On May 9th, 2023 the 2nd International Workshop on Complex Formations was hosted by the Polytechnical University of Turin, Italy. The Workshop was co-sponsored by the Polytechnical University of Turin, the Italian Geotechnical Association, the University of Turin, the International Society Rock Mechanics, the Regional Association of Piedmont Geologists, Tecnesystra-SWS and Geosolving.
There were about 60 to 70 participants. The lunch and refreshments were outstanding!
I presented two Lectures at the Workshop.
I am very grateful to the Italian Geotechnical Association, the Polytechnical University of Turin and Terraphase Engineering for underwriting most of my travel expenses. I also appreciate the company and patience of my favorite travel companion – my wife, Julie Grau.
The Workshop was organized by Professor Monica Barbero and Dr. Maria Lia Napoli of the Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG) of the Polytechnical University. Prof. Barbero moderated the sessions. The Discussions were lively with many Q&A interactions between Speakers, and participants, including several professionals from Industry. There were a few on-line participants, including Dr. Han Zhang, one of the Speakers.
Links to PDFs of six of the seven Lectures are presented below. Thank you to those Speakers who gave me permission. The Lectures are kindly made available by the Italian Geotechnical Association.
Different Shades of Chaos: Geological Insights on Complex Formations by Prof. Kei Ogata, Prof Andrea Festa and Prof Gian Andrea Pini (Lecture presented by Kei Ogata)
Practical Classification of Complex Formations: Linking Geology and Geomechanics by Prof Andrea Festa and Dr. Maria Lia Napoli (Lecture presented by both)
Some Certainties and Doubts About Characterizations of In-Situ Bimrocks and Bimsoils by Dr. Edmund Medley.
The Columbia I5L Block-in-Matrix Soils: Observations, Hypotheses, and Approaches to Understand Slope-Stability by Prof. Ludger Suárez-Burgoa (Lecture not linked)
Suggestions for the Numerical Modelling of Heterogeneous Block-in-Matrix Masses by Prof. Dr. Ing. Maria Lia Napoli
A 3D Modelling Approach for Investigating the Mechanical Behavior of Bimsoils by Prof. Daniela Boldini and Dr. Han Zhang (Lecture presented by Daniela Boldini)
30 Years Later: BimPaPa Reflections on the Evolution of Bimrocks by Dr. Edmund Medley