Geotechnical

Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering that applies soil and rock mechanics to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of structures and processes interacting with earth materials. It focuses on understanding the properties and behavior of soils and rocks to ensure the stability, safety, and feasibility of projects such as buildings, bridges, tunnels, dams, and embankments.

Key activities include site characterization through field investigations and laboratory testing. Engineers perform boreholes, cone penetration tests, and geophysical surveys to determine grain size, density, strength, compressibility, permeability, and in-situ stress. Laboratory tests such as Atterberg limits, triaxial shear, oedometer consolidation, and direct shear help quantify soil behavior under load and varying moisture conditions.

Geotechnical design covers foundations (shallow footings, piles, and drilled shafts), earthworks, retaining structures, slopes, and ground improvements. Engineers assess bearing capacity, settlement, soil-structure interaction, liquefaction potential, and groundwater flow. They select appropriate foundation types, drainage strategies, and measures such as compaction, grouting, or soil stabilization to meet performance goals and safety standards.

Applications extend to earthquake engineering, where soil behavior under seismic loading affects site response and structural design. Environmental considerations include contaminated sites, mine stability, and groundwater management. The field relies on computational tools, laboratory testing, and field monitoring, guided by regional codes and standards to ensure reliable, economical, and sustainable outcomes.