As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the work that keeps our industry moving. In the geotechnical world, we spend a lot of time looking at the numbers—analyzing stress paths, calculating undrained strength ratios, and determining if a slope is sitting at peak or residual strength. But as I look back on the year, I’m reminded that the most important “factor of safety” is simply a commitment to getting the fundamentals right.
The Value of the Fundamentals
This year, my work has been centered on the essential physics of soil mechanics. Whether I was interpreting triaxial shear tests or helping a client understand the real-world implications of a total stress failure envelope, the goal was always clarity.
I’ve found that you don’t always need a complex “black box” model to find the right answer. Often, the most reliable solutions come from a deep understanding of the site history and a rigorous look at the laboratory data. In an industry that is constantly changing, there is a distinct value in staying grounded in the basics that we know work.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Running a solo practice allows me the freedom to dive deep into the specific challenges my clients face. As I move into 2026, my focus remains on:
- Integrity in Analysis: Providing straightforward, data-driven insights that don’t get lost in translation.
- Practical Solutions: Focusing on the geotechnical principles that lead to stable, long-term tailings solutions.
- Continued Partnership: I’m looking forward to another year of working directly with teams to solve the practical problems that arise in the field.
With Gratitude
To everyone I’ve worked with this year: thank you for the trust you place in me. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to your projects and to helping to solve these puzzles alongside you.
Here’s to a stable, successful, and productive 2026 for all of us.
Happy New Year!
— Bryan Ulrich