IESL NSW Chapter Newsletter January 2022
1. Introduction by the Chairman – Eng. Paramsothy Gnanasothy
The Chapter is committed to continuing to work towards increasing the members’ participation in its all activities in the upcoming year. We encourage engineers living in NSW (including regional NSW) and ACT to take part in all Chapter activities and contribute towards the sustainable growth of this organisation during its 13th successful year.
2. IESL NSW Chapter Management Committee – 2021/2022
IESL NSW Chapter had its 12th Annual General Meeting on 19 September 2021 and a new Management Committee was elected for the year 2021/2022.
3. IESL NSW Chapter’s Activity Calendar – 2021/2022
IESL NSW Chapter encourages engineers in NSW and ACT to actively participate in all the Chapter activities. Please refer to the Chapter’s proposed Activity Calendar.
4. Collaboration in Geotechnical Engineering by Prof. Ashok Peiris
Considering the inherent risk involved with geotechnical engineering design and associated construction, a collaborative approach is very important for better project outcomes. Australian geomechanics Society has issued a special edition dedicated to working on “Collaboration in Geotechnical Engineering”.
5. Shark free surfing: How is it real? by Eng. (Dr.) Manasi Wijerathna
An artificial wave pool is an inland water pool especially designed for surfing. In modern world, a water pool is a no brainer to anyone. Nevertheless, a wave pool should be carefully crafted to meet specific requirements for surfing.
6. Dr Samanthika Liyanapathirana – Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Dr Samanthika Liyanapathirana, Associate Professor in Geotechnical Engineering, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Samanthika received this prestigious honour in recognition of her contributions to Geotechnical Engineering research and education.
7. Experiences in Handling the 1978 Flood of Parakrama Samudraya and Some Viewpoints – By Palitha Manchanayake
In this article, the author wishes to highlight some of his experiences which he encountered during the November 1978 cyclone, while working as an Irrigation Engineer (IE) attached to the Hydrology Branch of Irrigation Department, Sri Lanka.
8. “Radio & Television Broadcast”- Public Lecture presented via zoom on 18th September 2021 by Dr Amal Punchihewa
This presentation was focused on the transformation of the radio and television industries are undergoing. These transformations are triggered by disruptive technologies such as wired and wireless broadband, artificial intelligence, and device ecosystems.
9. “Digitalisation of the Water Sector – Opportunities and Challenges” – Public Lecture presented via zoom on 25th August 2021 by Prof Harsha Ratnaweera
The Lecturer presented about the opportunities that digitalisation introduces and the awareness among water professionals of the risks linked with digitalisation and ways to minimise the impacts.
10. “The Largest Ground Anchor in the World”- Public Lecture presented via zoom on 10th November 2021 by Dr Nihal Vitharana
The lecturer presented about the design and installation of 91-No. 15.2mm diameter multi-strand ground anchors in stabilising the Canning Dam in Western Australia, involved the largest capacity permanent anchor ever used in the world to date.
11. “Recognising Effects of Underground Construction Near Existing Structures & Infrastructure: How to Manage This Well?” – Public Lecture presented via zoom on 17th December 2021 by Dr Logan Loganathan
The lecturer presented about the effects of underground construction near existing Structures and Infrastructure.