IMPORTANCE OF GEOTECHNICS IN TODAY'S AND FUTURE CIVIL ENGINEERING - Public image, risks and responsibilities and future aspects of civil/geotechnical engineering

Abstract

This contribution is dedicated to the public image of the civil engineer and geotechnical engineer, respectively, seen from an ethical and philosophical point of view. Discrepancies between professional opinions, the gap between theory and practice, pros and cons of codes or regulations, and the lifelong learning society are discussed on the basis of the author's nearly fifty years of comprehensive professional experience. Furthermore, the environmental challenge to civil/geotechnical engineering due to climate change and global increase in population is emphasized. Finally, the younger engineering generation's prospects in the future are addressed and recommendations are given.