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
HSE simplified advice for installers of stone worktops
After company fined for repeatedly failing to protect workers.
Co-located with 10th year of UK Construction Week.
How orchards can influence planning and development.
Time for knapping, no time for napping
Decorative split stone square patterns in facades.
A practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from construction and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.
Comments
Rabio Vegetariano