Geotechnical Problems in the Holyland - Then and Now   Sam Frydman Professor, Geotechnical Engineering Division Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, Israel
			INVITED PAPER

ABSTRACT

Israel, and its capital, Jerusalem, have for over 2000 years, had a special significance for civilizations of the monotheistic beliefs. The paper presents a review and discussion of several geotechnical problems encountered in this area, emphasizing the connection between the past and the present. The problems discussed include slope stability, with reference to the eastern slope of the City of David, retaining wall stability, with reference to the wall supporting the Temple Mount, and earthquake effects. In the latter case, a review of biblical and historic references to earthquakes in the area, and reference to some of the recent research being done on the subject, are presented.

KEYWORDS: landslides, earthquakes, Israel, Holyland, ancient disasters, archeology, slope stability, soil amplification, retaining walls

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