Special invited Lecture

Dr. Marc Ballouz

President of ISSMGE (USA)

General

Geotechnical Philosophy and Cases of Site Reuse

Biography

Education

Ph.D. Geotechnical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1994
M.Sc. Geotechnical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1991
B.Sc. Civil Engineering, American University of Beirut, 1987
Lebanese Baccalaureate Part I & II, Jesuit N .D. Jamhour College, 1983

Languages

Fluent, reading & writing in English, French , Arabic

Affiliations

Board Member Governor Geo-Institute of ASCE, 2021 2022
Board Member, ISSMGE, 2013-2017
Chair, Board Level Committee Public Relations, ISSMGE, 2011 – 2013
Vice-Chair, Board Level Committee Innovation, ISSMGE, 2009 2011
Member, American Society of Civil Engineers & Geo-Institute, since 2010
Member, Lebanese Order of Engineers & Architects, since 1987

Experience:1997 to present

President, International IGM (Institute for Geotechnics Materials), a company with 5 divisions (Design, Contracting, Software, Research) specialized in Geotechnical Forensic engineering More than 150 projects accomplished with Design Build Supervision in 3 main countries where IGM has presence (Lebanon, Nigeria), and Consultancy missions around the Globe (Turkey, KSA, Iraq, Qatar, Emirates, Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti, Cameroon)

Expertise mainly in Shoring Deep Excavations, Deep Foundations (Vertical and Lateral Loading), Underpinning Micro-piling, Landslide Ground Stabilization, and Forensic Geotechnics

1994-1996: Project engineer ATSER Engineering Houston Texas

1987 & 1997: Project Engineer, E Acar Enterprise for Civil Works, Lebanon

Academia

Senior Lecturer, Texas State University, San Marcos, USA Spring 2022
Assistant Professor, at LAU & NDU & LU, Lebanon 1996 to 2006
Invited Lecturer at UT, TAMU, UMich in USA
Keynote Lecturer at major conferences worldwide (USA, France, Japan)

Awards

PRC Award ISSMGE Paris (2013)
Medals (2) from Sheriff & Fire Dept, Harris County, 2017
Trophy for Achievements from Lebanese Forces Engineers, 2018

Publications

> 100 Professional Design Reports and Forensic Remediation Reports, 6 ASCE Papers, 6 Research Reports, 2 Magazine Articles, ISSMGE Video

Activities

Skiing, Boating, Hiking, Hunting, Soccer, Dancing, Soft Rock music

Summary

Geotechnical Philosophy and Cases of Site Reuse

The International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering will be presented as the largest geotechnical family with its history with its activities around the world.

The lecture would follow by introducing the philosophy of the SoLGeH principle discussing the importance of data collection, and presenting how the stable engineering solution lies in providing functionality with a cost-effective approach without compromising safety. SoLGeH also includes the subject of matching the units and checking the logic of results.

Engineering is in our daily activities, and observing that is key to our continuing education. The observation of walking on sand for example can tell us a lot about the theory we learned. No relying on intuition to solve an engineering problem as it may lead to wrong conclusions with some examples given.

There are many projects conducted by the author as case histories. Two particular cases stand out and will be presented for their importance in developing sustainable structure and infrastructure because of site reuse.

With the ease of travelling around the globe these days, the readiness of every engineer to be internationally ready is discussed.

The conclusions emanate from the lessons learned with some impact messages for the future.