The Richart-Woods Distinguished Lecture
The Richart-Woods Distinguished Lecture honors the legacies of two extraordinary engineers and educators: Frank E. (Bill) Richart Jr. and Richard D. (Dick) Woods. Originally established as the Richart Lecture, this distinguished event expanded in 2021 to include Woods’ name after his passing, recognizing their combined contributions to the field of soil dynamics and geotechnical engineering.
F. E. Richart Jr.
A pioneering figure in soil dynamics, F. E. (Bill) Richart Jr. was instrumental in advancing geotechnical engineering and its practical applications. As the W. J. Emmons Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan, Richart shaped the future of his field through innovative research, groundbreaking publications, and visionary leadership.
Richart was the first to rigorously define how soils respond to dynamic and cyclic loads, leading to transformative design procedures for earthquake-resistant structures and machinery foundations. His textbook, Vibrations of Soils and Foundations, co-authored with R. D. Woods and J. R. Hall, remains a cornerstone of soil dynamics education worldwide.
During his tenure as chair of The University of Michigan’s Department of Civil Engineering (1962–1969), Richart enhanced its national stature, recruiting exceptional faculty and mentoring future leaders in academia and industry. Elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1969, he earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Terzaghi Award.
Richard D. Woods
Richard D. (Dick) Woods, a protégé of Richart and a Michigan alumnus, carried forward his mentor’s legacy with unmatched dedication. Known as the “workhorse” of the Richart-Woods partnership, Woods excelled in experimental soil dynamics and field-testing methodologies. His expertise in in-situ testing earned him global recognition as a leading geotechnical experimentalist.
Woods served the University of Michigan for over five decades as a professor, department chair, and mentor to generations of engineers. His contributions extended beyond research, as he developed seven new courses, chaired 21 doctoral committees, and influenced countless students through his engaging and hands-on teaching style.
A co-founder and president of key professional organizations, including the Geo-Institute of ASCE, Woods delivered the esteemed Karl Terzaghi Lecture and received numerous awards, including election to the National Academy of Engineering. Even after retiring, he continued teaching and mentoring students, reflecting his lifelong commitment to education.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Richart-Woods Distinguished Lecture stands as a tribute to the enduring impact of these two pioneers, whose work reshaped civil and environmental engineering and inspired a global community of scholars and practitioners. Their dedication to advancing science, mentoring students, and building a strong academic community lives on in this lecture series, fostering innovation and excellence for future generations.
Past Lectuers
- 2022 – Lisa Alvarez-Cohen
- 2019 – Tom O’Rourke
- 2018 – Deb Niemeier
- 2017 – Kenneth H. Stokoe II
- 2013 – Glen T. Daigger
- 2010 – James O. Jirsa
- 2008 – Richard D. Woods
- 2007 – Surendra P. Shah
- 2006 – James K. Mitchell
- 2005 – Meta A. Sozen
- 2004 – G. Wayne Clough