On March 19, 2025, Prof. Kenichi Soga of UC Berkeley presented the 63rd Rankine Lecture, “From Geo-monitor to Geo-adapt: Leveraging Distributed Sensing and Data Analytics for Performance-Based Design, Construction, and Maintenance.”

Geotechnical engineers traditionally ensure safety by evaluating risks and minimizing uncertainties. Prof. Soga emphasized how emerging sensing, communication, and computing technologies now make it possible to continuously and economically monitor infrastructure. This shift enables engineers to respond quickly to failures, adapt to unforeseen demands, and improve the design and operation of future assets. Drawing on case studies of tunnels, pipelines, and deep foundations, he demonstrated how distributed sensing and data analytics are reshaping the future of geotechnical engineering.

Watch the full lecture here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5AxzE7RSGJk