Contributions to Géotechnique 1948–2008: Soil science and interdisciplinary aspects of geotechnical engineering

It has long been recognised that soils are not simply assemblages of inert mineral grains, but complex systems within which multiple phenomena can occur. Our objective in this overview is to highlight the key papers and concepts in mineralogy, pollution and the environment that that have been published in Géotechnique over the last 60 years, and to consider the future directions for progress in these areas of geotechnical engineering. To provide a framework for our review we have adopted the concept of coupled phenomena, and we have considered six processes (mechanical, hydrological, chemical, electrical, thermal and biological). By reviewing the major technical achievements in the areas of chemical, electrical, thermal and biological effects on soil systems, the importance of a sound understanding of these phenomena in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering is highlighted. We conclude that, although much excellent work has been published in Géotechnique, there are still many opportunities and challenges offered by soil processes, and especially low-intensity chemical and biological processes.