INTRODUCTION TO THE DIVISION

The Geotechnical Division of the HKIE was formed in 1987 but its history can be traced back to 1980 when the Geotechnical Group (the former body of the Geotechnical Division) was formed within HKIE. The Geotechnical Discipline of the HKIE was created in 1988 as a local qualifying body for professional geotechnical engineers. In 1990, Register of Professional Engineers (Geotechnical) was established under the Engineers Registration Ordinance along with those for civil, structural and other disciplines. In June 2004, amendments to the Buildings Ordinance were introduced to set up a system for Registration of Geotechnical Engineers (RGE). The registration for RGE commenced in December 2004 and since December 2005, RGE is responsible for the design and supervision of geotechnical works in private developments. The key role played by geotechnical engineers in private geotechnical works is now fully recognised under the statute.

Geotechnical engineering encompasses the planning, investigation, design, construction and maintenance of works involving the ground, and works that are constructed from excavated natural materials. It incorporates the knowledge and skills associated with geomorphology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, geo-environmental engineering, geophysics, soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, engineering seismology and ground treatment. In the past decade, Hong Kong has experienced one of the fastest rates of economic growth in the South-East Asia and this has resulted in increasing demands on Hong Kong's infrastructure and urban landscape. Due to the hilly terrain of Hong Kong, the development of infrastructure and buildings has been carried out on either steeply-sloping sites or on recently reclaimed land. These conditions present unique geotechnical challenges in the form of slope works, foundations, reclamation, tunnelling, etc. Geotechnical engineers have made significant contributions to the success of Hong Kong through their participation in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of these works.

The mission of the Geotechnical Division is to organise learned society activities to facilitate exchange of up-to-date knowledge and experience, to help meet the needs of members with respect to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and to promote the advancement of geotechnical engineering. By achieving these objectives, it is hoped that Division members will be better equipped to serve the needs of our community. Two Interest Groups are currently set up to promote close collaboration within the industry, namely (i) Cavern and Tunnel Engineering, and (ii) Application of Innovative Technology in Geotechnical Engineering. As of April 2010, the Geotechnical Division has 4,431 members including 188 Fellows and 2,911 corporate members.

For those who wish to join the Geotechnical Division or to access information on how to become a member of the Geotechnical Discipline, please visit the HKIE website.