Geotechnical engineering
Geotechnical engineering is a practice that relates to the engineering behaviour of the earth and its materials. As a branch of civil engineering it is of great importance to construction activities taking place on the surface or within the ground, as well as to mining, coastal, drilling and other disciplines.
Despite having considerable overlap, geotechnical engineering differs from engineering geology in that it is a speciality of engineering, whereas the latter is a speciality of geology.
Geotechnical engineers are responsible for evaluating subsurface and soil conditions and materials, using the principles of soil and rock mechanics. They are commonly appointed as consultants on construction projects. Engineers also examine environmental issues such as flood plains and water tables. By doing so, they are able to determine whether a particular site is suitable for a proposed project, and can inform the engineering design process with regard to how ground conditions can be made safe and effective for construction.
From geotechnical surveys, engineers will be able to evaluate the stability of the ground, including any slopes and soil deposits, assess any risks and/or contamination, and help to determine the types of foundations and earthworks that will be required. The potential for hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and other seismic activity can also be assessed.
Geotechnical engineers can be involved in ‘ground improvement’, in which soil is treated through a variety of different techniques to improve strength, stiffness, and/or permeability.
Geotechnical engineering is also important in coastal and ocean engineering, in relation to building wharves, jetties, marinas and coastal defences, as well as foundation and anchor systems for offshore structures such as oil rig platforms. Engineers may also work on embankments, tunnels, channels, reservoirs, irrigation systems, and so on.
NB Roles in construction projects: analysis and terminology, by Hughes, W. and Murdoch, J. R, published in 2001 by the University of Reading, defines a geotechnical engineer or geotechnic engineer as a: ‘Consultant with specific responsibility for contributing advice and information on aspects connected with conditions below the surface of the ground.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
Comments
Rabio Vegetariano