46th Spring Seminar & 19th Kenneth L. Lee Lecture & Geo Expo

Registration is now open: SECURE YOUR EXHIBIT & TICKETS NOW!

Download our flyer with all the details HERE (extended version) or HERE (1-page flyer)

Attendee information:

MAY 1, 2025: Queen Mary Grand Salon, Long Beach, CA

1:00-2:00pm Registration & GeoExpo

2:00-3:00pm Presentation by Dr. Farshid Vahedifar on The Effect of Climate Change on Geo-Structures

3:00-3:30pm Coffee Break & GeoExpo

3:30-4:30pm Presentation by Dr. Pooneh Maghoul on Lunar Geotechnics

4:30-6:00pm Social Hour & GeoExpo

6:00-8:30pm Banquet & Kenneth L. Lee Lecture by Dr. Ellen Rathje on Application of AI and Machine Learning in Geotechnical Engineering

Registration & Pricing:

Early registration (by March 15, 2025): $210 standard, $105 public employees, $35 students

Regular registration (March 16-April 30): $250, $125 public employee, $65 students

On-site registration (limited on availability): $300 only

*No refunds after April 9, 2025. Proof of full-time student status and employment for public employees required on-site.

Questions? asce.lagi@gmail.com

Speaker & Presentations:

Dr. Ellen Rathje on Application of AI and Machine Learning in Geotechnical Engineering

Abstract: The excitement about AI and machine learning (ML) is all around us, and we are just starting to explore how AI/ML can directly impact our work as geotechnical engineers.  To date, the most common applications of AI/ML have been in statistical regression or classification problems.  These applications have shown great promise, but the pitfalls of AI/ML predictive models remain (e.g., poor extrapolation, violating physics, etc.).  This presentation will introduce different AI/ML approaches and their specific application to geotechnical earthquake engineering.  These applications include earthquake-induced lateral spreading, seismic slope displacements, and earthquake-induced landslides.  For each of these applications, the AI/ML method, the training dataset, and the approach to model training will be described, as well as the performance of the model.  The presentation will also highlight new geotechnical applications of AI/ML, including ML-accelerated simulations, and the need for large-scale, publicly available, community-driven datasets for use in model training.

Dr. Farshid Vahedifar on The Effect of Climate Change on Geo-Structures

Abstract: Historical data, as well as projected future trends, consistently demonstrate a surge in the frequency and intensity of natural hazards and extreme weather events across multiple regions. The annual average of weather and climate disaster events causing losses exceeding $1 billion (CPI-adjusted) was 9 events between 1980 and 2024, whereas this annual average has risen to 23 events over the most recent five years (2020–2024). This alarming increase in extreme events, driven by climate change, land cover transformations, and land use changes, highlights the urgent need for further research to enhance our understanding and develop quantitative assessments of geotechnical infrastructure resilience under a changing climate. This seminar presents two case studies to illustrate how geotechnical engineering can be integrated into a multidisciplinary framework to effectively address these challenges. The case studies focus on the impacts of intensifying natural hazards and extreme events on natural and man-made geotechnical infrastructure, with a primary emphasis on California.

Dr. Pooneh Maghoul on Lunar Geotechnics

Abstract: The Moon has become a central focus of international exploration, with numerous space agencies and private entities aiming for sustainable lunar operations by the late 2020s. Key objectives include establishing long-term human habitats, enabling resource utilization, and paving the way for Mars missions. However, challenges such as harsh conditions, limited resources, and insufficient regolith data persist. Traditional infrastructure designs fall short of addressing lunar constraints, and current knowledge of subsurface conditions and regolith properties remains inadequate. Advancing resource mapping, in-situ testing, and multi-functional instruments is essential for sustainable settlement and industrial operations. This presentation highlights ongoing research in lunar geotechnics, advanced geophysics and AI-powered photonics technologies for water ice and volatile prospecting, moonquake-resilient infrastructure, and bio-inspired drilling technologies for sustainable exploration and construction in low-gravity lunar environments.

Exhibitor information:

On behalf of the ASCE Geo-Institute Los Angeles Chapter, I’d like to invite you to participate as an exhibitor at the 46th Spring Seminar & 19th Kenneth L. Lee Lecture & Geo Expo on May 1, 2025 at the Queen Mary Grand Salon in Long Beach, CA from 11 am to 8 pm. Our typical attendance is around 250 to 300 local geotechnical engineering professionals from the LA, Orange County and Inland Empire regions. The exhibit area is the snack/drinks center for networking during the seminar. The room has a capacity of 700. Vendors are visited by attendees during registration and before every presentation as an intermission.

The contract for exhibitors is attached and includes two free registrations (program and meals) & 6ft exhibition table with power. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Given the limited number of exhibition spaces (21), I highly suggest you book your company’s space as early as possible.   The cost of exhibiting is $1,300. Booth selection is on a first come, first-served basis.

Beatrice Torres,  PE  Cell: (909) 684-6802 E: btorres@verdantas.com

Note: If you get an error page or “Oops! That page cannot be found” message after registering, please do not re-purchase. Your purchase most likely went through and we are working on the issue.