Biographical entry Davis, Edward Hughesdon (1920 - 1981)

Summary

Edward Hughesdon Davis was Challis Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Sydney 1968-81. He used theoretical methods to analyse geotechnical problems, particularly in the following areas: road pavement behaviour and design; application of plasticity theory to soil and rock stability problems; application of elasticity theory to soil and rock problems; and theory of consolidation of clay soils.

Details

Born Hendon, England, 16 December 1920. Died Sydney, 26 February 1981. Educated University of London (Bachelor of Civil Engineering 1940). Design and supervision of civil engineering works with Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners then with Dr Oscar Faber 1940-42; war service 1942-46; senior scientific officer, Road Research Laboratory 1947-50; lecturer, University College London 1950-52; senior lecturer, University of Sydney 1952-63, Associate Professor of Soil Mechanics 1963-68, professor of Civil Engineering (Soil Mechanics) 1968-79, Challis Professor and Head, School of Engineering 1979-81. Fellow, Australian Academy of Science 1980; inaugural John Jaeger Memorial Medal, Australian Geomechanics Society 1980. Helped to establish Sydney Soil Mechanics Group and Australian Geomechanics Society; Australian vice-president, International Society of Soil Mechanics 1969-73.

Related entries

Published resources

Journal Articles

• Roderick, J. W., 'Edward Hughesdon Davis 1920-1981', Historical Records of Australian Science, vol. 5, no. 3, 1982, pp. 109-114. Also available at http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/HR9820530109.htm. Details

Online Resources

• National Library of Australia, 'Davis, E H', Trove, National Library of Australia and the Australian National Maritime Museum Darling Harbour, 2009, http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-1216787. Details