Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering is a subdivision of civil engineering and studies the behaviour of materials associated with the earth. This type of engineering looks at the surface conditions and below to identify the physical and chemical components and assess the stability of natural slopes and manmade soil deposits, for example. Geotechnical engineers will also design earthworks and structure foundations, as well as reviewing and monitoring site conditions and foundation construction. Geotechnical engineers’ work can be on land, coastal or offshore. Land engineers deal with the investigation of physical properties of soil and rock to determine the foundations for proposed building constructions. This includes the size and location of the building to be supported and carrying out specific tests to design a foundation that is safe and economical. Offshore engineers look at the designs and foundations of manmade structures within the sea and off the coastline. These structures are more vulnerable to a wider range of threats and can be financially higher in the event of failure. Most geotechnical engineers work in an office environment as they analyse and build support structures by using engineering principles to determine a buildings’ stability against an earthquake, mudslide or other natural disaster. Geotechnical engineers may go on site to validate their theories or findings.