Foundation Engineering Network News  On the evening of August 13, 2024, the fifth session of the "Foundation Expert - Lao Zhu Lecture Hall" program was held as scheduled. The special guest for this session was Professor-level Senior Engineer Wang Rongyan, Chief Geotechnical Engineering Expert at the Ecological Environment Geology Service Center of the Henan Provincial Geological Bureau, who shared his "geotechnical insights" from 36 years of experience, sparking an enthusiastic response.

The event was co-hosted and moderated by regular guest Researcher Zhu Chunming of the Institute of Foundation Engineering at the China Academy of Building Research and the program team's Planning Director Xu Xin.

With the theme "The 'Seven Characteristics' of Geotechnical Engineering and the Necessity of Conceptual Design," Professor Wang Rongyan first introduced the background of conceptual design in geotechnical engineering. Drawing on his many years of engineering practice and his deep understanding of geotechnical engineering, he proposed for the first time the "Seven Characteristics," including "diversity," "complexity," "regionality," "generality," "colorfulness," "systematicity," and "practicality." He emphasized that for beginners, mastering the professional techniques and conceptual design in this "earth-related" field is no easy task.

Subsequently, Professor Wang Rongyan conducted an in-depth analysis from three aspects: foundation engineering, slope engineering, and deformation control design of deep excavation engineering, and provided detailed explanations combined with numerous classic cases to strengthen participants' understanding of the integration of theory and practice.

During the interactive exchange session, online viewers actively asked questions, and Researcher Zhu Chunming and Professor Wang Rongyan listened attentively, creating a lively interactive atmosphere. Professor Wang Rongyan provided detailed answers to questions of concern to viewers, such as "treatment of fill foundations across geomorphic units," "conceptual design of karst foundations," and "the impact of different construction methods on concealed works," offering viewers rich professional insights.

At the end of the program, Professor Wang Rongyan offered words of encouragement to the younger generation of engineers, encouraging them to maintain curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and to bravely explore unknown fields. He emphasized that when solving engineering problems, one should not only rely on existing theories and experience but also innovate boldly. At the same time, young engineers should learn humbly, seek advice from their predecessors, and accumulate practical experience, which will be of great help to their careers. He also looked forward to working with everyone to advance geotechnical engineering and contribute to sustainable social development.

This event not only promoted learning and exchange among online participants but also further demonstrated the unique influence and wide attention of "Foundation Expert - Lao Zhu Lecture Hall" in the field of geotechnical engineering. Netizens widely expressed that they had benefited greatly and looked forward to more exciting content in the future.