Geotechnical or geotech engineering falls into the civil engineering scope. It involves studying earth materials and the way in which it behaves. Engineers in this arena examine the soil and rock layers of earth to determine the physical and chemical properties. This information is used in the design of foundations and structures like buildings and roads.
This engineering style's main role is to design suitable systems to stabilize soil. The main aim of doing this is to ensure that buildings based on unstable soil will remain stable. The studies are done to prevent the impact earthquakes and landslides may have on main road structures. Other facets of the job scope may require assessing underwater soil which could have an effect on marinas and offshore platforms.
The geotech engineering process commences with a thorough investigation and inspection of the subsurface. During this process soil samples are drawn by using pits or bores. The properties of the extracted soil will be assessed thoroughly. The engineer will be required to check if the soil contains rock or air pockets and check the chemicals present, as well as the stability level of the soil.
This type of investigation allows the engineer to determine the impact disturbance of the soil will have on the environment. It also allows him or her to determine the appropriate steps to be taken to prepare the relevant site for potential construction.
Once the initial tests have been completed, the engineer will use the results to design stable, effective footings and foundations. The types of structures that are used are generally made up of steel, masonry or concrete. The structures are placed underground to support and distribute the weight of the building evenly. The accuracy of the building design is dependent upon the engineer calculating the exact materials load that will be used during the building process and the possible number of occupants in the building.
Soil and building settlement must be taken into account during the calculations. The calculations should consider the movement of the ground and the impact weather will have on the final design. The general rule is that bigger, more complex foundations will be required if the soil on site is unstable.
Engineers in this field are often also involved during the design of the support structures for tunnels, roads and dams. Once the soil excavation has commenced, the engineers need to put support systems in place that will stop the remaining soil from collapsing. This may need concrete or steel retaining walls to be installed. In this case, the use of tie-backs or steel pins may be implemented to connect the unstable earth portions to stable sections.
To become a member of the geotech engineering community, it is necessary to complete an undergraduate degree. Some universities offer specializations in this particular field, however, most educational institutions only offer a degree in general civil engineering. Upon graduation, students have to secure a position in the market where they receive supervision from an engineer who is licensed. To work without supervision, you need to have a license in your specialist field. The license can be obtained once you have practical experience in this arena and have passed a state-administered engineering exam.
This engineering style's main role is to design suitable systems to stabilize soil. The main aim of doing this is to ensure that buildings based on unstable soil will remain stable. The studies are done to prevent the impact earthquakes and landslides may have on main road structures. Other facets of the job scope may require assessing underwater soil which could have an effect on marinas and offshore platforms.
The geotech engineering process commences with a thorough investigation and inspection of the subsurface. During this process soil samples are drawn by using pits or bores. The properties of the extracted soil will be assessed thoroughly. The engineer will be required to check if the soil contains rock or air pockets and check the chemicals present, as well as the stability level of the soil.
This type of investigation allows the engineer to determine the impact disturbance of the soil will have on the environment. It also allows him or her to determine the appropriate steps to be taken to prepare the relevant site for potential construction.
Once the initial tests have been completed, the engineer will use the results to design stable, effective footings and foundations. The types of structures that are used are generally made up of steel, masonry or concrete. The structures are placed underground to support and distribute the weight of the building evenly. The accuracy of the building design is dependent upon the engineer calculating the exact materials load that will be used during the building process and the possible number of occupants in the building.
Soil and building settlement must be taken into account during the calculations. The calculations should consider the movement of the ground and the impact weather will have on the final design. The general rule is that bigger, more complex foundations will be required if the soil on site is unstable.
Engineers in this field are often also involved during the design of the support structures for tunnels, roads and dams. Once the soil excavation has commenced, the engineers need to put support systems in place that will stop the remaining soil from collapsing. This may need concrete or steel retaining walls to be installed. In this case, the use of tie-backs or steel pins may be implemented to connect the unstable earth portions to stable sections.
To become a member of the geotech engineering community, it is necessary to complete an undergraduate degree. Some universities offer specializations in this particular field, however, most educational institutions only offer a degree in general civil engineering. Upon graduation, students have to secure a position in the market where they receive supervision from an engineer who is licensed. To work without supervision, you need to have a license in your specialist field. The license can be obtained once you have practical experience in this arena and have passed a state-administered engineering exam.