ASCE Metropolitan Section - Geotechnical Group

The mission of the Geotechnical Group is to provide members with opportunities to expand and share their knowledge and expertise of geotechnical engineering and geotechnical construction, particularly as it relates to the unique environment of the New York City metropolitan area. The Geotechnical Group aims to accomplish this through monthly technical lectures and annual specialty seminars. Attendees of the geotechnical lectures and seminar will receive accredited Professional Development Hours (PDHs) applied towards the Continuing Education Program of the P.E. licensing renewal. To learn about our upcoming technical lectures and seminars, please look at the event calendar on the right side of this page.

If you would like present one of your projects at one of our monthly lectures, or if you have any particular geotech-related topic that may be of Section members' interest, please do not hesitate to contact any of the Geotechnical Group officers. To be included on our e-mailing list for future events or if you have any question or comments, please contact Geotechnical Group Chair Paul Pizzimenti at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

18th Annual Mueser Rutledge Lecture: Seismic Ground Improvement of Earth Dams

Paul B. Pizzimenti presenting the Golden Apple to Prof. J.K. Mitchell after the presentation (Photo by Walter J. Papp, Jr.)

Prof. James K. Mitchell, Dist. M.ASCE presented the "Seismic Ground Improvement of Earth Dams" for the 18th Annual Mueser Rutledge Technical Lecture on December 11, 2008. A summary of this lecture is coming soon.

Presentation Slides:
Part I
Part II

Excavation & Underpinning Practices - Special Enforcement Program

Tim Lynch, P.E., Chief Engineer of the New York City Department of Buildings Excavation and Major Renovations Unit, delivered a lecture to the Met Section's Geotechnical Group on October 23, 2008. As part of the community outreach portion of his position at the Department of Buildings, Mr. Lynch helps to educate the design and construction community about the dangers involved with performing excavation with insufficient research, engineering, and excavation support.