Dr Max Barton BSc MSc PhD DIC CGeol Csci

Visiting Teaching Fellow

Dr Max Barton is Visiting Teaching Fellow within Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton.

Max Barton is an Engineering Geologist with wide experience in Geotechnical and Coastal . Engineering. He has authored, and part authored, over 70 technical papers. He graduated in Geology at King's College London (1953-56) and undertook research in Quaternary Studies (MSc 1957) and Igneous Petrology (PhD 1960) at Birmingham University. He then entered the Site Investigation industry (1960-1963), becoming one of the only three geologists employed in this field in the UK at that time. He then studied Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering at Imperial College (DIC, 1963-64).

He joined the Civil Engineering Department Southampton University in 1964, becoming a Senior Lecturer in 1988. Although he officially retired in 1999, he has continued his active involvement in teaching and research within the Faculty of Engineering and The Environment. Along with his colleague David Rycroft, he ran an MRes course in Coastal Engineering for Sea Level Rise in 2001-2006. He continues to supervise PhD and MSc project students.

He maintained his links with industry by acting as a Private Consultant in Engineering Geology and in the course of this work he prepared over 80 consulting reports. His professional qualifications include Chartered Geologist (C.Geol) and Chartered Scientist (C.Sci). His learned society memberships include Geological Society of London (Senior Fellow status), becoming a committee member of the Engineering Group in 1985-1988 & 1997-2000, Quaternary Research Association, Geologist's Association and the British Geotechnical Association.

Max Barton continues his active research with the principal focus on British geology and the application of geological studies to engineering design and construction. Aspects of the geology which tend to be overlooked unless the site investigation stage is thoroughly researched, include both large scale structural variations and the influence of the microfabric on engineering soil performance. The relation between engineers and geologists is a two-way exchange. Geological research can be fed into a site investigation to ensure a safe and efficient engineering project but in return a thoroughly researched site investigation can provide the kind of geological information on which future developments depend.