Geotechnical Problem Solving

Devised with a focus on problem solving, Geotechnical Problem Solving bridges the gap between geotechnical and soil mechanics material covered in university Civil Engineering courses and the advanced topics required for practicing Civil, Structural and Geotechnical engineers. By giving newly qualified engineers the information needed to apply their extensive theoretical knowledge, and informing more established practitioners of the latest developments, this book enables readers to consider how to confidently approach problems having thought through the various options available. Where various competing solutions are proposed, the author systematically leads through each option, weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of each, to ensure the reader can approach and solve real-world problems in a similar manner


The scope of material covered includes a range of geotechnical topics, such as soil classification, soil stresses and strength and soil self-weight settlement. Shallow and deep foundations are analyzed, including special articles on laterally loaded piles, retaining structures including MSE and Tieback walls, slope and trench stability for natural, cut and fill slopes, geotechnical uncertainty, and geotechnical LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design).

Dr John Lommler is a practicing geotechnical engineer with 44 years experience in teaching, consulting and mentoring in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering. Dr Lommler is principal geotechnical engineer for AMEC in New Mexico and Texas. He began his career in Ohio in 1967 as a student structural engineer working on power plant projects. His career changed from structural to geotechnical engineering after studying under and mentoring received from Dr David Timmerman at the University of Akron.

Dr Lommler taught and practiced consulting geotechnical engineering in Ohio until 1991. When he moved to New Mexico to help his wife’s health, the move introduced him to arid, unsaturated, collapsible soils with Bob Booth and George Beckwith, which reinvigorated his career. In Albuquerque, he connected with Dr Ralph Peck, who inspired, mentored and encouraged him to continue geotechnical consulting practice past retirement age, mentor younger engineers, and write his book, Geotechnical Problem Solving.

Dr Lommler has written or co-authored over 1100 geotechnical reports and studies for commercial, municipal, state and federal government clients. He is author and co-author of several reports on Uranium Mill Tailings disposal cell design available from federal publishing sources, and is co-author of several geotechnical papers published in conference proceedings available from ASCE and the Geo-Institute.