With a career spanning over three decades and more than 3,000 projects to his name, Guoming Lin has built an impressive legacy as a leading geotechnical engineer in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia. His expertise has made him a household name in the industry, earning him the affectionate nickname “Dr. Dirt.”

Lin, who serves as vice president and senior consultant at Terracon, has been named the recipient of the ENR Southeast 2025 Legacy Award, recognizing his profound impact on the geotechnical engineering field and his commitment to mentoring future engineers.

“Through unwavering dedication, he has risen to prominence as a pioneering figure in geotechnical engineering consulting,” says M. Gayle Packer, Terracon president and CEO. “Considered the go-to expert for projects spanning the Southeast U.S., Guoming is affectionately known by clients as ‘Dr. Dirt.’”

Lin's journey began in the early 1990s when he moved to Savannah to begin consulting for Georgia Ports Authority. Over the years, his work has expanded to encompass various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, sports facilities, hospitality, public works, airports, and federal installations. However, much of his most notable work has been centered at the Georgia Ports Authority, where he has been an integral part of hundreds of major projects at the fourth-largest and fastest-growing port in the United States.

His expertise has been instrumental in supporting all major developments at Georgia Ports, particularly in low-lying, marshy areas that present unique challenges for construction due to soft marine deposits. Lin has overseen geotechnical explorations on a wide range of port projects, from new construction berths to upgrades and improvements. He also led a team of engineers conducting pile load tests, slope stability analysis for dredging operations, and designing ground improvement technologies.

Lin’s extensive work at the Georgia Ports Authority is just one chapter of his remarkable career. He has contributed to significant infrastructure projects, including the Kinder Morgan Elba Island LNG Terminal. Lin has provided vital geotechnical consulting for multiple phases of the terminal’s expansion since its recommissioning in 2001. Additionally, he has played a crucial role in providing geotechnical and materials testing for Hyundai’s $10 billion Metaplant America, located near Savannah.

Not only has Lin’s technical expertise been recognized, but his leadership has also earned him numerous accolades. He has served as the principal engineer for five award-winning projects, including the 2006 Grand Award from the American Consulting Engineering Companies of Georgia for his work on the Elba Island LNG Terminal expansion.

Beyond his professional achievements, Lin is deeply committed to his colleagues and the broader engineering community. He has authored over 20 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences and is an active member of organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Deep Foundations Institute. Outside of his engineering work, he is dedicated to philanthropy, particularly in supporting charitable causes such as Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and the Ronald McDonald House.

Guoming Lin’s profound contributions to both the engineering field and his community make him a fitting recipient of the ENR Southeast Legacy Award. His legacy as a mentor and innovator will continue to inspire generations of engineers.

For more about Lin and his extraordinary career, be sure to read the April 14 edition of ENR Texas & Southeast.

Originally reported by Derek Lacey in ENR Texas & Southeast.