Call for Papers

Important Dates
September 4, 2009Abstract deadline
September 11, 2009Notification of acceptance
September 11, 2009Publish preliminary program
October 2, 2009Paper deadline
October 9, 2009Publish final program
Paper Submission deadline is for inclusion
of the paper in the conference proceedings.
Authors can always bring the paper to the
conference for distribution.

Suggested Topics

We hope to have a variety of presentations that demonstrate the changes over the last 41 years, the present state of practice, and provide a look at the future with a particular emphasis on case histories and state of practice papers involving state DOTs. Suggested Topics:

  • Abandoned Underground Mines
  • Major Changes in the State of the Practice in the Geotechnical Field
  • Database Integration and Management in Geotechnical Engineering
  • Environmental Concerns and their Impact on the Geotechnical Field
  • Shallow and Deep Foundations
  • Soil Exploration
  • Ground Improvement
  • LRFD Design Issues
  • Stone column, GeoPiers, and Controlled Modulus Columns
  • Geophysical Engineering
  • Instrumentations
  • Geo-Environmental Engineering
  • Others: Integral Abutment, Retaining Wall, Subgrade Improvement, Drilled Shafts, Non-Destructive Testing

Send your papers, abstracts and speaker contact information via email to STGEC@ncdot.gov with a subject line of STGEC Conference.

Technical and editorial assistance with paper preparation is available on request.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Abstract length should be limited to 200 to 400 words, single-spaced, Times New Roman font type, Justified, 11-point font size, without figures or photos, in Microsoft WORD DOC format (2003 or earlier).

The abstract should include:

  • title of paper,
  • author names,
  • affiliations of all authors, and
  • contact information (addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mails).
  • Sample Abstract

Paper Submission Guidelines

Paper submission is optional.
Please use the following page layout and style guidelines for your paper.

  • Length- There is an absolute 5,000 word limit for the papers.
  • Formats- When formatting your document, note the following specifications:
    1. Paper MUST be submitted in Microsoft WORD DOC format (2003 or earlier).
    2. 8.5" × 11" paper
    3. Left and right margins: 1" (2.54 cm)
    4. Top margin: 1" (2.54 cm)
    5. Bottom margin: 1" (2.54 cm)
    6. Spacing- Single-Spaced
    7. Font- Times New Roman, 11-point / Reference List may be no smaller than 8-point
    8. Justify pages
    9. Illustrations, Tables & Figures: Figure numbers and captions should be typed single-spaced in position as they are to appear on the page. The type should match that used for the text. Number tables and figures consecutively in Arabic numerals (1, 2, etc.) and cite them in the text as, for example, Figure 1, Table 1, etc.
  • Sample Paper

Layout:

Paper should NOT have a separate title page. The first page of the paper should include the following:

  • Title of paper
  • Name(s) of author(s)
  • Name of organization of author(s)
  • Author(s) address and telephone number. The text (body) must begin on the first page.
  • Do NOT number pages electronically.
  • Do NOT use headers and footers.
  • All figures must be embedded in the word processing document

Style, Headings:

Note the style of headings in this instruction sheet. They have been typed and placed in the following manner: (all headings should be flush with the left margin, all main body texts should be justified)

  • First-order Headings-These should be in uppercase bold letters and flush with the left-hand margin (e.g., STYLE) with a line space above and below.
  • Second-order Headings-These should be in uppercase and lowercase bold letters, and flush with the left-hand margin. Insert one line space above and below the heading (e.g., Headings).
  • Third-order Headings-These should be in italics and insert one line space above with no line space below. (e.g., Third-order Headings).

References:

References should be placed at the end of the text and listed in numerical order.

Equation Numbers:

When numbering equations, enclose the numbers in parentheses and place them flush with the right margin.

Tables and Figures:

Tables and figures may be either one or two columns wide and may be inserted near their mention in the text or grouped together at the end of the text.

All headings should be flush with the left margin,, all main body texts should be justified.

Speaker Guidelines

Speakers are encouraged to use PowerPoint (Microsoft 2003) for presentations. This conference may not accommodate use of overhead projectors or 35 mm slide projectors. Store your presentations on a USB flash drive or CD-ROM.

Powerpoint presentation materials submission due date is Monday, October 12, 2009. Speakers should send electronic PowerPoint presentation materials via email to STGEC@ncdot.gov.

Speakers should also bring the electronic presentation materials to the conference.

Speakers should report to session room 30 minutes before the session starts to meet with other session presenters and coordinate your audiovisuals.

Suggestions on Designing of Your Visual Aids:

  • Use 24-point type for lettering done in ALL CAPITALS and 32-point for lettering in Capitals and Lowercase
  • Use a sans serif typeface such as Helvetica, Arial, or Universal
  • Keep Title to One Line
  • Use 6 to 7 lines per slide (maximum)
  • Test slides for legibility and contrast

Time Limit:

Rehearse before the presentation - during it is too late. Time your presentation to keep within your allotted time! Help the presiding officer, yourself, and your audience by sticking to your allotted speaking time (generally 20 minutes - 1 for Introduction, 15 for presentation, 4 for questions).

Need more Information

If you have further questions about abstracts/papers, please contact Chris Chen or Mohammed Mulla by phone at (919) 250-4088 or send an email to STGEC@ncdot.gov.

Mailing Address:
NCDOT - Geotechnical Engineering Unit
c/o: Mohammed Mulla
1020 Brich Ridge Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610

Further information on the Conference is available at this website or: