David M. Cotton

Life Member 2014David M. Cotton earned the BS in Structural Engineering from Purdue in 1973, and the MS in Geotechnical Engineering from UC Berkeley in 1977.

He worked with Converse as a Principal Engineer and VP 1977-1987, and from 1987-2005 as a Principal at Redmond-based Golder Associates before his term as VP / Principal Geotechnical Engineer and NW Transportation Marketing Lead at Kleinfelder beginning in 2005. In 2014 David established an independent consulting practice.

David has undertaken major civil engineering projects in Europe, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Asia, and the US. He has participated in both SEAW and ASCE as an active member, including chairing ASCE's Seattle Geotechnical Chapter. During his tenure as Chair he supported an annual technical seminar at the University of Washington which continues today: more than 200 attendees a year learn about the latest changes in geotechnical engineering.

Throughout his career, David has written and presented technical papers on a variety of engineering topics, including more than a dozen refereed papers covering pile design, preload design and soil nailing design. David pioneered the development and use of soil nail retaining wall systems in the US. As a recognized expert, he has lectured extensively at universities and technical forums throughout the US, Europe, and Asia. He coauthored two design manuals on soil nail retaining walls for the Federal Highway Administration, and served on a team that toured the US for a year training State DOTs on how to design soil nail walls, using the FHWA documents. David developed teaching materials for the University of Wisconsin Extension's course on New Developments in Urban Geotechnical Engineering Processes, and lectured for three years with the program.

David co-authored the City of Seattle’s Directors Rule on development of land in active landslide areas -- a rule established to protect the public safety and the health of the citizens of Seattle in active landslide areas.

ASCE's Academy of Geo-Professionals elected David a Diplomate, Geotechnical Engineering, based on his 40 years of education, experience, and commitment to advancing and supporting the profession of geotechnical engineering. The Academy recognized David's lifelong commitment to learning and advancing the profession by developing new design technologies, teaching, and mentoring -- noting that his professional endeavors have improved practice, elevated professional standards, enhanced public safety, and advanced the geo-profession.

In 2014, both SEAW and ASCE recognized David Cotton as a Life Member.

Posted May 2014. Updated June 2014