Free Professional Newsletter

The South African Geotechnical Engineer’s Newsletter

Practical insights for geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, soil laboratories and consulting practices working with soil investigations, borehole logging and geotechnical reporting.

Join the Free Newsletter

Stay Current. Stay Accurate. Stay Connected.

Every week, I share practical insights drawn from decades of experience in civil engineering, soil analysis, software development and geotechnical practice.

The goal is simple: to help South African geotechnical professionals work more efficiently, avoid common mistakes, and stay informed about issues affecting the profession.

This is not a marketing newsletter. It is a practical professional resource for people who work with soil investigations, borehole logs, laboratory results, site investigations and geotechnical reports.

What You’ll Receive

Practical Geotechnical Tips

Ideas, shortcuts and lessons learned from real-world engineering work.

South African Standards

Discussion of terminology, reporting issues and local practice requirements.

Borehole Logging

Observations that improve consistency, accuracy and confidence in reporting.

Software and Productivity

Useful tools and methods that save time and reduce repetitive work.

Case Studies and Examples

Interesting challenges, unusual soil conditions and lessons from the field.

Engineering Technology Updates

Thoughts on how software, automation and AI are changing technical work.

Who Writes This Newsletter?

My name is Rick [Surname].

I began my career as a civil engineer and later moved into software development, technical training and specialist engineering software.

Over the years, I have worked with Water Affairs, engineering consulting firms, IBM systems, HP systems, software training organisations and geotechnical software development.

For many years I have also been involved in the development and support of dotPLOT, a borehole logging and soil profile system used by engineers throughout South Africa.

My interest has always been the same: helping engineers use technology effectively.

Why Join?

Many geotechnical professionals work in small teams or specialist environments. They solve difficult technical problems every day, but often have few opportunities to exchange practical ideas with others in the field.

This newsletter is intended to help bridge that gap.

No hype. No spam. Just practical information from somebody who has spent decades working at the intersection of engineering and technology.

Join the Free Newsletter

Enter your name and email address below to receive future issues.

Place your Systeme.io form fields here.

You may unsubscribe at any time. Your information will never be sold or shared.

Regards,
Rick [Surname]
Civil Engineer | Software Developer | Geotechnical Systems Specialist