What Do Geotechnical Engineering Consultants Do?

What is Geotechnical Engineering?

Geotechnical Engineering is the engineering relationship between humans and earth. It is the science that focuses on the behaviour of soil, rock and groundwater to ensure safe construction with minimal negative impacts to humankind.

History of Geotechnical Engineering

Previously, application of geotechnical engineering was based on trial and error. As time progressed, the a more scientific approach was taken in Geotechnical Engineering. Various scientists published their fundamental theories on soil mechanics between 1700 to 1900. Karl Terzaghi is considered the father of modern Geotechnics, who published his book on soil mechanics in 1925. Terzaghi, with other professionals from twenty countries, founded the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.

What do Geotechnical Engineers do?

Geotechnical Engineering is a branch of Civil Engineering. Geotechnical engineering uses the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to investigate the subsurface condition. The field of Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology is closely related and largely overlap. However,to put it simply, the field of geotechnical engineering specializes in engineering, whereas engineering geology specializes in geology.

Importance of Geotechnical Consultants in Construction Projects

The role of geotech engineering consultants is very important, as all construction rests on the ground. Soil is a very complex material. That is why the role of geotech consultants is one of the more challenging tasks of civil engineering.

Also Read: What Are Geotechnical Services and How Do They Help

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Key Responsibilities of Geotechnical Engineering Consultants

Geotech Engineering Consultants use principles of soil mechanics to evaluate the stability of natural slopes, cuts and fills, man-made soil deposits, foundation design, dams and retaining walls and many other aspects of civil engineering.

Foundation Engineering: A Core Aspect of Geotechnical Consulting

Foundation Engineering – This is an important aspect of Geotechnical Engineering. It is important to design the foundation to withstand natural and man-made loads. Loads can be vertical or lateral. It is important to know the soil condition before designing the type and depth of foundation required for the structure. In order to know the subsurface soil condition, a geotechnical investigation is required. 

The process of geotechnical investigation involves drilling through soil or rock, collecting soil samples and testing them in the laboratory. Once the test results come, the Geotechnical Engineer analyses the report, which outlines the soil and rock properties groundwater condition  and the associated risks. The type of foundation required to build the structure is then determined. Based on the recommendation of the Geotechnical Engineer, the structural engineer then designs the structure. Geotechnical Investigation for high rise structures or bridges is important for the structural stability of those structures. Therefore, it is important to select the right Geotechnical Engineering firm that has prior experience in delivering the project. Always involve the Geotechnical Engineer early in the project so that the owner can eliminate majority of the risks.

Read Also: A Definitive Guide on Geotechnical Reports and Soil Testing Expenses

Benefits of Proper Geotechnical Investigation

A proper Geotechnical Investigation can save substantially on the cost of the design and construction of the right type of foundation. Soil characteristic changes with depth as well as horizontal distance. Therefore, during the investigation, it is important to drill at the required depth and the required number of holes as per the recommendation of the Canadian Foundation Design standard. Sometimes, the owner might save some Geotechnical Investigation cost but end up spending more than the anticipated during the construction cost. It is imminent that the Geotechnical Investigation is done right.

The responsibilities of the geotechnical consultant involve providing material testing for construction support. Geotechnical engineers analyse all the field test reports to ensure that construction is going on as per the project specification. During construction, a confirmatory test for soil compaction is done on-site to ensure that no future settlement happens. While pouring concrete, field tests are conducted to ensure that the concrete poured is as per the project specification. After the concrete is poured -7 days and 28 days- tests are conducted on concrete samples collected from the site to ensure that the concrete poured meets the design standard. 

Asphalt core is taken after the Asphalt is laid and compacted to confirm that it meets the design standard. All laboratory test reports are analysed by the Geotechnical Engineer to ensure that it meets the project specification. Geotechnical Engineers observe proof roll at the site to ensure that the area compacted does not have any soft spots. Pile Load Tests are carried out under the supervision of a Geotechnical Engineer.

The role of a Geotechnical Engineer in Civil Engineering is immense, whether it is pre-construction or during the construction. Without a great Geotechnical Engineer, modern-day civil engineering marvel could not have been possible.

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