Highway Geology Symposium

Please Join Us!

The 72nd Highway Geology Symposium will held at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Washington, on August 13-19, 2023. We hope you’ll join us! Attendee registration is now open. Registration rates increase after July 17, so sign up early and save!

Pricing is as follows:

•   Full Conference Registration - Professional - $450 ($550 after July 17th)
•    Symposium Registration - Student - $100
•    Transportation Research Board Session $60
•    Federal Highway Administration Workshop - $60
•    Rockfall Fragmentation Demonstration Workshop at UW Tacoma - $25
•    One day options, guest tickets, and additional event tickets are also available.

Symposium registration fee includes: HGS Technical Sessions, Flash Drive of Proceedings, Refreshment Breaks, Monday Social, Wednesday Field Tour with Lunch, Thursday Night Banquet, and Registration Gift (Vest).

Activities will start on Monday at 9:00 am with a FHWA workshop, followed by a half-day Transportation Research Board session at 1:00 pm, and a reception that evening for HGS participants. Tuesday will have a full day of technical sessions. An all-day field trip to Mount Rainer is scheduled for Wednesday. Thursday will have a day of technical sessions, a guest field trip during the day, and that evening we'll have a reception with student posters, followed by a banquet.

FHWA Workshop - Monday, August 14, 9:00 – 11:30 am
“What you Need to Know About Seismic Geophysics for Engineering Applications”

The session is intended to be practical; reviewing and discussing each of the surface and borehole methodologies, working through where and when each should be applied, and what can be expected from each: Best practices, limitations/pitfalls, benefits and the similarities and differences among the methods. Session partners include Geophysics Users Group (GPUG), TRB AKG 20 and AKG 60, DFI SCC, and GI EG&SC.

Transportation Research Board Session - Monday, August 14, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
“Geotechnical Data Sourcing and the Quality and Use of Models for Geotechnical Design”

This session at HGS will highlight how though the application and use of new innovative sources of geotechnical data, engineers can increase reliability and certainty of various geotechnical design models. The use of these new data sources more readily available coupled with innovative technology such as measurement while drilling, CPT, and geophysical techniques can enhance our geotechnical site characterization.

Rockfall Fragmentation Demo - Monday, August 14

As a part of the pool-funded study that aims to develop and calibrate fragmental rockfall models using physics engines, the research team from Oregon State University, University of Washington, and Queen's University (Canada) are hosting a workshop. The first part of the workshop will provide some hands-on training on the field procedures to track 3D trajectories followed by a demonstration of the output of the data processing work to understand the movement parameters (limited spots). The second part of the workshop will focus on selecting input data for rockfall analysis. We will consult with attendees to understand how rockfall data is collected in the field, and which parameters are most useful. This collection of the current state of practice will support our work to develop field data collection methodologies and to understand user preferences for rockfall fragmentation modeling (open to all).

Tuesday Sunset Sail on the Lady Washington, August 15, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

On Tuesday evening, take a two hour sunset cruise on the majestic and historic Lady Washington. The ship launches from Foss Waterway Seaport, which is a 17 min walk/.7 mile distance from the hotel. The ship has a limit of 45 participants.

Please see additional information in the Early Announcement and Call for Papers link and in the 72nd HGS Registration link to the right.

Sponsors and Exhibitors

We invite you to participate as a sponsor or exhibitor at the 72nd Highway Geology Symposium. Sponsor levels range in price from $2,000 to $8,000 and include the exclusive sponsorship of an event, an exhibit space, logo recognition, and at least one conference registration. An exhibitor only option is also available and includes one conference registration. View the sponsorship brochure and register to sponsor or exhibit through the links at the right.

Overnight Accommodations

The Symposium will be held at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Washington. The group rate is the government per diem rate (GSA) of $126.00 for a standard room (plus tax). There is also a reduced daily parking fee. To make reservations please call the Hotel Murano at 253-238-8000 and specify Highway Geology Symposium or through the reservations link at the right.

Check-in: August 13, 2023
Check-out: August 19, 2023
Hotel Address: 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA, 98402

Please make reservations no later than Monday, July 24, 2023, to receive the conference rate.

More information for the upcoming symposium will be posted as it becomes available.

Calling Young Authors

The Highway Geology Symposium has existed for nearly 70 years and over the years has had much participation by what might be considered “Young Authors”. This participation by our younger professionals has been fabulous and is a true benefit to the Symposium and the Mission of HGS. In recent years, HGS has taken participation of Young Authors to another level by sponsoring a competition with both financial, registration and award recognition. This is an annual and perpetual award with up to three awards presented. We are very excited about this continued opportunity for participation by Young Authors and we encourage you to submit your paper and to present your work at the Symposium. If you know a Young Author that should join this competition, encourage them to check out the guidelines and submit their abstract. HGS is all about sharing our geologic technical experiences and we look forward to hearing about and learning from your experience. So please see the links for guidelines and participation requirements as well as award details.

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