Soils expert Guoming Lin shapes minds, coastal Georgia

Guoming Lin is the go-to geotechnical expert for projects spanning the Southeast U.S. He’s consulted on more than 3,000 projects from transportation to energy, and he played an instrumental role in the exponential growth of the Georgia Ports. Whether through his 20 published papers, involvement in industry organizations, or willingness to mentor colleagues, it’s hard to miss Guoming’s influence in advancing geotechnical engineering.  

Q: You’ve had a 30-year career in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. Will you tell us a little about your journey?   

My journey in geotechnical engineering has been both unexpected and incredibly rewarding. Growing up in Southeast China, I stumbled into civil engineering for my undergraduate studies purely by chance. But when I discovered geotechnical engineering, I was immediately drawn to its complexity and real-world impact. That passion led me to pursue a master’s degree in the field.  

After earning my master’s, I spent three years teaching at a university in Nanjing before moving to the U.S. for my Ph.D. program. In 1993, I began my geotechnical consulting career in Savannah, Georgia, and I’ve been immersed in this fascinating work ever since. For over 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of tackling challenging coastal soils — solving problems related to foundation settlements, deep foundations, and ground improvement for soft soils. I love what I do, and every project is an opportunity to learn, innovate, and make a lasting impact.  

Q: One of the reasons you were chosen as the ENR Southeast 2025 Legacy winner is because of your efforts to build the next generation of engineers. Can you elaborate on your efforts?   

I really enjoy what I do, and I try to share that enthusiasm with young engineers. My goal is to help them develop their skills while also fostering a real passion for geotechnical engineering. A big part of that is mentoring — whether it’s through everyday discussions, reviewing reports, or just being available to answer questions. I also give about 10 presentations a year, from local American Society of Civil Engineers meetings to national conferences like Geo-Congress and Deep Foundations Institute, to help share knowledge with a broader audience.  

Lately, I’ve noticed that many young engineers aren’t fully aware of the risks and challenges involved in foundations and ground improvement projects that are contracted through design-build by specialty geotechnical contractors. To help bridge that gap, I’m putting together a presentation for Terracon employees to raise awareness on the issue. My hope is that by sharing what I’ve learned over the years, I can help the next generation feel more confident and prepared as they grow in their careers.  

Q: Can you share a memorable project or experience during your time at Terracon that had a significant impact on you?   

 The Hutchinson Island ferry landing collapse was a memorable experience. That Saturday morning call from the City of Savannah is one I won’t forget. A major ferry link collapsed, and we were immediately on site, monitoring the ongoing failure. The pressure was intense — every decision we made had a real impact on the community’s recovery. Digging into the failure’s mechanics and seeing the exposed structure was fascinating, but knowing we were helping restore a vital lifeline? That’s what really mattered.  

Q: What do you believe sets Terracon apart from other companies in the industry?  

Honestly, coming in through an acquisition, what really struck me was how much Terracon genuinely cares about its people. We weren’t just numbers; they really focused on making sure everyone was safe and taken care of. Sure, we’ve got our act together business-wise, and we’re growing smart, but it’s that people-first attitude that makes Terracon different.