Dr Kurt John Douglas

Pells Sullivan Meynink Senior Lecturer of Rock Mechanics,

Associate Head (Engagement)

School of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Research interest

My research looks at how to better predict the properties of rock so that we can more efficiently design foundations, tunnels, slopes and dams..

I am attempting to improve our understanding and hence predictive capabilities of the behaviour of rock at the field scale using laboratory and field based studies. My research covers rockfill and rock mass strength and deformation as well as erosion prediction of spillways. I also investigate piping behaviour within embankment dams.

My research covers rock mass strength and deformation prediction, spillway erosion assessment and piping within embankment dams.

Lectures/Courses taught

I teach subjects in the Geotechnical Engineering field. As a third year undergraduate I will teach you the fundamentals of engineering geology (the 'geo' part of geotechnical) such that you will be able to predict the possible ground conditions you might encounter when assessing sites for future engineering projects. Students doing my fourth year elective will join me in learning about Geotechnical Engineering design. This includes the design of tunnels, slopes and foundations and the investigation and remediation of landslides. They will also join me on an action packed fieldtrip visiting mines, slopes, landslides, dams and other engineered structures. As a postgraduate student, I will give you specialised training in site investigation techniques, rock engineering for slope and underground design and foundation design.

Awards, Grants, Patents

Awards

2012 UNSW Staff Excellence Award for Excellence in Community Engagement – Group

2012 Professional Staff Excellence Award - Team

Grants

Robin Fell, Chongmin Song, William L. Peirson and Kurt J. Douglas, “Erosion of embankment dams and dam spillways”, Australian Research Council – Linkage Project LP110100389, $480,000 (2011-2013).

Education

PhD from UNSW Australia

BE with 1^st Class Honours in Civil Engineering from the University of Sydney, Australia