On November 5th, the Committee for structure and behavior of Soil and Rock mass (C29) under International Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), held a grand opening ceremony in institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.  Some directors and professors of the institute attended the ceremony, including directors Zhong Hua, Wu Faquan, Che Jianguo, Liu Qiang and Li Guomin etc. Professores Hu Ruilin, Qin Siqing, Pang zhonghe, Ma Fengshan, Shang Yanjun, Zhang Luqing, Wang Guangjie and Li Lihui attended the meeting. Moreover, the Secretary of China National Group Qi Shengwen and the Deputy Secretary of the Engineering Geology Committee Song Yuhuan also attended the meeting.

C29 is a committee under IAEG, mainly focusing on the structure and mechanical behavior of soil and rock mass. The committee was approved on September 5, 2010 by IAEG Executive Committee, and relies on the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The ceremony was presided over by Prof.Wu Faquan, the Secretary of IAEG.  He begins with a brief introduction of IAEG and background of the establishment of C29, and then he read the approval letter by the President of IAEG Carlos on the establishment of IAEG C29, which appointed Prof. Hu Ruilin as chairperson of C29, and Dr. Li Lihui as the secretary. Accompanied by other participants, Dr. Zhong Hua and Prof. Wu Faquan unveil the nameplate of C29.

In the seminar, Prof. Hu Ruilin presented a report on C29. He mainly introduced the objective, terms of reference, planned activities and core members of C29, expressed his resolve to run this committee effectively, and called for the other participants to offer some advices on the future development of C29.

All the anticipants have congratulated on the establishment of the C29 and put forward higher requirements and expectations. It is agreed that the establishment of C29 is an opportunity but also a challenge. It is hoped that through this platform, the division of engineering geology and water resources can further enhance its status in the international geological community, promote the international exchange and cooperation, and make more young people to access to international stage.