INCEPTION
The Indian National Society of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering was established in the year 1948 soon after the Second International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering held at Rotterdam. In December 1970 the name “Indian Geotechnical Society” was adopted.
THE OBJECTIVE
At the heart of the Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS) lies a vibrant tapestry of collaboration, where engineers and scientists unite in a grand symphony of shared knowledge. Our mission is to champion the relentless progress in the fields of Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering, Soil Dynamics, Engineering Geology, Rock Mechanics, Snow and Ice Mechanics, and their associated domains, transcending the theoretical to the practical. Within the sanctum of IGS, we craft a common stage that welcomes the scholarly, visionary researchers, the ingenious designers, the resilient construction engineers, the innovative equipment manufacturers, and all those who harbor a boundless fascination for the intricate world of geotechnical endeavors. We are not merely a society; we are a living nexus where creativity knows no bounds, a crucible where ideas meld, and a launchpad for innovation that shapes the landscapes of tomorrow. In the grand tapestry of geotechnical activity, we are the vibrant thread that ties vision to reality.
LOCAL CHAPTERS
To promote closer interaction amongst geotechnical engineers spread all over the country, local chapters of the Society were introduced in 1968 and at present thirty-two local chapters are functional.
IGS ROORKEE CHAPTER
CHAPTER & EMINENT MEMBERS
India Geotechnical Society, Roorkee Chapter was formed in 1972 with Prof. Dinesh Mohan the then Director, of Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) as its founder Chairman. Subsequently, eminent geotechnical engineers viz. Prof. Bharat Singh, Prof. A.S. Arya, Prof. Gopal Ranjan, Prof. Shamsher Prakash, Prof. Jagdish Narain, Prof. Swami Saran, Dr. R.K. Bhandari, and Prof. S.C. Handa are some of the pioneers who have headed this chapter and brought laurels to the entire geotechnical community. This chapter has also the privilege of producing IGS Presidents namely Dr. A.N. Khosla, Prof. Dinesh Mohan, Prof. Shamsher Prakash, Prof. Jagdish Narain, Prof. Gopal Ranjan and Dr. R.K. Bhandari. Prof. Dinesh Mohan has also the distinction of being the first Vice President of the Asian Region, International Society of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering (ISSMFE). Late Dr. B.G. Rao the then scientist, CBRI had the honour of becoming the Secretary of the National Body (1990-91). Several individual/institute members from the Roorkee Chapter have been representing as Executive Committee Members of the main body almost every year.
The chapter had the privilege of linkages with world-renowned experts who had been guides for doctoral degrees or had active joint venture studies with members of the Roorkee chapter e.g., Prof. G.A. Leonards, Purdue University - Prof. Jagdish Narain, Prof. Ralph B. Peck, University of Illinois- Prof. Shamsher Prakash, Prof. G.G. Meyerhof, Nova Scotia Tech. University-Prof. Gopal Ranjan and Prof. Charles Fairhurst University of Minnesota-Prof. Bhawani Singh.
CONFERENCES ORGANIZED
This Chapter has always been active since its inception and has contributed usefully to the Nation's Development, particularly in the area of Geotechnical Engineering. Several National and International Conferences were organized. To name a few, Rock Mechanics in Engineering Practices (1975). International Symposium on Soil Structure Interaction (1977), International Symposium on In-situ Testing of Soils and Rocks and Performance of Structures (1979), National Symposium on Rock Mechanics (1985), Indian Geotechnical Conference (1985), Application of Rock Mechanics in River Valley Projects (1989), National Workshop on Application of Rock Engineering in Nation's Development (2001), National Workshop on Geotechnical Engineering for Infrastructural Development (2002) and INDIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE (2003), National Conference on Foundations and Retaining Structures (2007) and the National Conference Recent Advances in Ground Improvement Technique (RAGIT2011) at CBRI Roorkee.
COURSES ORGANIZED
The chapter took the lead in organizing many short-term courses. These include Machine Foundations - Analysis & Design (1979, 1981, 1984)), Soil Structure Interaction (1985), Analysis and Earthquake Resistant Design of Well Foundation (1992), Earthquake Engineering for Geotechnical Engineers (1993), Landslide Analysis and control (1993), Design of Machine & Pile Foundation (1999), CAD of Foundations (1999), Geotechnical Investigations for Civil Engineering Projects (2000) and Landslide Analysis and Control (2003).
IGS LECTURES DELIVERED
The members of the Roorkee Chapter have the distinction of having delivered IGC lectures several times. These include Prof. Dinesh Mohan (1980), Prof. Shamsher Prakash (1983), Prof. Jagadish Narain (1984), Dr. R.K. Bhandari (1986), Prof. Gopal Ranjan (1988), Dr. B.G. Rao (1992) and prof. Swami Saran (2004).
MEMBERS RECOGNIZED AND RECEIVED
It is worth mentioning that Dr. Gopal Ranjan was the additional Secretary to the XIII ICSMFE, New Delhi held in 1994. Further, Geotechnical Highlights and Audio Visual on the Taj Mahal prepared by the Local Chapter under the leadership of Prof. S.C. Handa past Chairman of the Roorkee Chapter attracted thunder applause from the August gathering of delegates. The Roorkee Chapter has been awarded the IGS-AIMIL Best Local Chapter Award for outstanding overall performance during the year 2004. Recognizing the technical abilities of IGS Roorkee Chapter members Prof. Gopal Ranjan (1990-91) Dr. R.K. Bhandari (2000-2001) and Prof. Swami Saran (2008) were awarded IGS Kueckleman Awards