The quadrennial European Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Conference was recently held in Lisbon. Several lecturers from Széchenyi István University participated as speakers, presenting their research on flood protection issues in the inter-island Danube section and the effects of rising tides due to climate change.

One of the most prominent events in the field of geotechnical engineering was organized by the Portuguese Geotechnical Society under the auspices of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. At the conference, more than a thousand participants from all over the world shared their latest research results and experiences over the course of five days. The main topics included soil-structure interaction, earthquake resistance, sustainable foundation techniques, and the application of new materials and technologies. Special attention was given to one of the greatest challenges of our time, the impact of climate change on the design, construction, and maintenance of geotechnical structures.

On day zero of the conference, Dr Edina Koch, Associate Professor at Széchenyi István University and President of the Hungarian Geotechnical Society, was invited to present her research results, together with Dr Richard Ray, Professor at SZE in a workshop on "Sustainable Practices in Environmental Geotechnics." In the workshop, they examined the ancient problem of the formation of sand boils and the probability of their occurrence along the flood protection embankments of the Szigetköz section of the Danube.

Dr Orsolya Kegyes-Brassai, Dr Edina Koch and Dr Ákos Wolf, lecturers of Széchenyi István University and speakers at the international conference (Photo: András Adorján)

The Department of Structural Engineering and Geotechnics of the University was represented by two other lecturers, Dr Orsolya Kegyes-Brassai and Dr Ákos Wolf, who contributed to the development of geotechnical research with their lectures. Dr Orsolya Kegyes-Brassai outlined her research on the acceleration response spectrum for engineering with Dr Ákos Wolf and his student Benjamin Labar and Geomega Ltd. Dr Wolf presented the abstract of his paper co-authored with Dr Zsolt Szilvágyi and student Kinga Ficzek, focusing on the parameterization of a state-of-the-art material model. Dr Edina Koch, also in collaboration with Dr Richard Ray, presented a paper on the impact of rising tides due to climate change. 

Dr Edina Koch said that the prestigious conference was not only an opportunity to present scientific papers and posters, but also to build professional relationships, which are essential for the development of international research projects and collaborations. "Through the contacts made at such conferences, participants can contribute to the long-term development of the geotechnical engineering profession. The participation of our University's lecturers in the event is a significant recognition not only for the Institution but also for the entire Hungarian engineering community. The research presented has contributed to the international recognition of Hungarian geotechnical engineering and scientific activity," he concluded.

Dr Edina Koch played an important role in winning the right to host the Danube European Geotechnical Conference, which is also a prominent international professional forum, held every four years. The event, to be held in Budapest in 2027, will provide a good opportunity to raise the international profile of the Hungarian geotechnical profession, in which Széchenyi University's faculty can play an active role.