During the 21st International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ICSMGE 2026) in Vienna, EFFC contributed to the technical programme with several presentations highlighting the federation’s commitment to sustainable geotechnical construction, innovation and the development of internationally recognised industry guidelines.
The role of geotechnical contractors in driving sustainability
Presenter: Paul Vidil
Paul Vidil presented “The roles geotechnical contractors should play in influencing sustainability”, focusing on the unique position of specialist geotechnical contractors to make a significant contribution to more sustainable infrastructure projects. He explained how contractors can influence sustainability through optimisation of foundation solutions, performance-based design, the observational method, knowledge sharing and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
The presentation also emphasised the importance of guiding clients, educating young engineers, participating in standardisation activities and continuously collecting project data to improve future designs. The overall message was that geotechnical engineers and contractors have both the responsibility and the opportunity to actively shape a more sustainable construction industry.
Click here for the presentation of Paul Vidil.
EFFC/DFI Guidelines: practical support for international practice
Presenter: Karsten Beckhaus (Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH)
Karsten Beckhaus presented “Guideline work by EFFC and DFI – a practical supplement to normative regulations”. His presentation highlighted the successful collaboration between EFFC and the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) in developing internationally recognised guidance documents that complement existing standards and support best practice across the geotechnical sector.
The presentation provided an overview of the growing portfolio of EFFC/DFI guidelines, including:
- Working Platforms
- Tremie Concrete
- Support Fluids
- Watertightness of diaphragm walls
- Sustainability and the Carbon Calculator
- Non-Destructive Testing
In addition, Karsten outlined ongoing developments within the sustainability programme, including guidance on carbon reduction, circular economy, climate adaptation, resilience, water management and nature, as well as the redevelopment of the EFFC/DFI Carbon Calculator into a modern web-based application.
Click here for the presentation of Karsten Beckhaus.
Presenter: Fabrizio Leoni
Fabrizio Leoni also delivered an EFFC presentation during ICSMGE 2026. His presentation further demonstrated the federation’s commitment to innovation and the future development of the geotechnical industry. The presentation slides will be made available on the EFFC website shortly, after which a summary of the presentation will be added to this news item.
Together, these presentations demonstrated EFFC’s continuing leadership in promoting safe, practical and sustainable geotechnical construction. By combining technical innovation, international collaboration and knowledge sharing, EFFC continues to support the industry in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing built environment.