GeoMandu 2023 opening ceremony (16 Mar, 2023)

The Nepal Geotechnical Society extends a warm invitation to geotechnical engineers, geoscientists, professionals, and researchers from around the world to participate in “GeoMandu-2024,” the second installment of the esteemed “GeoMandu” series organized by the Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS). This biennial event is scheduled to take place in Kathmandu on November 28th and 29th, 2024, with a central theme of “Geotechnics for Sustainable Infrastructure.”

In recent times, the focus of civil engineering advances has shifted towards the creation of sustainable, resilient, and environmentally conscious infrastructure, driven by global dynamics, urbanization, and climate change. Nepal is actively investing in infrastructure development, encompassing roads, hydropower, irrigation, and the establishment of new urban centers. Over the past few decades and in the years to come, significant progress has been made, such as expanding the road network from under 10,000 kilometers to an impressive 45,000 kilometers and increasing hydropower capacity from around 1,000 megawatts to a remarkable 25,000 megawatts. Moreover, plans are in motion for road tunnel transportation, railways, substantial irrigation and water-supply projects, as well as the development of secure and efficient urban environments.

Amidst these ongoing developments, engineers are facing challenges posed by natural disasters and climate-related issues. In this contemporary context, geotechnical engineering emerges as the cornerstone of civil engineering practice. It deals with the behavior of earth materials, specifically soils and rocks, and their interaction with structures. This discipline plays a pivotal role in ensuring the resilience and eco-friendliness of infrastructure.

This conference will serve as a dynamic platform for researchers, engineers, and practitioners to engage in knowledge exchange, disseminate groundbreaking research findings, and collaborate on solutions that will define the next phase of infrastructure development.

We extend our heartfelt invitation to join us amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal as we embark on this inspiring journey towards “Geotechnics for Sustainable Infrastructure.” Together, we can contribute to shaping a better, greener, and resilient world for the benefit of future generations.

Closing photograph of GeoMandu 2023

Primarily focusing on the theme of geotechnics for sustainable infrastructure, this international conference is being held to meet the following objectives.

1. Knowledge Dissemination: To facilitate the dissemination of the latest research, innovations, and best practices in the field of geotechnical engineering for sustainable infrastructure.

2. Global Collaboration: To provide a platform for international collaboration and networking among geotechnical engineers, geoscientists, professionals, and researchers from around the world.

3. Sustainable Solutions: To emphasize the role of geotechnical engineering in addressing the challenges of sustainable and resilient infrastructure development, particularly in the context of global dynamics, urbanization, and climate change.

4. Inspiration and Education: To inspire and educate participants by showcasing Nepal’s remarkable progress in infrastructure development and how it aligns with the principles of sustainability.

5. Resilience in Infrastructure: To explore the critical role of geotechnical engineering in ensuring infrastructure resilience, especially in the face of natural disasters and climate-related challenges.

6. Long-Term Impact: To establish a recurring conference series, held every two years, that serves as a consistent forum for advancing the discourse on geotechnical engineering and sustainable infrastructure globally.

7. Capacity Building: To foster the growth of knowledge and expertise in geotechnical engineering, contributing to the development of secure and efficient urban environments and infrastructure.

8. Global Outreach: To promote global awareness of Nepal’s contributions to the field of geotechnics and its commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.

In summary, the “GeoMandu” conference series aims to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and sustainable solutions within the geotechnical engineering community, with a focus on sustainable infrastructure development on a global scale.

Prof. Dr. Netra Prakash Bhandary inviting all ISSMGE community to GeoMandu 2024 at 17ARC, Kazakhstan

About the Organizer

Nepal Geotechnical Society is a scientific forum of engineers and scientists involved in the fields of general civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, and geosciences. It was established by an enthusiastic and truly dedicated group of geotechnical engineers and academics of Nepal back in 1994 so as to deal with massive geotechnical challenges and bring into effect geotechnical engineering design and practices together with the development of education and research in the country. Although the membership strength of the society is still far below initial expectations, starting from only 10 in the beginning, today it has gone to about 200 and is expected to increase every year.

Apart from various national seminars and guest lectures, NGS is involved in international activities through its affiliation with the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) for more than two decades. However, because of many a number of difficulties including the largely lagging infrastructure development activities in the nation, we in NGS have not been able to frequently exchange our experience with the international geotechnical experts through any regular international events in Nepal itself. Despite our attempts to hold international events in the country on a regular basis, most of our activities so far have been willingly or unwillingly limited to the national level and on a smaller scale. Among the Asian national geotechnical societies too, we are yet to emerge as an active society in the region. The first ever NGS international symposium we organized was in 2014. But starting the first GeoMandu 2023 from March 2023, we plan to hold the NGS international conference series on a regular basis every two years in the name of GeoMandu.