ABSTRACT
There appears to be a persistent gap in communication between geotechnical academics and practitioners. Academics frequently view practitioners as being ignorant of new research findings and clinging to outmoded methods of analysis and design. Conversely, practitioners frequently view academics as “having their heads in the clouds” and undertaking research that is esoteric and not directly applicable to practice. In an effort to bridge the apparent communication gap between academics and practitioners, the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) conducted an AcademicPractitioner Forum at their 16th International Conference in Osaka in 2005 (Poulos et al, 2006). Following the success of this event, similar forums have been arranged in other conferences, and this present event during BAP V will continue this recent tradition. It will however focus on issues that are specific to piling.
