp van afmeerpalen - Otto Heeres (Arcadis)
- Hoe sterk is een kademuur...? - Remco Kleinlugtenberg (Thurber)
Energy transition and environment session
Session Miscellaneous
- De Geotechnische staat van de spoorbaan in Nederland - - Agnes van Uitert (ProRail)
- Een ontwerpmethodiek voor grond-constructie-interactie bij hoogbouwzettingen - Illona Hartman (TU Delft)
- Funderingsproblematiek en Geotechniek - Johan Schuringa (Fugro)
- Critical state gedrag van antropogene OC klei in een DSS proef - Niels Walrave (Fugro)
Exhibitors
Participating exhibitors were: A.P. van den Berg, AL-IS, Allnamics, Boortechniek Nederland, Boskalis, CEMS, CloudPiling, Cofra, Deltares, Energiedamwand, Funderingstechnieken Verstraeten, Geo-engineers, Hektec, HUESKER Synthetic, Infoundation, IV-geo, MBS Kelderbouw, NVAF, Profound Drill Solutions, Solmax, Translab Environmental Consult, Uretek, Wiertsema and Partners and Witteveen+Bos















































































































