The Ultimate Guide to Geotechnical Engineering

Jan 6
02:58

2020

Nancy Whitman

Nancy Whitman

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If you are working on construction sites, or you are thinking about different engineering careers, then you might have heard about geotechnical engineering. This is an engineering position that not many people are familiar with. The truth is that this is a really important part of the construction process. Without them, a construction site will not function correctly, and the building might not be built on solid ground. This is some information about geotechnical engineering that you might find interesting.

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What is geotechnical engineering?

First of all,The Ultimate Guide to Geotechnical Engineering Articles what is geotechnical engineering? Geotechnical consulting firms are comprised of civil engineers that have good knowledge about soil and other earth materials. This is essential to know on what type of soil a building is going to be built on.

Different soil is going to give a different type of foundation. It is also important to make sure that erosion is kept in mind while the construction is done. Erosion can have devastating effects on any building, while it is being built. Especially on the foundation of the building.

What are their roles and responsibilities?

Geotechnical engineers have different roles and responsibilities to do on a regular basis. And, it is essential that they have the right qualifications and experience to do their responsibilities correctly.

Their responsibilities are the soil, rock, water, underground water, site and structural conditions of the construction site. They need to know if there is any underground water that needs to be taken into consideration. And, if the soil is solid, or might have potential risks to the foundation of the new building. They also need to consider the rock formations in the area. If this can be a risk factor to the construction.

Things that they will be doing on a daily basis

Before construction can begin, the geotechnical engineers are first on the scene. Testing the type of soil, they are going to work on. If there is any rock that they need to consider, and the amount and debt of underground water.

After these construction inspections are done (including site investigation and mapping), they will give the go-ahead that the construction can go ahead, with certain recommendations to ensure that the building is built solidly. During the construction, they need to perform geotechnical tests the construction site regularly. To ensure that the ground is stable and that erosion is still under control.

They also need to make sure that the structure is safe before they can let the builders continue with building. With any visible problems to the ground and surrounding areas, the constructions are stopped until the repairs are done.

Why are these engineers important to have at any construction site?

At first, it might seem that geotechnical engineers are really that important and that a construction site can continue without it. However, there are many reasons why these engineers are important to any construction site.

They are basically ensuring that the building or structure is going to be safe for us. That the area around the construction site is stable enough for the weight of the structure. They are also making sure that erosion caused during the construction, isn’t going to damage the environment around the site and that it can cause damage to surrounding buildings and homes.

Now, you have a better understanding of geotechnical engineers and what they are doing at construction sites. You also understand why they are so important at construction sites, and why they need to approve the construction site before building can start. Without them, we will never know if the building or structure that was built, is safe for us and our families to stay in. Or, if the soil will damage the quality of the foundation and damage the strength of the building.