Kurt John Douglas

Dr. Kurt John Douglas is a Senior Lecturer of Rock Mechanics and Associate Head (Engagement) at the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales. With a PhD from UNSW Australia and a BE with First Class Honours in Civil Engineering from the University of Sydney, he brings extensive expertise to geotechnical engineering education and research.

• PhD from UNSW Australia
• BE with First Class Honours in Civil Engineering from University of Sydney

Dr. Douglas specializes in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering, with particular focus on rock mass strength prediction, dam engineering, spillway erosion assessment, and piping behavior in embankment dams. His research integrates laboratory and field studies to improve predictive capabilities of rock behavior at field scale, directly impacting the design of foundations, tunnels, slopes, and dams. He has supervised multiple PhD and Master's students working on rock properties, slope stability, tunneling, dam engineering, and foundation analysis.

His publication record includes 1 book, 19 journal articles, 28 conference papers, and 1 report, demonstrating significant contributions to geotechnical engineering literature. His research has been supported by grants including an Australian Research Council Linkage Project on erosion of embankment dams and dam spillways.

• UNSW Staff Excellence Award for Excellence in Community Engagement – Group (2012)
• Professional Staff Excellence Award - Team (2012)

As an educator, Dr. Douglas teaches engineering geology to third-year undergraduates, Geotechnical Engineering design to fourth-year students, and specialized postgraduate courses in site investigation techniques, rock engineering, and foundation design. His teaching includes field trips to mines, slopes, landslides, dams, and other engineered structures, providing students with practical experience in real-world settings.