Innovation and invention in geotechnical engineering
https://doi.org/10.22227/2305-5502.2025.1.22
Abstract
Introduction. Geotechnical engineering creates a positive environment for innovation due to its multidisciplinary nature and the fact that people have been involved with the soil in every aspect since the establishment of the first civilizations. For invention and innovation, there is a need for ideas that are free from stereotypes, unafraid of making mistakes, inquisitive, productive, diverse and creative. Anatolian civilizations proved their creativity and innovation thousands of years ago with great geotechnical engineering structures.
Materials and methods. Six innovative applications developed at Bogazici University: improvement of pile shaft capacity with lime slurry; rubber added compacted clay liner for underground petroleum tanks; geomaterial production by cold bonding pelletization; compaction of fly ash by using ice; large size large displacement multiple purpose direct shear test apparatus; multiple friction joint pile with adjustable stiffness are presented in this paper. The main objective of the developed methods is to offer environmentaly safe, affordable, sustainable and resillient geotechnical engineering solutions that are accessible to every country in the world and can be easily implemented locally.
Results. The developed methods are practical and have technical advantages over the existing more complicated methods and do not need specialized high cost construction eqipment. Innovative methods can create added value in geotechnical engineering that is compatible with nature, easily accessible and sustainable.
Conclusions. In order to develop creative ideas, during academic education, especially at the doctoral level, instead of stereotyped ideas, ready-made package software and implementation theses, creative projects with strong scientific aspects should be emphasized where new ideas are produced and innovation is encouraged.
Keywords
geotechnical engineering,
earth structures from early civlilizations,
creativity,
inventiveness,
innovation
Supporting agencies: The presented studies are completed under by supervision by more than thirty PhD and MSc students and their dedication and hard work is appreciated. One project is supported by TUBITAK Turkish Scientific Research Council, and the others are financially supported as Bogazici University Scientific Research Project grants and the support of TUBITAK and Bogazici BAP office is appreciated.
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Review
For citations:
Baykal G. Innovation and invention in geotechnical engineering. Construction: Science and Education. 2025;15(1):201-215. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22227/2305-5502.2025.1.22
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