Forum Articles and the JGGE

The geoengineering profession needs platforms to discuss important issues and other topics of wide interest, that extend beyond traditional papers on research and practice. In response to that need, this Editor’s Note brings forum articles to the attention of the readership of the Journal. Forums are a standard type of article for ASCE journals and

A forum has never been published in the Journal or its predecessors, resulting in lost opportunities for the geotechnical community. Conversely, the Editors are excited to announce that the first forum for the Journal appears in this issue. John Christian and Gregory Baecher have written a seminal paper on the life and visionary contributions of D. W. Taylor, former professor of soil mechanics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In the spirit of the forum, this paper provides insight into the development and background of several fundamental tenets of modern soil mechanics, including (1) load and resistance factor design, (2) critical state soil mechanics, (3) stress history and normalized soil engineering properties (SHANSEPs), (4) consolidation theory, and (5) the dynamic sliding block method. The paper makes for a fascinating read, and provides important information (and context) related to the early years of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering profession.

The forum category allows for publication of articles on a wide range of professional topics; examples may include historical perspectives, overviews and assessments of engineering practice, new policies and regulations, future research needs, and commentary on recent developments and trends of wide professional interest. Forums can also be used as a platform to pose important questions to the profession and generate additional discussion in the Journal and at ASCE conferences.

In closing, the Editors sincerely thank John and Greg for this inspired contribution and encourage others to submit forums on other topics to the Journal.