Toralv Berre Has Passed – A Pillar of NGI's Legacy

Berre is especially well-known for his work on triaxial testing and sampling methodology at NGI. In a comprehensive report from 1981, he described in detail the procedures and equipment used in triaxial tests, something that we still reference today.

Berre’s work has had a lasting influence on geotechnical practice in Norway, particularly in laboratory testing and the understanding of the mechanical properties of clays and soft rocks. His contributions have been important for the development of safe and efficient solutions in ground and foundation engineering.

For those lucky enough to have worked with Berre, he will be remembered as always willing to take time out of his day to help and guide when needed, to share his knowledge with both younger colleagues and visiting students, His passion for laboratory testing was unmatched. At times, he even took it to the point of sleeping in the lab beneath an experiment so that any leakage would wake him up to save the test.  

Berre was highly respected and appreciated by his colleagues.