Geotechnical Engineers
solve problems concerned with soil and rock engineering. To be more specific
geotechnical engineering is a collective term for the more individual disciplines
of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, engineering geology, rock mechanics
and rock engineering. Whatever the area of concern most Geotechnical Engineers
are usually concerned with the way in which the ground reacts to changes
in load conditions at the ground surface. Specific applications of geotechnical
engineering include, amongst many others, soil reinforcement, embankment
and dam engineering, and hydrogeology of fractured rock. For example, when
excavating and constructing a foundation at the base of a cliff there are
a number of factors to be considered and a number of questions will arise:
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Is the ground strong enough to support
the foundation?
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How much will the ground settle during
and after construction and is this acceptable?
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What happens if the ground water level
starts to lower or rise in the area due to drought or flooding?
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What type of foundations are required to
safely carry the loads being imposed on the foundation?
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Will the nearby slope be safe against the
risk of complete failure or landslides and are any remedial measures required?
Geotechnical engineering
services include feasibility studies, preliminary and detailed geotechnical
reports, compaction testing, foundation inspection during construction,
final inspection reports, investigation of causes and repair of earth failure
mechanisms, critique of proposed grading and foundation plans, assistance
and presentation of findings to controlling agencies.
Earthquake Geotechnical
Engineering studies include the evaluation of earthquake related distress,
seismicity, site response analysis, study of the dynamic behavior of soils,
and the evaluation of dynamic loads on slopes, retaining walls, earth structures
and foundations.
In adverse soil conditions,
Geotechnical Engineers utilize many soil improvement methods, including;
shear pins, dewatering, underpinning, grouting and stabilization fill designs.
Due to the vast
complexity of materials involved and techniques employed geotechnical engineering
is not an exact science. It is more a blend of engineering principles with
observed experience and sound engineering judgement. It may be stated that
the job of the geotechnical engineer is not to compute accurately but to
judge soundly.
Typical
Geotechnical Investigations
