"The Geotechnics Laboratory of the Ghent University (formerly Laboratory of Soil Mechanics) has been founded in co-operation with the Belgian Ministry of Public Works after World War II. Today it is the sole University level Flemish research lab on theoretical, experimental and applied soil mechanics, dealing at the same time with major educational duties to some 150 students continuously.

Starting up, almost half a century ago, on research topics closely linked to daily geotechnical problems such as slope stability, shallow and deep foundations, it has extended its interest fields towards basic soil parameter experimental research, calibration chamber testing, soil dynamics with related geophysical testing and very profoundly to environmental geotechnics.

Besides of the staff members, foreign researchers in groups of great diversity are integrated in the Geotechnics Department, consequently contributing to the world wide opening up of our research interests and quality levels. The permanent close contacts and the co-operation of the Ghent University Geotechnics Laboratory within many of the ISSMGE activities, as well the frequently organised activities (lectures of foreign guests, symposia,...), established a lasting exchange tradition for documents and visiting colleagues in a group of at least 40 universities all over the world.

The following internet home page focuses on the updating of each of you with the major recent activities and initiatives undertaken by our laboratory."

Prof Dr ir W.F. Van Impe, director of the Geotechnics Laboratory, past-president of the ISSMGE.