Medan, June 12, 2026 – To broaden academic perspectives on these advanced approaches, the Civil Engineering Study Program of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU) organized a public lecture entitled "Integrated Geotechnology-Driven for Slope Geohazard Detection and Assessment." The event featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Fakhrurrazi Abdul Rahman, a geotechnical expert from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
During the lecture, the speaker discussed the integration of drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), photogrammetry, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and numerical analysis for detecting, mapping, and assessing potential slope hazards. These technologies can be applied to identify subsurface conditions, underground cavities, tree root systems, variations in soil moisture content, and other factors that influence slope stability.
Participants were also introduced to a range of case studies demonstrating the application of these technologies in slope monitoring, slope safety factor analysis using geotechnical software, and the development of data-driven mitigation strategies. The session illustrated how multidisciplinary approaches can enhance site investigations and support informed decision-making in infrastructure development.
Through this public lecture, students, lecturers, and engineering practitioners gained valuable insights into the implementation of cutting-edge geotechnical technologies. The participation of an expert from UMPSA also strengthened opportunities for academic knowledge exchange and international collaboration, with the potential to foster future research addressing emerging infrastructure challenges.
This event supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by expanding access to knowledge and advancements in geotechnical engineering. It also contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the application of advanced technologies that promote safer, more resilient, and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, remains committed to strengthening education, research, innovation, and academic collaboration that respond to contemporary development challenges. Through knowledge exchange and the adoption of advanced technologies, FT USU continues to promote engineering solutions that enhance infrastructure safety and support sustainable development.