The HKIE Geotechnical Division Annual Seminar provides a platform for geotechnical engineers and researchers to exchange their knowledge on hot geotechnical topics. No doubt tunnel and underground construction have been a hot topic amongst geotechnical engineers in recent years. Many ongoing mega infrastructure projects and mega projects on the drawing board including many of the Chief Executive’s ten major infrastructure projects, are associated with tunnel and underground constructions. These projects call for substantial geotechnical input, often to overcome constraints and difficulties due to complex ground conditions, to protect the existing developments, and to interface with other projects. The geotechnical profession in Hong Kong has gained valuable experience in tunnel and underground constructions. The 2012 HKIE-GD Annual Seminar will serve as a platform for the profession to consolidate our experience and geotechnical expertise in tunnel and underground constructions, and to equip ourselves with the knowledge to meet the challenges from underground developments in the years ahead. This is in line with the Government initiative to house Government facilities underground and vacant lands for other use.

In view of this interesting and popular topic, the response from local and
overseas geotechnical engineers and researchers has been overwhelming. A
total of about 50 papers will be published in the proceedings, a record number
as compared with all previous GD Annual Seminars. The number of participants
is expected to be over 600 which would be another record.