Geotechnical publications before Géotechnique

Abstract

Geotechnical engineering emerged as a recognised engineering discipline in the late 1930s. This paper reviews its development over the previous 200 years by examining the nature and shortcomings of the literature of geotechnics, and analysing trends. It looks at the nature of exchange of information in the period, and barriers to effective advancement in the subject before 1948. The absence of an effective international journal in the field before Géotechnique is revealed.