Ground is an extremely variable and uncertain material. The potential for incurring financial and time losses is great if the ground investigations are not properly carried out and properties of the soil and rock are not adequately quantified.
Geotechnical engineering is the branch of civil engineering that predominantly deals with the analysis, design and construction of foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, tunnels, dams, levees, wharves, landfills and other systems that are made of or are supported by soil or rock.
Geotechnical investigation implies the use of different methods to determine the stratigraphy and physical properties of soil and rock below the surface of the earth in a proposed installation site. The physical properties generally needed from GI for the design purpose are strength, compressibility and permeability.
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Geotechnical engineers make decisions regarding design of safe and economic structures such as foundations, retaining walls, tunnels, dams, etc. The Stratigraphy is most commonly determined by boring/drilling methods, test pits, etc. and collecting soil/rock samples for performing necessary tests on these samples.
Geotechnical investigations have a direct impact on the cost of structures foundation/retention system, design, construction methodology, project cost, safety of the structure proposed. Lack of adequate information from the Geotechnical engineers may sometimes lead to deeper excavation for founding depths and hence an uneconomical design of foundation.
From geotechnical surveys, engineers will be able to evaluate the stability of the ground, including any slopes and soil deposits, assess any risks and/or contamination, and help to determine the types of foundations and earthworks that will be required. The potential for hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and other seismic activity can also be assessed.
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Geotechnical engineers can be involved in ‘ground improvement’, in which soil is treated through a variety of different techniques to improve strength, stiffness, and/or permeability.
Geotechnical engineering is also important in coastal and ocean engineering, in relation to building wharves, jetties, marinas and coastal defenses, as well as foundation and anchor systems for offshore structures such as oil rig platforms. Engineers may also work on embankments, tunnels, channels, reservoirs, irrigation systems, and so on.
Prof. Bharati Chiniwalar
M.E. (Geotechnical Engineering)
Associate Professor,
Department of Civil Engineering
KLE’s Dr. M. S. Sheshgiri College of Engineering and Technology
Belgaum, India